HOW TO TURN ANY PHOTO INTO A WINDOWS ICON

Customizing your computer is one of the best ways to make it truly feel like your own. From changing wallpapers to using productivity tools like Focus Assist and widgets, there are many ways to personalize your setup. One often overlooked method, especially for Windows users, is learning how to turn any photo into a custom icon for folders or shortcuts.

At first glance, changing icons might seem unnecessary. The default Windows icons are functional and familiar, so why change them? However, customizing icons can make your computer more visually appealing and better organized. For instance, instead of using the same folder icon for both a project and your personal photos, you can replace them with images that better represent their content.

While Mac users often take advantage of this feature, Windows users can also enjoy the benefits of custom icons. Though it involves a few steps, learning how to turn any photo into an icon is relatively straightforward.

Using Windows’ Built-In Icons

Before we dive into how to turn any photo into a custom icon, you might want to explore Windows’ built-in icon options. Though they aren’t as personalized as custom images, they offer a quick and simple way to switch things up.

Here’s how you can use Windows’ built-in icon options:

Right-click the folder or shortcut you want to customize.

Click “Properties.”

Navigate to the “Customize” tab for folders or the “Shortcut” tab for shortcuts.

Select “Change Icon.”

Browse the icons provided by Windows, choose one, and click “OK.”

Click “OK” again to apply the new icon.

While changing icons won’t impact your computer’s functionality, keep in mind that any folders with custom icons will no longer display previews of their contents. If Windows’ default icons aren’t what you’re looking for, there are plenty of external resources like Iconfinder that offer free and premium icons for more variety.

How to Turn Any Photo into a Custom Icon

Now, let’s move on to how to turn any photo into a custom icon for Windows. This process allows you to add a personal touch to your computer and visually organize your files more effectively.

Follow these steps to create and apply custom icons:

Choose a Photo

Start by selecting a photo you want to use as your new icon. Simpler images with high contrast tend to work better for small icon sizes, as they remain clear even when scaled down.

Convert the Photo to an ICO File

Windows icons require a specific file format: .ico. You’ll need to convert your chosen image into this format. You can use free online converters like ConvertICO or programs like ICOfx to easily convert your photo to an .ico file.

Apply the Custom Icon

Once your image is converted to the correct format, follow these steps to apply it:

Right-click the folder or shortcut you want to customize.

Select “Properties.”

Go to the “Customize” tab (for folders) or “Shortcut” tab (for shortcuts).

Click on “Change Icon.”

Browse your computer for the .ico file you created, select it, and click “OK.”

Click “OK” again to finalize the change.

Now, your folder or shortcut will display the custom photo you chose as its icon. You can repeat this process for other folders and shortcuts to further personalize your desktop.

Why Customize Icons?

Learning how to turn any photo into an icon offers several benefits:

Personalization: Custom icons make your computer feel unique and reflect your personal style.
Organization: Different icons for different files or folders help you visually sort and find items quickly.

Creativity: Using your own photos as icons allows for endless creativity in designing your desktop.
While this feature may be less common among Windows users, it’s a fun and practical way to enhance your computer’s appearance and functionality.

Finding Additional Icons

If you don’t want to create custom icons yourself, websites like Iconfinder provide a wide range of ready-made icons. Many are free, and you can also find premium options for a small fee, giving you plenty of alternatives to Windows’ default icons.

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Entertainment

Cyberpunk 2077’s First-Person Talking: A Secret Sauce

by George Mensah 2023-09-28

In a sea of RPGs released in recent years, two that stand out are Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and Starfield. Both games are first-person RPGs, but they tackle the challenge of first-person talking in very different ways.

First-Person Talking

First-person games don’t have the luxury of cinematic camera angles to keep a conversation flowing. First-person RPGs need to be engaging enough to keep players interested without constantly cutting away to something new, all while players can only see (and often hear) one side of the conversation.

Cyberpunk 2077’s Approach

Cyberpunk 2077 takes a unique approach to first-person talking by allowing players to move around during conversations. This gives players a greater sense of agency and immersion, and it also makes conversations more dynamic and interesting.

