I cannot open a ICNS file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with ICNS files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening ICNS will be resolved!
ICNS File Extension
- File type Mac OS X Icon Resource Format
- File developer Apple
- File category System Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) ICNS file?
The ICNS (Mac OS X Icon Resource Format) is a file format used to store icons such as application and document icons. It is used in Mac OS X operating system software and can be created and edited with certain icon-editing applications. ICNS files are usually saved to the disk storage of the Mac system and can be viewed using image viewers that support the ICNS format.
ICNS files are visually attractive due to their ability to provide graphics in a wide range of sizes, including 512 x 512, 256 x 256, 128 x 128, 64 x 64, 48 x 48, 32 x 32, and 16 x 16 pixels. Aside from storing graphics in different sizes, the ICNS also stores transparency settings data—this allows pictures with transparent backgrounds to be properly displayed while maintaining their transparency.
How to open ICNS file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with ICNS extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports ICNS files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open ICNS files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support ICNS files
Step 2. Verify whether ICNS files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports ICNS files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with ICNS files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support ICNS files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open ICNS files with the selected program.
Changing ICNS file association in registry
File association for ICNS files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check ICNS file for other errors
- ICNS file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening ICNS files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected ICNS file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For ICNS files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
