PNG to ICO converter
Make a favicon or Windows icon from a PNG. Pick the sizes to include and download a multi-size .ico file. Transparency is kept.
How to convert PNG to ICO
- Add your PNG filesDrag them onto the box, click it to browse, or paste an image from your clipboard. You can add up to 50 files at a time.
- Choose your ICO optionsTick the icon sizes to include. Results update as you change the options, and you can see the file size before and after for every image.
- Download the resultSave files one by one, or use Download all as ZIP when you've converted several.
About PNG to ICO conversion
An ICO file is a container that can hold several sizes of the same icon, so Windows, browsers and shortcuts can pick the one that fits. Favicons traditionally use 16, 32 and 48 pixel versions. Larger sizes, up to 256, are used by Windows for desktop shortcuts and file icons.
Start from a square PNG at least as large as the biggest size you select, because upscaling a small image gives blurry icons. This converter scales your image down to each size with high-quality smoothing, centers non-square images on a transparent square, and stores each size as PNG data inside the ICO, which all current browsers and every modern version of Windows support.
What happens to transparency
Transparency is kept at every size. Each size is stored as a PNG with its own alpha channel, so icons look clean on light and dark backgrounds.
When ICO is the right choice
- A favicon.ico at the root of your website
- Windows app, shortcut and installer icons
- Older systems and tools that only accept .ico
When to use something else
- Modern sites that only need PNG or SVG favicons. You still benefit from keeping one favicon.ico at the root.
- Sizes above 256 pixels. The ICO format doesn't go higher.
- Tiny source images. A 64-pixel PNG can't make a sharp 256-pixel icon.
PNG and ICO compared
| PNG | ICO | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Any image | Icons for sites and Windows |
| Sizes in one file | One | Several, from 16 to 256 pixels |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Used by | Everything | Browsers, Windows, installers |
Frequently asked questions
What sizes should a favicon include?
For the .ico file, 16, 32 and 48 pixels cover browsers and most uses. Add a 180 pixel PNG for iOS and 192 and 512 pixel PNGs for Android and web app manifests. Our favicon guide lists every size and the HTML to link them.
Do I still need a favicon.ico?
Browsers and many crawlers request /favicon.ico by default, so keeping one at your site root is still a good idea even if you also link PNG or SVG icons.
Why is my icon blurry?
Usually the source image is too small or isn't square. Start from a square PNG that's at least 256 pixels wide, with the artwork filling most of the canvas.
Can I make an ICO larger than 256 pixels?
No. The ICO format tops out at 256 by 256 pixels.
Are my files uploaded?
No. The conversion runs in your browser, so your images never leave your device.
How many PNG files can I convert at once?
Up to 50 files, each up to 100 MB. Add them together and download everything as a ZIP.
Related conversions
- PNG to SVG
Embed a PNG in an SVG file
- PNG to GIF
Simple graphics, 256 colors
- PNG to BMP
Uncompressed, for legacy software