How to Create an Icon in Paint

By Nina Nixon

Updated September 22, 2017

Create an Icon in Paint
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Microsoft Paint (MS Paint) software is typically included with computers installed with Windows operating systems. One of the most beneficial features of MS Paint is its capability to display, convert or create different picture file types, including the icon.

Open Microsoft Paint and create a simple icon using one or a combination of drawing tools. Select from a box, circle, line, polygon, rounded rectangle or curve tool. You may elect to open a file already created as an JPG or GIF file. To do this, select "File" and then "Open" from the toolbar menu. Select the file and then click "Open."

Select "File" and then choose "Save As" from the toolbar.

Type a name for the file and add ".ico" to the end of the file name.

Select "GIF" as the "Save As Type." Close the file.

Re-open the file by selecting "File" and "Open" from the toolbar. From the "Files As Type" drop-down list, chose "ICO(*.ICO)."

Locate the icon file and press "Open."

Tips

Keep icon drawings simple; follow the rule of "less rather than more" for creating shapes and lines. This way, viewers will be able to grasp and better remember the association of the miniature picture.

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