A Custom Entity Icons solution for Microsoft Dynamics CRM

A Custom Entity Icons solution for CRM 2011, free to download and use

In this and other posts you will find the latest information regarding Microsoft Dynamics CRM and occasionally other Dynamics solutions. The focus is on general news and tips for the intrepid CRM Administrator, as well as something for even the newest CRM user. Enjoy!

In your quest for CRM customization glory, there are times when you need the perfect icon graphic for your brand new custom entity.  The normal procedure for custom entity icons is time consuming, and requires some graphic editing skill.

Generally the steps to build custom entity icons are as follows:

Browse open source icon galleries online for the appropriate icon (preferably in PNG or GIF format)

1. Edit the icon in an image editor to resize it in 3 separate files:
   1. For image editing I recommend the free Paint .NET software
   2. Small:  16 x 16 pixels
   3. Medium:  32 x 32 pixels
   4. Large:  66 x 48 pixels
2. Upload the 3 files to a new or existing solution in CRM 2011 as a web resource
3. Open the custom entity in the Settings > Customizations section (or solution)
4. Click on the “Update Icons” button
5. Apply your icon web resources to the custom entity
6. Publish your customizations
7. Clear your browser cache and refresh CRM to see the new icons

I’ve been there and felt your pain.  Rather than using precious consulting time on image editing, I decided to group 22 of my custom open sourced icons in a solution file to share.  A link to download is below…

EspinozaCustomIconGallery

Please note this is a managed solution file, meaning  it can’t be modified.  If you want to add your own custom icons, I suggest you create a new unmanaged solution.

The included icons are in PNG format, and were procured from free and open source websites.  I included a variety that will hopefully address different industries and needs.

With this solution file, the new procedure is easier!

1. Upload the managed solution file to CRM 2011
2. Open the custom entity in the Settings > Customizations section (or solution)
3. Click on the “Update Icons” button
4. Select and apply your icon web resources to the custom entity
5. Publish your customizations
6. Clear your browser cache and refresh CRM to see the new icons