Some of my icons appear too small

klear6 · 15 Nov 2016

Let me preface this by saying I just did a fresh install of windows 7 x32 after noticing this problem, and it was recreated immediately before installing any software other than AVG and Xnview and GIMP. I'm not a big fan of AVG but I needed it for the styler to apply icon changes. Pretty big dent in my wallet just to be able to do that. (Side note: if anyone knows a FREE way to make all the changes AVG can I'd be more than happy to look into it). So it isn't malware, or viral. Now for the problem.

I have been customizing my icons, most of which I have made myself - which makes this all the more frustrating. When I apply the new icons to my libraries some of them come out perfectly and look great. Others are surrounded by a lot of space and a square and the icons are too small. Weird part is that they all started out the same size and format. Some of them DID need to be converted to ICOs but that variable doesn't seem to make a difference in this case. Let me attach a screenshot and please don't laugh too hard at my MLP obsession.

This is really irking me and I spent a TON of time trying to find a fix for this myself but at this point I need some help because I can't find any answers.

Remember that this is a clean install of windows, that should take out a LOT of variables.

Let me know what other info you guys need to be able to help me. Pretty please.

Barman58 · 15 Nov 2016

The icons used by default are those held in the executable file or .ico files in the same folder as the program fie.

The standard for Icon sizes has changed several times over the years with the current maximum size being 256x256 pixels, the standard also includes smaller files, (for use in specialist usage), down to 16x16 pixels. Also included are 32x32 pixels, 64x64 pixels, and 128x128 pixels.

The individual .ico files can actually contain several of the standard sizes as can specially designed .DLL files

Some developers do not update the icons which were acceptable in previous Windows versions, (when the normal screen resolution was lower that today so displayed the icon satisfactorily), even those that update the actual software

It is possible to change the icon used for a shortcut, (this overrides the icon in the Executable file) by right clicking the shortcut and selecting properties

A seemingly unlimited collection of .Ico files are available online so I should be possible to find suitable icons for your programs that do not have the correct size built in

icons 256 pixel - Google Search

When creating your own icons ensure that you include the 256x256 pixel image - alternatively pre made icons are available

icons 256 pixel my little pony - Google Search