Convert HDR to ICO

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What happens when you convert HDR to ICO?

HDR to SDR

HDR is rendered to SDR using exposure and Reinhard tone mapping.

Icon packaging

Creates one square icon. The image is fitted inside it without stretching.

Transparency

The target can store an alpha channel, but converting an opaque image does not create transparent areas. Removing a background is a separate editing step.

Encoding mode

ICO compression depends on the embedded image payload. Multiple sizes are alternatives, not animation frames; transparency handling differs between old masks and alpha-capable images. The output uses the implemented still-image encoder; file size depends on the pixels and format.

HDR

Source

HDR

Radiance HDR / RGBE

Compression: LosslessTransparency: NoMetadata: Radiance header, EXPOSURE, FORMAT

Radiance pictures with a shared exponent for high-dynamic-range lighting values.

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ICO

Target

ICO

Windows Icon

Compression: Depends on variantTransparency: YesMetadata: Image dimensions, Colour depth

An icon resource containing several raster sizes and colour depths, with masks or alpha for transparency.

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Is HDR → ICO right for you?

Good choice when

ICO fits your delivery use: Application icons & favicons.
You need an SDR delivery copy and can review its tone mapping.
You need an icon resource for a compatible application.
Your receiving application supports the required ICO variant.
You need a ICO-compatible workflow that can hold transparency added in a separate edit.

Probably not when

You need the original HDR range for relighting or grading.
You need automatic icon design or guaranteed multi-size packaging.
You need a guaranteed output file size or archival pixel equality. Encoder settings do not guarantee either.
You require identical samples without a defined colour and precision policy.
You expect automatic background removal or transparency.

HDR to ICO conversion details

HDR to SDR: HDR is rendered to SDR using exposure and Reinhard tone mapping.
Icon packaging: Creates one square icon. The image is fitted inside it without stretching.
Transparency: The target can store an alpha channel, but converting an opaque image does not create transparent areas. Removing a background is a separate editing step.
Encoding mode: ICO compression depends on the embedded image payload. Multiple sizes are alternatives, not animation frames; transparency handling differs between old masks and alpha-capable images. The output uses the implemented still-image encoder; file size depends on the pixels and format.
Sample precision & colour: Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
Metadata & colour: Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
Compression: HDR: Lossless → ICO: Depends on variant HDR: RLE preserves stored RGBE bytes; RGBE quantization is not exact storage of arbitrary float RGB. The .hdr format is distinct from the general concept of HDR photography. ICO: ICO compression depends on the embedded image payload. Multiple sizes are alternatives, not animation frames; transparency handling differs between old masks and alpha-capable images.
Transparency: Transparency is replaced with white by default. Change the background in Advanced options.
Colour depth: HDR: 32-bit RGBE / XYZE pixel
HDR: HDR: Radiometric values
Multiple images: ICO: Alternative icon sizes
Dimensions: Creates one square icon. The image is fitted inside it without stretching.
Metadata: Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.

Common questions

How will HDR brightness be mapped?

HDR is rendered to SDR using exposure and Reinhard tone mapping.

Will ICO automatically create all icon sizes?

Creates one square icon. The image is fitted inside it without stretching.

Will the background become transparent?

The target can store an alpha channel, but converting an opaque image does not create transparent areas. Removing a background is a separate editing step.

Are bit depth and colour values guaranteed to match?

Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.

Will metadata and colour profiles be retained?