Animated gif/png/etc icon on the desktop?

[Elthesh]

Is there some way, method, program, or whatever that will let me use an animated gif, png or the like as a desktop folder/program icon? I just want to drop an empty folder on the desktop and replace the default icon with an animated one. I've searched high and low and about 90% of search results come up with discussions about animated background wallpapers which is not what I'm looking for. The other 10% are discussing Mac os.

It doesn't even have to be a folder replacement. I'll take just dropping an animated gif/png/etc on the desktop if possible. I don't know why it's winding up so hard to find any info at all on this. I can't possibly be the only person in the world that has wanted to do this in the past.

This is for Windows 7 Ultimate 64.

 

[iko22]

Hello Elthesh

Welcome to Seven Forums!

Windows icons are stored as .ico files. While you can change the folder icon or customise your own icon, the amount of customisation stops there.

i.e., you cannot create an animated icon for any Windows file or folder. The reason we are given is that an animated icon would use up more of the systems resources, and possibly introduce a laggy response to the desktop experience - which is not what the customer wants.

 

[MourningStar]

Is there some way, method, program, or whatever that will let me use an animated gif, png or the like as a desktop folder/program icon? ...

No.

 

[DownhillDruid67]

I imagine there would be software for this, I recall something similar for Windows 3.1.

 

[MourningStar]

I imagine there would be software for this, I recall something similar for Windows 3.1.

I 'imagine' life on other planets. (but I 'know' better) -

 

[DownhillDruid67]

I 'imagine' life on other planets. (but I 'know' better) -

What I meant by that was that I recall software for Win 3.1 similar in function to what the OP wanted, so I would think that there would be similar software for modern Windows.

 

[MourningStar]

What I meant by that was that I recall software for Win 3.1 similar in function to what the OP wanted, so I would think that there would be similar software for modern Windows.

great! find it and share your results. in the mean time ...

 

[DownhillDruid67]

great! find it and share your results. in the mean time ...

No need to be rude - I was just sharing my thoughts that what OP wants may be true.

 

[MourningStar]

what rude? it was a proper request. please post results of your research.

 

[DownhillDruid67]

what rude? it was a proper request. please post results of your research.

Okay, I get the message, as I said, no need to be rude. :/

 

[MourningStar]

Okay, I get the message, ...

so, there will be no research and a posting of what you found?

 

[strollin]

Here's one piece of software I found that claims to be able to do it: Animated desktop icons with Microangelo


You can download it for a 7-day trial, costs $25 for permanent license.


I have no personal experience using it.

 

[MourningStar]

^
that is awesome strollin! at least someone is 'truckin' ...


Unfortunately, there has been no input from the OP.

 

[DownhillDruid67]

so, there will be no research and a posting of what you found?

I said I get it - no need to be a troll. Anyway, another user has posted a piece of software that can do this - I hate to say "I told you so", but, I told you so.

 

[MourningStar]

I said I get it - no need to be a troll. Anyway, another user has posted a piece of software that can do this - I hate to say "I told you so", but, I told you so.

See post#13. If you 'hate to say' something, and you do, you reveal worse than lack of wisdom if you do. Also, be nice. Name-calling will get you banned. To repeat, the OP has yet to respond (4 weeks and counting). I suggest we table this for now.


have a nice day

 

[DownhillDruid67]

See post#13. If you 'hate to say' something, and you do, you reveal worse than lack of wisdom if you do. Also, be nice. Name-calling will get you banned. To repeat, the OP has yet to respond. I suggest we table this for now.


have a nice day

Wasn't really trying to name call - just that it looked like you were trying to get a reaction. I'm not sure what post 13 is trying to say either - I don't understand the slang used (like "strollin" and "truckin".)




You too have a nice day.

 

[MourningStar]

... I don't understand the slang used (like "strollin" and "truckin".)

ah! I just noticed your flag ... 'strollin' is the username of the member I was replying to (it's also his signature for the 'observant') and 'truckin' refers to strollin's avatar which is R. Crumb's iconic and legendary 'Keep On Truckin' artwork.

 

[RoWin7]

This was interesting, even though the OP left. I have an older Microangelo that makes only still icons, and I've used it for many years.
.ani is the format of Windows animated cursors. Would it still swallow up resources? would that be RAM or CPU power?

 

[idoru]

on XP there was a software called microangelo dealing with icons (an icon suite) with an attached complement named display or active display, I don't remember that enabled animated icons on the desktop.

You could also install litestep (Browse Application Interfaces | Designs & Interfaces | DeviantArt), an alternative UI for windows, taking place of the explorer (little time consuming to configure and tweak to your needs) with hundred of themes. I don't know if all the modules back then are still working but years ago I designed a Spawn theme with an animated brazier for the recycle bin, wooshing when you dropped or deleted an item.