PNG to ICO
ICO is the format Windows uses for application icons and browser favicons — a single file that can contain multiple image sizes at once. Converting your PNG artwork to ICO makes it ready for use as a website favicon or Windows application icon. FluidConvert converts PNG to ICO free in your browser.
Drop your file here, or browse
Accepts: image/png, .png · Max 100MB (free)
Your files are encrypted with TLS and automatically deleted after conversion.
Simply upload your .PNG file and we'll convert it to .ICO format — fast, free, and secure.
Fast & Free
Convert files up to 100MB at no cost. No account needed.
Secure
Files are encrypted and automatically deleted after conversion.
High Quality
Industry-leading conversion with no quality loss.
How to Convert PNG to ICO
Upload Your File
Click the upload area above or drag and drop your .PNG file. We support files up to 100MB on the free plan.
Choose Output Format
Select .ICO as your target format. Adjust any conversion settings if needed.
Download Your File
Click Convert Now and wait a few seconds. Once complete, download your converted file instantly.
About PNG to ICO
What is ICO?
ICO (Windows Icon) is a proprietary Microsoft image format that stores one or more bitmap images at different resolutions within a single file. When Windows or a browser displays an icon, it picks the most appropriate size from the ICO's embedded image set. Standard sizes include 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, 64x64, and 256x256 pixels. The format supports transparency via alpha channels, making it suitable for icons that appear on any background color.
Why convert to ICO?
ICO is required specifically for browser favicons (the small icon in the browser tab) and Windows application icons. While modern browsers support PNG favicons, many still look for favicon.ico by default. Windows desktop shortcuts and executable files require ICO format. Converting your PNG logo or icon design to ICO lets you use it across all these contexts without compatibility issues.
What to expect from the conversion
The conversion takes your PNG and embeds it at standard icon sizes within the ICO container. If your source PNG is larger than 256x256, it's downsampled to the standard sizes. Transparency from the PNG alpha channel is preserved. The ICO file will contain multiple resolution versions for different display contexts. File sizes are small — typically 10-100KB depending on the number of embedded sizes.
How FluidConvert handles it
We generate a multi-size ICO file from your PNG, embedding standard favicon sizes (16x16, 32x32, 48x48) for browser and Windows compatibility. Transparency is preserved throughout.
Common reasons to convert PNG to ICO
- Converting a brand logo to ICO format for use as a website favicon
- Creating an application icon for a Windows desktop app from a PNG design
- Generating a favicon.ico file from a PNG logo for legacy browser compatibility
- Converting PNG artwork to ICO for Windows file/folder custom icon assignment
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should my PNG be before converting to ICO?
For best results, start with a PNG that's at least 256x256 pixels — the largest standard ICO size. The converter will generate smaller sizes by downsampling from your source. Square images work best for icons; non-square images will be cropped or padded.
Can I use a PNG favicon instead of ICO?
Modern browsers support PNG favicons referenced in the HTML <link> tag. However, favicon.ico is still the fallback that browsers look for automatically without a <link> tag, and Internet Explorer only supports ICO format. For maximum compatibility, provide both favicon.ico and PNG favicons.
Will my transparent PNG background stay transparent in the ICO?
Yes. The ICO format supports alpha channel transparency, and your PNG's transparent areas are preserved in the converted ICO. This means your favicon will display cleanly on browser tabs with any background color.