Convert Image to ICO Format
Free online ICO converter. Transform any image to ICO format instantly with no signup required.
How to Use This Image to ICO Converter
ICO (Icon) is the standard format for website favicons and Windows application icons. Upload any image in JPG, PNG, WebP, or other formats, and the converter instantly transforms it to ICO format. ICO files can contain multiple icon sizes in a single file, making them essential for website branding and application development.
Upload Any Image
Supports JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, AVIF, TIFF, and most common image formats for conversion.
Instant Conversion
Fast server-side processing converts your image to ICO format in seconds.
Quick Download
Download your converted ICO image immediately. No waiting, email, or signup required.
What is ICO Format?
ICO (Icon) format was developed by Microsoft for Windows application icons and has become the standard for website favicons:
- Multi-size support: Contains multiple icon sizes (16x16, 32x32, 48x48, etc.) in one file
- Favicon standard: The original and most compatible format for browser tab icons
- Windows icons: Required format for Windows application and file icons
- Transparency support: Full alpha channel transparency for professional-looking icons
- Universal recognition: Browsers automatically look for favicon.ico in website root
- Compact storage: Efficiently stores multiple resolutions in a single file
Why Convert Images to ICO?
ICO format is essential for website and application branding:
- Website favicons: The browser tab icon that identifies your website
- Bookmark icons: Appears when users bookmark your website
- Windows apps: Required format for Windows application icons
- Desktop shortcuts: Creates professional-looking desktop and taskbar icons
- Universal compatibility: Works in all browsers and Windows versions
- SEO benefit: Proper favicons improve user trust and brand recognition
ICO vs. PNG Favicon Comparison
Compatibility: ICO works in all browsers including old IE. PNG favicons need modern browsers.
Multiple sizes: ICO contains multiple sizes in one file. PNG requires separate files per size.
File size: ICO with multiple sizes can be larger than individual PNG files.
Modern approach: Modern sites often use both: ICO for compatibility, PNG for high-res displays.
ICO vs. SVG Favicon Comparison
Scalability: SVG scales infinitely without pixelation. ICO is raster/bitmap.
Browser support: ICO is universal. SVG favicons require modern browsers.
File size: SVG can be very small for simple icons. ICO size grows with resolutions included.
Complexity: SVG is better for simple vector icons. ICO is better for complex photographic icons.
Browser and Platform Support
ICO has universal browser support including all versions of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Browsers automatically look for favicon.ico in the website root directory. While modern browsers also support PNG and SVG favicons, ICO remains the most compatible format. For maximum compatibility, provide both ICO and high-resolution PNG favicons.
Best Practices for Using ICO
Multiple sizes: Include 16x16, 32x32, and 48x48 sizes in your ICO file for best display across contexts.
Keep it simple: Icons display very small. Use simple, recognizable designs that work at 16x16 pixels.
Use transparency: Transparent backgrounds let your icon blend seamlessly with browser UI.
Also provide PNG: For modern browsers and high-DPI displays, also provide apple-touch-icon.png and other formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why convert images to ICO format?
ICO is the standard format for website favicons and Windows application icons. It provides the best compatibility across all browsers and operating systems.
What size should my favicon be?
The standard favicon is 16x16 pixels, but modern ICO files often include 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, and larger sizes for different display contexts.
Can I use PNG for favicons instead?
Yes, modern browsers support PNG favicons. However, for maximum compatibility including older browsers, provide an ICO file as well.
Where do I put my favicon?
Place favicon.ico in your website's root directory. Browsers automatically look for it there. You can also link to it in your HTML head section.
Why does my favicon look blurry?
Favicons display at very small sizes (16x16 or 32x32 pixels). Complex images will look blurry. Use simple, bold designs optimized for small display.