In one example from the Phantom Liberty expansion, the player character has a long conversation with Idris Elba’s character while moving around a disused underground safehouse. Elba’s character paces around, reroutes power, and eventually sits down in an old lawn chair. Another character enters the room before either of them notices, and they awkwardly change subjects.

This kind of scene would be impossible in a traditional third-person RPG, but Cyberpunk 2077’s first-person perspective allows for a more immersive and dynamic experience. Players can choose to listen to the conversation while moving around, or they can focus on the characters and dialogue.

Starfield’s Approach

Starfield, on the other hand, takes a more traditional approach to first-person talking. Conversations are typically held in a static environment, with the player character and NPCs standing still and facing each other. The camera cuts to close-ups of characters’ faces as they speak, and the player character is often unable to move or look around.

This approach to first-person talking is less immersive than Cyberpunk 2077’s, but it is more efficient and easier to implement. It also allows for more cinematic storytelling, with Bethesda able to carefully control the camera and framing of each scene.

Both Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to first-person talking. Cyberpunk 2077’s approach is more immersive and dynamic, but it can also be distracting and less efficient. Starfield’s approach is less immersive, but it is more efficient and allows for more cinematic storytelling.

Ultimately, which approach is better is a matter of personal preference. Some players may prefer the immersion and dynamism of Cyberpunk 2077’s approach, while others may prefer the efficiency and cinematic quality of Starfield’s approach.

Additional Thoughts

In addition to the points made in the original article, I would like to add that Cyberpunk 2077’s approach to first-person talking also allows for more roleplaying opportunities. By allowing players to move around and interact with the environment during conversations, Cyberpunk 2077 gives players more control over how their characters behave and how they experience the story.

For example, a player might choose to pace around nervously during a tense conversation, or they might choose to sit down and relax during a friendly conversation. They might also choose to interact with objects in the environment, such as reading a book or petting a cat. This level of control over the roleplaying experience is one of the things that makes Cyberpunk 2077 such a unique and immersive game.

I also agree with the author’s point that Bethesda’s approach to first-person talking feels dated in comparison to Cyberpunk 2077’s approach. Bethesda’s zoomed-in camera transitions and static environments can be jarring and break immersion. I would be interested to see Bethesda experiment with a more dynamic approach to first-person talking in future games.

Entertainment

Kengan Ashura: The Anime Series That Could Compete for the Top Spot on Netflix

by George Mensah 2023-09-28

Netflix’s popular teen comedy, Sex Education, is currently the most-watched series on the platform. However, there’s another new show, the anime series Kengan Ashura, which is also trending and could compete for the spot.

Kengan Ashura is based on a manga series of the same name and is set in a world where corporations settle disputes through gladiatorial combat. The series follows the story of Ohma Tokita, a mysterious fighter who enters the Kengan Annihilation Tournament to determine the strongest fighter in the world.

The first season of Kengan Ashura was released in 2019 and was met with positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The second season was released in two parts, with the first part premiering in September 2023 and the second part scheduled to premiere in 2024.

Kengan Ashura has a number of things going for it that could make it a breakout hit on Netflix. First, the series is based on a popular manga series with a dedicated fan base. Second, the series features high-quality animation and exciting action sequences. Third, the series has a diverse cast of characters and a compelling story.

If Kengan Ashura can maintain its quality and build on its momentum, it could definitely challenge Sex Education for the top spot on Netflix.

Why is Kengan Ashura so popular?

There are a number of reasons why Kengan Ashura is so popular. First, the series features high-quality animation and exciting action sequences. The fights are well-choreographed and visually stunning.

Second, the series has a diverse cast of characters and a compelling story. Ohma Tokita is a likable and relatable protagonist, and the supporting cast is well-developed and interesting. The story is also well-paced and full of twists and turns.

Third, Kengan Ashura explores a number of interesting themes, such as the nature of violence, the power of corporations, and the importance of friendship. The series is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, and it does so in a thoughtful and engaging way.

Conclusion

Kengan Ashura is a well-made and entertaining anime series that is sure to appeal to a wide range of viewers. If you’re looking for a new series to watch on Netflix, I highly recommend checking it out.

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