Image to ICO Converter

Convert PNG, JPG or SVG to a multi-size .ico, or make a full favicon package.

Convert an image to an ICO icon

Turn a PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF or SVG into an .ico file. ICO is the icon format Windows uses for programs, folders and shortcuts, and the classic format for website favicons, the small icon in browser tabs and bookmarks. One .ico file can hold several sizes, so the icon looks sharp everywhere it appears. The conversion runs in your browser, and your logo is not uploaded.

How to convert PNG or JPG to ICO

  1. Select or drop your image. A square logo of at least 512 × 512 pixels, or an SVG, gives the sharpest result.
  2. If the image is not square, choose Fit whole image to keep everything inside a square, or Crop to fill to trim the edges. Then pick a transparent, white or custom background.
  3. Choose the sizes to include, check the previews at real size and in the browser tab, and download the .ico.

Which sizes you need

  • 16 × 16 for browser tabs, bookmarks and the address bar.
  • 32 × 32 for high-resolution tabs, the Windows taskbar and shortcuts.
  • 48 × 48 for Windows desktop icons and site icons.
  • 256 × 256 for large Windows icons and application shortcuts.

The default of 16, 32 and 48 pixels covers websites and most Windows uses. Add 64, 128 or 256 pixels for desktop software. Each size is scaled down from a large master in several halving steps rather than in one jump, which keeps edges clean at 16 pixels instead of jagged.

Designing for 16 pixels

A favicon is about the size of one letter of this text. Fine lines, small text and detailed illustrations turn into a smudge. Bold shapes, one or two strong colours and plenty of contrast survive. Many brands use just their initial or symbol for the favicon instead of the full logo. Check the 16 pixel preview and the browser tab preview before you download; if it looks busy, simplify the artwork rather than the settings.

The favicon package

Modern websites use a handful of icon files, not just one. The package contains favicon.ico with 16, 32 and 48 pixel versions, 16 and 32 pixel PNGs, a 180 pixel Apple touch icon for iPhone and iPad home screens, 192 and 512 pixel icons for Android, and a site.webmanifest that tells Android which icons to use. Upload the files to your site's root folder and paste the included tags inside the head section of your pages. Browsers cache favicons aggressively, so if the old icon still shows, open the site in a private window to check.

Transparency and compatibility

Every size inside the .ico is stored as a PNG, which keeps transparent backgrounds and works on Windows Vista and later, macOS and all current browsers. If your logo is dark and will sit on dark browser tabs, a white or coloured background keeps it visible.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a PNG to ICO?

Select your PNG, keep the default sizes of 16, 32 and 48 pixels or add others, and click Download .ico. Nothing is uploaded.

Can I convert a JPG or SVG to ICO?

Yes. JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF and SVG all work. SVG logos give the sharpest icons because they scale cleanly to every size.

What size should a favicon be?

A favicon.ico usually contains 16, 32 and 48 pixel images. Add a 180 pixel Apple touch icon and 192 and 512 pixel Android icons for phones, all of which are in the favicon package.

Does the ICO keep a transparent background?

Yes. Each size is stored as a PNG inside the ICO, so transparency is kept. You can also add a white or coloured background.

Why does my site still show the old favicon?

Browsers cache favicons for a long time. Check in a private window, and make sure the new favicon.ico replaced the old file in your site root.

Will the icon work on Windows?

Yes. The ICO format used here works on Windows Vista and later, macOS and every current browser.