icon

[lilboi]

Hi there!

I'm trying to create an icon for my vb program. I have it in the jpg format and have downloaded an icon maker. I don't know what it is, but when i convert it and put add it as my form icon, the picture looks messed up.

I tried resizing it to 16x16 or 32x32 and convert it to .ico file but the picture doesn't look as clear.

I use the program "ImageIcon" to convert it. Is that a bad program?

There's the windows .exe icon and there's the small icon that appears taht the top left of the title bar. Do those take 2 different sizes or do they use the same .ico file?

Thanks!

 

[dilettante]

Icon files can contain images in several sizes and color depths, including alpha-blended images in later version of Windows.

There are lots of issues involved in converting an existing image to an icon file. Aspect ratio, the size(s) to use, the different palettes involved...

You can mostly get away with an icon that has just a 32x32 image in it, windows will resize on the fly as needed. Often you'll get some muddy or unattractive results though when Windows is forced to fudge sizing and colors.

Often people use a larger size plus a 16x16 drawn somewhat differently to get the point across clearly. There is no easy answer and you seldom would want to include all sizes and depths - it makes the icon file larger.

If you can make the 16-color palette work, go for it. Often icon converters and editors won't correctly match colors though and you need to touch things up.

One can waste a lot of time making a nice icon file. I find simple can often be best.

 

[dglienna]

I like MicroAngelo. It is a great program, that makes different sized icons.

-David
2006 Microsoft Most Valueable Professional (MVP)
2006 Dell Certified System Professional (CSP)

 

[johnwm]

A quick google will find many free icon editors

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[tsdragon]

You can even use the free image program GIMP for making icons. It's what I usually use. It may be overkill, but I'm used to using it, and it works fine.

Tracy Dryden

Meddle not in the affairs of dragons,
For you are crunchy, and good with mustard.

 

[Micash]

Hi there lilboi. I have had a tremendous time working with a little app. call iconomaker. It is capable of all types of icons - including XP types. Give it a try:

http://www.iconempire.com/free-icon-editor/

regards
Micash

 

[LazyMe]

Something about creating Icons:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnwxp/html/winxpicons.asp

Greetings,
Rick

 

[lilboi]

Great links and tips guys! I've managed to make my icon look a bit better using the iconomaker.

Thanks all!