ICO Converter
Make a Windows icon or favicon from any image, or open an ICO file and save its sizes as PNG.
- PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG, GIF
- ICO to PNG too
- Up to 256 × 256
- No upload
Preview
Open an image to see every icon size here.
What is an ICO converter?
An ICO converter turns ordinary images into the .ico icon format used by Windows programs, shortcuts and website favicons, and can also take an existing ICO apart. One ICO can contain many sizes of the same picture; Windows and browsers choose the size that fits the place the icon is shown. This converter reads PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG, GIF, BMP and AVIF, renders every size you tick, and writes a standard ICO with transparency. Switch to ICO → PNG to see every image inside an icon file and save each one as a PNG.
How to use the ICO converter
- Choose Image → ICO to create an icon, or ICO → PNG to take one apart.
- Open a file, drag it onto the page or paste it.
- For a new icon, choose sizes, fit, padding, background and corners.
- Download the .ico, or the extracted PNGs one by one or as a ZIP.
ICO sizes and where they are used
| Size | Where it appears |
|---|---|
| 16 × 16 | Browser tabs, bookmarks and the Windows title bar and small icon view |
| 24 × 24 | Windows Explorer details view and some toolbars |
| 32 × 32 | Windows taskbar, desktop at small scale, high-DPI browser tabs |
| 48 × 48 | Windows desktop and Explorer medium icons, Google search results favicon |
| 64 × 64 | High-DPI medium icons |
| 128 × 128 | Large icons on high-DPI screens |
| 256 × 256 | Windows large and extra-large icons, Start menu tiles; the largest size ICO allows |
Windows scales the nearest size when an exact match is missing, so including 16, 24, 32, 48 and 256 px covers most displays.
Tips for a sharp icon
- Start from a square PNG of at least 256 × 256 px; 512 px or larger is better.
- Simplify the design for 16 px: drop thin lines, small text and fine detail.
- Use the padding slider if your logo touches the edges, so it does not look cramped in tabs.
- Check the dark tab preview: a dark logo on a transparent background can vanish in dark mode.
Why use this ICO converter
- Every size in one filePack 16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 128 and 256 px versions into a single .ico, so Windows and browsers always pick a sharp one.
- Sharp small sizesEach size is resampled in stages from the original, which keeps 16 and 32 px icons cleaner than a single resize.
- See it before you downloadPreview every size on a transparent grid and in a light and dark browser tab.
- Private by designYour image is converted on your own device. Nothing is sent to a server, so logos and unreleased artwork stay private.
Common uses
- Custom folder and shortcut icons. Windows only accepts .ico for these.
- Software builds. Electron, Tauri, .NET and installer tools need an .ico.
- Favicons. Create favicon.ico for any website.
- Recover icon artwork. Extract the 256 px PNG from an existing icon.
Need something else? Build an icon from an icon library with the favicon generator, convert SVG to PNG, or resize an image first.
Example: an icon for a desktop shortcut
Open a 1024 px PNG, keep the Windows icon preset (16–256 px) and download. In Windows, right-click the shortcut, choose Properties → Change Icon → Browse and select the .ico.
What to expect from the result
ICO images can be at most 256 × 256 px. Very detailed artwork will lose detail at 16 px; design a simplified version if it matters. Animated PNGs use their first frame.
ICO Converter questions
Which image formats can I convert to ICO?
PNG, JPG/JPEG, WebP, SVG, GIF, BMP and AVIF, plus existing ICO and CUR files. SVGs are rendered straight from the vector at each size.
Can I convert ICO back to PNG?
Yes. Switch to ICO → PNG and open the icon. Every size inside it is listed and can be downloaded as a PNG with transparency.
What sizes should an ICO file contain?
For a favicon, 16, 32 and 48 px is enough. For a Windows app or shortcut icon, Microsoft recommends at least 16, 24, 32, 48 and 256 px. ICO images can be at most 256 × 256 pixels.
How do I use an ICO file in Windows?
Right-click a shortcut, choose Properties → Change Icon → Browse, and pick the .ico. For folders, use Properties → Customize → Change Icon.
Is my image uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs in your browser with JavaScript and the canvas API. Your file never leaves your device and works offline once the page has loaded.