Convert PNG to ICO

Convert PNG images to ICO format for favicons. Create multi-size icon files effortlessly.

4.8/5 - 1542 votes

Drag & Drop PNG files

or click to browse from your device

Table of Contents

Convert PNG to ICO - Create Perfect Favicons

Easily generate valid ICO files from your PNG images. Select multiple sizes to ensure your icon looks sharp in browser tabs, taskbars, and bookmarks.

1

Upload Your PNG Images

Select PNG files from your computer. You can drag and drop up to 3 files at once. High-resolution source images (e.g., 512x512) work best.

2

Configure Icon Sizes

Select the icon sizes you need (e.g., 16x16, 32x32, 256x256). Our tool can pack multiple sizes into a single ICO file container.

3

Convert & Download

Click 'Convert to ICO' to create your favicon. The resulting file will be ready for instant download and immediate use on your website.

Pro Tip: Favicon Best Practices

For modern websites, it's recommended to include at least 16x16 (favicon), 32x32 (taskbar), and 48x48 (desktop). For PWA manifest icons, you might use PNG, but .ico is still essential for legacy compatibility.

Intelligence Inside

Advanced Features for Professionals

Creating a true ICO file is more than just changing an extension. Our tool handles the binary complexities for you.

Multi-Size Containers

Pack multiple icon dimensions (16, 32, 64, etc.) into a single file so OS chooses the best one.

Alpha Transparency

Full 8-bit alpha channel support ensures your icons look perfect on light, dark, or colored backgrounds.

Smart Resizing

High-quality downscaling algorithms (Lanczos3) prevent your tiny 16x16 icons from becoming blurry blobs.

Instant Processing

Serverless processing power generates complex binary ICO structures in milliseconds.

Comparison
Comparison FactorOriginal PNGOutput ICO
StructureSingle ImageMultiple Sizes
TransparencySupportedSupported
Use CaseWeb GraphicsFavicons / App Icons
CompatibilityUniversalBrowser / OS

Who Is It For?

Different workflows require different precision. Our tool is optimized for various industry requirements.

Web Developers

  • Create valid favicon.ico
  • Ensure tab visibility
  • Old browser support

Brand Managers

  • Consistent branding
  • Sharp logo on desktop
  • Professional finish

Software Devs

  • Windows executable icons
  • Desktop shortcuts
  • App aesthetic

Trusted by 50,000+ Professionals

Join thousands of designers, developers, and creators who rely on our PNG to ICO conversion engine for their daily workflows. Rated 4.8/5 based on 1,542 reviews.

"Finally a tool that actually packs multiple sizes into one file. My favicon setup is now compliant with all standards."

S
Sarah Jenkins
Frontend Developer

"I needed a quick way to create an icon for a Windows utility I built. This was effortless and the transparency is perfect."

M
Marcus Chen
Software Engineer

"The downscaling quality is surprisingly good. Even at 16px my logo is recognizable. Saved me opening Photoshop."

L
Lila Patel
Graphic Designer
Engineering Philosophy

One File.
Multiple Dimensions.

Generating a proper ICO file isn't just about renaming an extension. It's about structuring a binary container that holds multiple raster images, each optimized for specific display contexts.

Our engine leverages smart resampling algorithms. When you upload a high-res PNG, we don't just shrink it. We apply context-aware sharpening and resizing to create crisp 16x16 icons for browser tabs and detailed 256x256 icons for desktops, all packed into a single valid ICO header.

We adhere to the strict Microsoft ICO format specification, ensuring compatibility across all Windows versions and modern web browsers. And yes, transparency is fully preserved via the Alpha channel.

Crafted by Ex-SaaS Engineers

Multi-Layer Support

Embeds up to 6 distinct sizes in a single binary file.

True Color

Supports 32-bit color depth with 8-bit alpha transparency.

100% Valid

Standard ICO Header & Directory

Why Convert PNG to ICO?

While modern browsers support PNG favicons, the .ico format remains the de facto standard for maximum compatibility. It is the only format supported by Internet Explorer and is required for icons to display correctly in Windows/MacOS shortcuts and taskbars.

A single ICO file acts as a container that can hold multiple raster images of different pixel dimensions (e.g., 16x16, 32x32, 64x64). This allows the operating system or browser to dynamically select the best resolution image for the current display context, avoiding blurry upscaling or jagged downscaling.

PNG vs. ICO: At a Glance

Feature
PNG Format
ICO Format
Content
Single Image
Multi-size Container
Favicon
Modern Only
All Browsers (IE included)
OS Support
Limited
Native Windows/Mac
Transparency
Yes
Yes
Scalability
Fixed
Responsive Selection

The Power of RiseConvert Conversion Engine

We don't just run a script. We optimize your assets.

  • Smart Downscaling: We use Lanczos3 resampling when reducing your large PNG to small icon sizes like 16x16, preserving detail that naive resizing would destroy.
  • Container Optimization: We strip unnecessary metadata from the ICO container to keep the file size as small as possible without affecting quality.
  • Speed & Privacy: built on the same "Volatile-Memory" architecture, ensuring speed without compromising your data security.

Essential Terms

Favicon

Short for 'favorite icon', it's the small logo found in a browser tab next to the page title.

Container

A file format that wraps other data. ICO is a container for multiple bitmap images.

Resampling

The process of changing the pixel dimensions of an image, crucial for creating clear small icons.

Bit Depth

The number of bits used to represent the color of a single pixel. ICO supports 32-bit (True Color + Alpha).

Resolution

The pixel dimensions (e.g., 32x32). Differing resolutions are needed for different UI contexts.

Legacy

Refers to older systems or browsers (like IE) that require specific formats like ICO.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring 16x16

Assuming 32x32 is enough. 16x16 is still the primary size for desktop browser tabs. If missing, the browser will downscales, often poorly.

Poor Source Image

Using a complex, detailed photo as a source. Icons should be simple, bold graphics since they are displayed very small.

Best Practice

Use a square PNG with a transparent background as your source file for the best conversion results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Privacy-First Architecture

Your Data Never
Leaves Your Control.

Most converters trade your data for the service. We do the opposite. Our engine is designed on a "Volatile-Memory" principle—once your ICO is downloaded, the session is cryptographically purged.

2-Hour Auto-Delete

Files are automatically and permanently wiped from our secure servers after 2 hours.

End-to-End Encryption

Using TLS 1.3 and military-grade SSL encryption, your files are protected from the moment they leave your device.

Live Security Specs
AES-256
Encryption Standard
0.00%
Data Retention
"We don't just say we're secure. Our infrastructure is built to make any other possibility technically impossible."

About the Author

Author

Abu Nayem

SaaS Architect & Full Stack Dev

Building high-performance tools with Next.js and Python. Focused on privacy-first architecture and seamless UX.

ProfileContact