PNG to ICO Converter
Convert PNG images to ICO icon files online for free. Fast, simple, and secure.
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How to convert PNG to ICO
- Upload one or more PNG files (up to 50 MB total).
- Click 'Convert to ICO' — finishes in under 1 second per file.
- Download ICO files individually, or grab all as a ZIP.
Quick fact about PNG
Modern favicons should include multiple sizes — 16×16, 32×32, and 48×48 at minimum. Our converter generates all standard sizes automatically from a single PNG input.
Why convert PNG to ICO?
ICO is the standard format for Windows and website favicons. Browsers display favicons in the browser tab, bookmarks, and shortcuts. Windows uses ICO for app icons and file shortcuts. Converting PNG to ICO generates all the standard icon sizes in a single file — Windows and browsers automatically pick the right size for the context (16×16 for tabs, 32×32 for bookmarks, 48×48 for app shortcuts, etc.).
PNG vs ICO
| Attribute | PNG | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Format type | Standard raster image | Icon container |
| Contains | Single image | Multiple sizes (16×16 to 256×256) |
| Transparency | Supported | Supported at all sizes |
| Best for | Web, design, editing | Favicons, app icons, Windows shortcuts |
| Compatibility | Universal since 1996 | Windows, browsers, some apps |
Technical details
| Input format | PNG (ideally 256×256 or larger) |
| Output format | ICO (multi-size container) |
| Included sizes | 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 64×64, 128×128, 256×256 |
| Transparency | Preserved at all sizes |
| Compression | Varies per size |
| Max file size | 50 MB per file |
| Batch processing | Supported |
| File retention | Auto-deleted after conversion |
How the conversion works
The converter reads the PNG image, resizes it to all standard ICO sizes (16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 64×64, 128×128, 256×256), and packages them into a single ICO file. Transparency from the source PNG is preserved at every size. The result is a modern, multi-resolution favicon.
When to convert PNG to ICO
- Creating favicons for websites (favicon.ico).
- Setting up Windows app icons.
- Building Windows shortcuts with custom icons.
- Preparing icons for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
- Creating desktop application icons.
- Preparing favicon sets for CMS platforms (WordPress, Shopify).
- Standardizing favicons across a web project.
Quality considerations
The ICO file contains multiple sizes — browsers and Windows automatically select the best size for each context. For sharp favicons, use a PNG source of at least 256×256 so the downsampled sizes look crisp. Sources smaller than 48×48 will produce blurry upsampled ICOs.
Limitations and caveats
- A single PNG source is used for all ICO sizes — ideally use 256×256 or larger.
- PNG sources smaller than 48×48 produce blurry ICOs.
- ICO does not support animations (unlike GIF or APNG).
- Some applications require specific sizes (16×16 or 32×32 only) — the multi-size ICO covers all common cases.
Compatibility
- ICO opens natively on Windows (every version since 1990).
- Accepted by every browser for favicons (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
- Works with Windows shortcuts, taskbar icons, and Explorer.
- Supported by every web browser for favicon use.
- Native import in image editors with icon support.
Tips for best results
- Use a 256×256 or larger PNG source for crisp favicons at all sizes.
- Multi-size ICO covers all common use cases automatically.
- PNG transparency is preserved in the ICO — good for modern favicons.
- For Mac favicons, also add apple-touch-icon.png (180×180).
- Batch-convert multiple PNGs at once.
Common problems and fixes
- Favicon looks blurry
- The source PNG is too small. ICO includes 256×256, so the source PNG should be at least 256×256 for best results.
- Favicon not showing up on my website
- The ICO must be named favicon.ico and placed in the site's root directory. Some browsers cache favicons aggressively — try a hard refresh.
- Transparency lost in ICO
- Our converter preserves PNG transparency in ICO. If transparency isn't showing, check that the source PNG has transparency to begin with.
Frequently asked questions
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Sources and references
Last reviewed: 2026-10-01