Photoshop or GIMP compatible layered output ?

[TroyTheTech]

I prefer to use Paintshop Pro, but it unfortunately does not have Large Windows Icon output (256x256 or higher) for use on the Desktop, it can only output Icons in the form of BMP images (which are the smallest size icons Windows can use on the Desktop, not the higher quality ones) where you just rename the BMP, it does not seem to output layered or specific ICO format. GIMP supports ICO export (GIMP is an open-source image editing program), so it appears I must use it to finalize any created Icons for use on the Desktop.

I was wondering if there is an output format, from Paintshop Pro, that can preserve layers and is GIMP-compatible (I assume a Photoshop-compatible output that can preserve layers would work as well, but this is an assumption towards GIMP). GIMP's own "keep everything" format is XCF and PSP doesn't seem to have XCF exporting.

If anyone knows if full ICO export support is coming to Paintshop Pro, that would be great, too

[LeviFiction]

Not full ICO support, there is an ICO plugin available.

PSD format will support all raster layers provided you don't use groups. It's the closest I think we've got.

[photodrawken]

If you're doing any sort of work on icons, you really ought to use a specialized icon editor.

I use the Greenfish Icon Editor (free) and have found it to be excellent, with plenty of features specific to creating and workig with icons.

[TroyTheTech]

Thank you for your input, both of you!

Perhaps this is something for a future version Suggestion Box...