Clear/transparent icon backgrounds

Yes, I googled it. everyone wants me to buy special/expensive software I can't afford or suggests things that don't work for PCs.

Other's say there's a way to right click an image and make a specific color transparent... but only if you're using a cell phone.

This is being used on a win10 desktop 24" monitor.

------------------------------

With all the questions/problems I've had with icons lately, one that's vexed me for years is creating a custom wallpaper icon background that is clear/transparent.

Not the Icon itself, just the background.

I create a custom icon by producing a small square image as a .bmp

When I'm satisfied with it, I save it, then go into the folder I saved it to and change the .bmp to .ico and that works great as an icon.

Image

Unless the wallpaper is the same color as the edges of the image, I end up with dimples in the corners or a frame. See above.

Is there a way in Win 10 to assign a color that's transparent?

Icons that come from software have clear backgrounds of fingers pointing, irregular logos etc.

Can that be duplicated?

No, I haven't tried anything yet for those of you who think my previous (and unsolved) icon problems stem from experimentation that messed up some setting somewhere.

Image

Hi Jet. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

Here's how to create custom icons with transparent backgrounds in WIndows 10:

https://www.ghacks.net/2008/09/10/make-desktop-...

https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-10/how-to-enab...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3DpdwaOovM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEMJXURtLzI


Here's how to create a custom desktop background that's transparent in WIndows 10:

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/peek-through-make...

https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-10/how-to-enab...

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/make...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYp851hyDuU


This is all I find on the subject, hopefully at least some of it helps.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.
____________________________
Retired 2023, thirteen year daily forums volunteer, Windows MVP 2010-2020

3 people found this reply helpful

·

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

 
 

Question Info


Last updated April 20, 2025 Views 13,311 Applies to: