Create your own icons using Windows XP

This is a neat little trick to create your own icons using the Paint program that comes with Windows. They are not the best quality, professional ones but they are fun. Why not give it a go?

Here's how

Click on the start at the bottom left. Then choose All Programs
Then choose Accessories and then click Paint
The Paint program will appear with a white page to use. (You can also open your own photo or picture that you have already resized)
Go to the menu at the top, choose Image
Then press on Attributes
Make the height and width of your image 32 pixels and press OK
Now you can make your icon by adding colour or text etc.
Now choose File menu from the top menu and choose Save As
Enter the name of your icon and add the file extension .ico to it. I named my icon mitz.ico
That's it. Now you can use it to represent a program or folder.

How to change an icon

To change an icon on the desktop, simply right click on it
A menu will appear. Choose Properties
A dialog box will appear. Choose change icon
You can choose one that is shown or press browse to navigate to your own creation.

Free computer help and education - create icons

Notes

To change a folder icon, go to the folder and right click on it. Choose Properties>Customize tab>change icon
You cannot change folders created by Windows. For example My Pictures can't be customized.
Changing your icons can make certain things stand out and make it easy to find.

Browse Tips4pc.com for more articles

About the Author

Mitz Pantic wrote this article and others for http://www.tips4pc.com Browse Tips4pc.com for more articles that are written in an easy to understand interface and FREE computer help.

Scratched CDs Tips to recover NEW
MP3 and a WMA What are they?
Home business Ideas for using your computer
Create Directory List make a list of files in a folder
Cheap music stereo Make your mp3 player into one NEW
Lightscribe What is Lightscribe direct disc labelling?
Starting an Internet business Here's how
Convert Movies From vhs video to dvd disc
Buying A New Desktop Computer Tips on what to look for in 2008
Why people Download Full DVD Movies off the internet NEW TODAY
Quick Printing Trick Cool printing trick for Windows Vista and XP NEW TODAY

Get Tips4pc monthly newsletter! 559 members so far!