ICNS File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .icns
Description Icon resource file for Mac OS X/macOS applications
Main Usage Storing icons for apps, folders, and files on macOS
MIME Type image/x-icon
Developed By Apple Inc.
Structure Contains image data in various sizes and formats
Icon Sizes 16x16, 32x32, 64x64, 128x128, 256x256, 512x512, 1024x1024 pixels
Retina Display Support Yes, can include @2x versions for higher resolution
Compression PNG format for images inside
Color Depth Up to 32 bits (24 bit color and 8 bit alpha)
File Header icns
Compatibility macOS and various icon utilities
Editable with Icon editors and graphic software that support the format
Advantages Supports multiple resolutions and is optimized for macOS
Limitations Primarily used and supported only on macOS
Storage Approach Can store several image sizes and types within a single file to support different display scenarios
Icon Variants Supports various icon types including folder, device, and application icons
Scalability Designed to accommodate icons for different screen resolutions and sizes
Update Support Icons can be updated or replaced within the file structure
Accessibility Features Supports high-resolution icons for better visibility
Transparency Support Yes, through the alpha channel