Tips to open ICNS file

Can't open the ICNS file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open ICNS files as well as a list of programs that support ICNS files.

ICNS file extension

File Name Mac OS X Icon Resource Format
File Developer Apple
File Category System Files

The ICNS file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the ICNS files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the ICNS file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 8
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is ICNS file?

The ICNS file has been categorized as System Files. It was designed by Apple. Additionally, the System Files category contains 323 of other files. Mac OS X Icon Resource Format is supported by 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. This file type can also be opened by 11 other programs. You can use IcoFX, IconWorkshop, Apple Icon Composer, Icon Machine in case Apple Preview cannot be used.

How to open ICNS file?

The most common problem when using Mac OS X Icon Resource Format is that a specific ICNS is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that ICNS files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the ICNS file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Apple Preview

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Apple Preview is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Apple Preview in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support ICNS files.

Step 2. Create association of Apple Preview with ICNS files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the ICNS file still does not use the Apple Preview program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Apple Preview application as the default for handling the ICNS file.

Step 3. Update Apple Preview to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Apple Preview program, it is possible that Mac OS X Icon Resource Format requires a newer version of the program.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the ICNS file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The ICNS file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the ICNS file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the ICNS file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected ICNS files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the ICNS files changes over time. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair ICNS file corruption.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted ICNS files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the ICNS file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the ICNS file again. However, some background programs may block the ICNS file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.