Free ICO Converter

Instant Image to ICO Conversion for Web & Windows

Creating a properly formatted favicon is critical for browser compatibility and brand visibility. This ICO Converter eliminates the complexity of generating multi-layered icon files. By transforming standard images into the ICO container format, you ensure your logo appears crisp on everything from a 16-pixel browser tab to a 48-pixel desktop shortcut.

Unlike basic image resizing, our tool embeds multiple resolution layers into a single .ico file. This technical compliance is required for Windows applications and guarantees that your website icon renders sharply on high-DPI screens and legacy monitors alike.

How to Generate an ICO File

1. Select Source Image: Drag and drop your high-quality PNG, JPG, or WebP file into the upload box.
2. Choose Dimensions: Select the required output sizes (Standard favicons use 16x16 and 32x32).
3. Process & Download: Click "Convert" to generate the binary ICO format instantly, then download your ready-to-use file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert an ICO file to PNG?

To reverse the process, use our specialized ICO to PNG tool. Because ICO files are containers, the tool extracts the highest-resolution layer inside the file and saves it as a standard transparent PNG image for editing.

What is the ICO format?

The ICO format is a container tailored for Windows icons and web favicons. Unlike a standard image, a single ICO file holds multiple images at different dimensions (e.g., 16x16, 32x32, 48x48), allowing the operating system or browser to choose the best size for the current display.

Can I just change PNG to ICO?

No. Renaming the extension from .png to .ico corrupts the file. ICO files require a specific binary header structure that tells the computer it is an icon. You must use a converter to wrap the image data correctly.

How to export an ICO file from Illustrator or Photoshop?

Adobe software does not natively export to ICO. You must export your design as a transparent PNG (512x512 is recommended) and then use this online converter to package it into a valid ICO file.

What is the difference between favicon and ICO?

"Favicon" is the function (the icon shown in a tab), while "ICO" is the file format. While modern browsers support PNG favicons, the ICO format remains the gold standard for backward compatibility and is the only format supported for Windows desktop shortcuts.