IcoFX

IcoFX is an award-winning professional icon and cursor editor for Windows PC. It is an all-in-one solution for icon creation, extraction, and editing.



It is designed to work with Windows 11/10, and Macintosh icons supporting transparency. IcoFX is an all-in-one solution for creating and editing icons and cursors.

Designed for both professional designers and amateurs, it supports a wide range of image formats, including standard Windows icons, macOS icons, and even high-resolution icon sets.

It allows users to craft icons from scratch or edit existing ones. Additionally, it offers tools for creating and editing static or animated cursors. The software is celebrated for its powerful image manipulation tools, batch processing, and seamless integration with Windows and macOS platforms.

Originally launched in 2007, it has evolved to become one of the most recognized software for icon and cursor design, offering features like layer-based editing, color palette management, and a variety of effects that make designing icons intuitive and professional.



Key Features

Create Icons and Cursors
It allows you to create icons for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. It supports high-resolution Windows icons up to 1024x1024 with PNG compression, and it can convert icons between the two operating systems. Additionally, you can create static and animated cursors, as well as favicons for your website or blog.

Import, Export, and Extract
Easily convert your favorite images into icons or cursors and vice versa. It supports multiple image formats, including SVG, BMP, PNG, JPG, JPG2000, TIF, and GIF. You can also extract icons from other files, such as those from Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Macintosh systems.

Advanced Editor
The software includes a powerful image editor packed with a wide variety of tools. You can customize your painting with different brush sizes, shapes, hardness levels, and blending modes. With over 40 effects available, you have endless possibilities to create unique icons.

Image Objects
Icon creation becomes even simpler with pre-made image objects. Using IcoFX's layer-based editor, you can combine, rearrange, blend, and adjust the opacity of these image objects to design custom icons with ease.

Batch Processing
IcoFX’s batch processing feature (available with the Business License) enables you to work with multiple files simultaneously. You can create, convert, extract, or export icons and cursors in bulk, saving time and effort.

Icon Libraries
It provides a built-in resource editor that lets you create and manage icon and cursor libraries. The resource editor also allows you to modify icons within executable files (EXE), offering full control over your icon assets.

User Interface

The program’s interface is sleek and user-friendly, catering to both beginners and professionals. The workspace is divided into clear sections for tools, layers, and editing canvases. It includes customizable toolbars and a dark theme for ease of use during extended work sessions.



Users can dock and rearrange panels based on personal preferences, allowing them to work with optimal efficiency. Additionally, the software offers various keyboard shortcuts to streamline the design process.

The layer panel allows easy management of complex icon designs, making it simple to switch between layers and manage the opacity, blending modes, and arrangement of elements. Tooltips and help guides are accessible, offering instructions for each feature, which is ideal for beginners exploring icon design for the first time.

Installation and Setup

Installing this software is a straightforward process. The software is available as a downloadable installer from the official website. Once downloaded, users can choose between a trial version and a paid license.

The installation process takes a few minutes, and the software is lightweight, making it easy to install on most modern PCs.

During installation, users can choose the desired language and opt to create desktop shortcuts. The tool doesn't come bundled with unnecessary third-party software, which is a plus for users concerned about privacy and system performance.

Post-installation, users are greeted with a quick-start guide, helping them get familiar with the core features of the software.

How to Use

Create a New Icon or Cursor: After launching this app, users can start by creating a new icon by selecting the “New Icon” option and choosing the desired icon dimensions.



Editing Tools: Use brushes, shapes, and other tools available in the left panel to create or edit an image. The software allows the use of advanced tools like the Magic Wand for precision edits.

Add Layers: For more complex designs, add multiple layers. This allows users to isolate individual design elements, making editing easier.

Apply Effects: Users can enhance their designs using a variety of effects like shadows, gradients, or color adjustments, which are located in the "Effects" tab.

Save or Export: Once the icon design is complete, users can save it in different formats like PNG, BMP, or ICO, or export it for direct use.

FAQ

Can I extract icons from .exe or .dll files?
Yes, it allows users to extract icons from executables and library files like .exe and .dll, which can then be edited and customized.

Does IcoFX support animated cursors?
Yes, it includes tools for creating and editing both static and animated cursors.

Is IcoFX compatible with macOS?
This program is primarily a Windows tool but does offer support for macOS icon formats, allowing cross-platform icon creation.

Can I use IcoFX for batch processing?
Yes, it offers batch processing, allowing you to convert or edit multiple files simultaneously.

Does IcoFX have layer-based editing like Photoshop?
Yes, it supports layers, enabling detailed control over design elements, making it akin to advanced image editing software like Photoshop.

Alternatives

Axialis IconWorkshop: This is another popular icon editor that supports both Windows and macOS formats.

Axialis IconGenerator: An free icon production software which enables customising icons for PC!

Icons8 Lunacy: Built-in icons, photos, vector illustrations, and more!

GIMP: While primarily an image editing tool, GIMP can be used for creating icons and offers extensive features for graphic design.

Adobe Photoshop: We prefer using Photoshop to design our ICO icons.

Pricing

Home License - $ 29.99 / user

• Create and edit icons
• Import, export and extract
• Resource editor

Business License - $ 49.99 / user

• Create and edit icons
• Import, export and extract
• Resource editor
• Batch Processing
• Create and edit toolbar image strips
• Create iPhone and Android icons
• Use icons for commercial purposes

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
• RAM: 1 GB minimum (2 GB recommended)
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
• Hard Disk Space: 100 MB available space
• Display: 1024x768 resolution or higher

PROS

• Feature-rich with tools for both beginners and professionals.
• Supports both Windows and macOS icons.
• Includes batch processing and icon extraction.
• Layer-based editing for complex designs.
• Competitive pricing with a generous feature set.

CONS

• Trial version limitations.
• Some features, like 3D modeling, are missing compared to competitors.

Conclusion

IcoFX is an excellent tool for both aspiring and seasoned icon designers. Its comprehensive feature set, including icon extraction, batch processing, and an intuitive layer system, makes it a go-to solution for creating professional-grade icons.

Whether you're a software developer needing custom icons or a designer looking for an easy-to-use tool, the app strikes a balance between functionality and usability at a reasonable price point.

Note: Free to try 30-day trial, limited functionality. After the evaluation period expires, the Save function will be disabled.