NewIcons

NewIcons is a replacement icon format and system for the Amiga operating system. It was created to address limitations in the original Amiga icon system, which used relatively small, fixed-size icons and lacked support for features like transparency and custom tooltypes.

NewIcons allows for larger, more detailed icons with a wider range of colors. A key feature is its support for transparency, which allows icons to blend seamlessly with different backgrounds. It also allows each icon to be associated with different program depending on the selected tooltype.

The NewIcons system typically involves a library or patch that extends the Amiga operating system's functionality to recognize and display the new icon format. This library often intercepts the standard icon loading routines and redirects them to the NewIcons handler.

NewIcons files typically have a distinct file format that differs from the standard Amiga icons, often identified by specific magic numbers or file extensions. The format stores the icon's image data, color palette, and tooltype information.

While widely adopted in the Amiga community, NewIcons is not the only enhanced icon system available. Other alternatives exist, each with its own set of features and advantages. NewIcons represented a significant advancement in the visual capabilities of the Amiga, paving the way for more modern and visually appealing user interfaces.