The Icon Converter allows users to quickly transform standard images into fully sized, multi-resolution icon files (.ico). It supports multiple sizes and bit depths, making it perfect for software, websites, and desktop shortcuts while preserving image clarity.


Convert files to .ico! Drag and drop or naviagte to image files needing to be converted [.png, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .bmp, .webp, .svg, .ico] . Select any necessary icon sizes, select a bit depth and click convert!


To verify existing .ico file sizes, Drag and drop or naviagte to existing .ico file and click Verify ICO File! This will tell you which icon sizes are embedded in your .ico file!


This tool is quite iconic. I thought about converting to the ico religion, but it's very superficial. It's all about image. Personally, I'm more interested in depth. Its a bit of a conundrum...

ICON CONVERTER

ICON CONVERTER

Drop image files here or click to select
Icon Sizes:
Bit Depth:
Ready. Select an image to convert to icon.

Be sure to check out the Aspect Calculatorr next!

Ext Comp. Transp. Size Use
.ico Varies ✅ 16–256 App icons, favicons
.png Lossless ✅ Med–Lg Web graphics, icon source
.jpg .jpeg Lossy ❌ S–M Photos, converted to icons
.gif Lossless Lossy ✅ S–M Simple animations, icon source
.bmp None ❌ Med–XL Windows icon source
.webp Lossy Lossless ✅ S–M Modern web graphics, icon source
.svg Vector ✅ Scalable Vector icons, scalable source

ICO Converter Reference Data


1. ICO (Windows Icon)

File Extension: .ico
Description: ICO is a container format used for icons in Windows and applications. It can store multiple image sizes (16×16 to 256×256) and multiple color depths in a single file. Ideal for app icons, favicons, and system icons.

Pros:
   Supports multiple resolutions in one file.
   Can include transparency (alpha channel).
   Widely compatible for Windows apps, shortcuts, and favicons.

Cons:
   Limited support outside Windows environments.
   Large files if many resolutions are included.

Use Cases:
   Desktop applications, favicons, software icons.

2. PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

File Extension: .png
Description: PNG is a lossless raster format widely used for icons and graphics. Supports full transparency and is often used as a source image for icon conversion.

Pros:
   Lossless compression → preserves sharp edges and text.
   Supports alpha transparency.
   Ideal for vector-to-raster conversion.

Cons:
   Larger file size than JPEG.
   Not optimized for very complex photographic images.

Use Cases:
   Web icons, app icons, logos, screenshots.

3. JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

File Extension: .jpg or .jpeg
Description: JPEG is a lossy raster format optimized for photos. Not ideal for icons with sharp edges or transparency but can be converted into icons.

Pros:
   Small file size.
   Compatible with virtually all software.

Cons:
   Lossy compression → edges and details may blur.
   No transparency support.

Use Cases:
   Photographs converted to icons, social media thumbnails.

4. GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

File Extension: .gif
Description: GIF is a simple raster format that supports limited animation and 1-bit transparency. Can be converted to ICO for single-frame icons.

Pros:
   Supports transparency (1-bit).
   Simple format, widely compatible.

Cons:
   Limited color depth (256 colors).
   Not suitable for high-quality icons.

Use Cases:
   Simple icons, legacy icons, small animated icons (single frame).

5. BMP (Bitmap)

File Extension: .bmp
Description: BMP is an uncompressed raster format. Easy to convert to ICO but produces larger source files.

Pros:
   Simple, widely supported in Windows.
   Lossless → no quality loss.

Cons:
   Large file size.
   Not suitable for web or mobile.

Use Cases:
   Windows app icons, source graphics for conversion.

6. WebP

File Extension: .webp
Description: Modern raster format with both lossy and lossless compression. Supports transparency and is suitable as a source for icons.

Pros:
   Smaller files than PNG/JPEG for similar quality.
   Supports transparency.

Cons:
   Limited support in older software.

Use Cases:
   Web icons, high-quality icon sources.

7. SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

File Extension: .svg
Description: Vector-based format, ideal for generating multiple icon sizes. Can be rasterized to produce ICO images of any resolution.

Pros:
   Infinitely scalable → produces sharp icons at any size.
   Small file size for vector content.
   Supports transparency.

Cons:
   Must be rasterized before converting to ICO.
   Complex SVGs may not convert correctly in all converters.

Use Cases:
   App icons, favicons, cross-platform icons, UI elements.

Other Useful Notes for Icon Conversion


Resolutions & Multiple Images:
   ICO files can include multiple resolutions: 16×16, 24×24, 32×32, 48×48, 64×64, 128×128, 256×256.
   Source images (PNG, SVG) should ideally be square and high resolution for best results.

Transparency Support:
   Supported: ICO, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG.
   Not supported: JPEG, BMP.

Compression vs Quality:
   PNG, BMP, SVG: lossless → high-quality source.
   JPEG, WebP: lossy → smaller file, may lose sharp edges.

Web & App Optimization:
   Use PNG or SVG for sharp, transparent icons.
   WebP is good for web usage.
   JPEG/BMP should only be used if no transparency is needed.