A simple desktop app for generating macOS app icons in the *.icns format with AI. You describe what you want, optionally attach a reference image, pick from several variants, refine the chosen design, then save a proper *.icns bundle and the *.iconset folder with all standard sizes.
This app uses the OpenAI API for image generation.
Here's a short video demonstrating the app in action:
app-icon-maker-demo.mp4
- Prompt-based generation. Your text is wrapped in fixed system constraints, so outputs stay on-brand for macOS-style icons (centered subject, no text, squircle-friendly composition, etc.).
- Three variants per run. Each generation returns three images, so you can compare quickly.
- Optional reference image. Attach a PNG to steer the model (for example a sketch, logo, or earlier render).
- Refine workflow. After you confirm one variant, you can run more generations that treat that icon as the reference until you are happy with the result.
- Preview. The UI shows icons with a squircle mask for a realistic preview.
- Export & Save. The saved
.icnsuses full-bleed artwork, so macOS can apply its own mask (avoiding the gray plate and shrunken icon you get from pre-clipped corners).
Quitting with an unsaved icon triggers a confirmation dialog.
npm installTo run the app in development mode:
npm run devFor local UI work without APIs:
npm run dev:mockTo build the app for production:
npm run build- Describe the icon in the prompt field (short phrases work well: e.g. “blue clipboard with folded corner”).
- Optional: attach a reference image to influence layout or style.
- Press Generate (or Enter). Wait for three previews.
- Pick a variant to move into refine mode, or generate again from scratch.
- In refine mode, adjust the prompt and generate again; the confirmed icon is used as reference for the next batch.
- When satisfied, click Save. Choose a
.icnspath; the app writesYourName.icnsandYourName.iconsetin that folder (replacing existing files only if you confirm). - Use Reveal in Finder from the success UI if you want to open the save location.
src/main/— window, IPC, prompt building, provider selection,icnsassembly.src/renderer/— React UI, squircle preview, generation pipeline state.
You can download the app from the releases page. All releases are signed and notarized by Apple.