Microsoft Windows Icon (.icon)
An ICON file, an abbreviation for Icon Image File, is primarily used in Microsoft Windows operating systems to represent graphical icons. These files are essential for visually identifying applications, files, and folders, enhancing user experience through graphical representation. ICON files support multiple sizes and color depths, ensuring compatibility and visual clarity across different display settings. Introduced in the early versions of Windows, ICON files have evolved to accommodate higher resolutions and color variations, aligning with advancements in display technology. Their primary function is to provide a quick, intuitive visual reference for software and system elements.