How to convert PNG to ICO
Drop a square PNG into the box above. Logos with a transparent background work best.
Choose the sizes to include. 16, 32 and 48 pixels cover browser tabs and Windows; add 256 for high-resolution app icons.
Click Convert to ICO. Every size is rendered with high-quality downscaling on your device.
Download the .ico file and upload it to your website as favicon.ico.
Why convert PNG to ICO?
Browsers still request /favicon.ico from every website, and an ICO file can hold several sizes at once, so each place the icon appears (tab, bookmark, Windows taskbar) gets a sharp version.
Windows uses ICO for application, folder and shortcut icons. A single file with sizes up to 256 pixels looks crisp at every display scale.
Starting from a PNG keeps transparency, so your logo sits cleanly on any browser theme, light or dark.
PNG vs ICO
A PNG is one image at one size. An ICO is a container that bundles several sizes of the same icon; the system picks the best match for where it's shown.
This converter stores each size as a PNG inside the ICO, which Windows Vista and later, and every current browser, support. It keeps full transparency and produces smaller files than the old bitmap format.
| Property | PNG | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Stores PNG or bitmap images |
| Transparency | Yes, full alpha channel | Yes |
| Animation | Only as APNG, rarely used | No |
| Pages | One image | Several sizes of the same icon in one file |
| Best for | Screenshots, logos, graphics with text | Favicons and Windows application icons |
| Support | Everywhere | Every browser and Windows |
Is it safe?
Yes. PNG to ICO runs entirely in your browser. Your files are read and converted by your own device using built-in browser technology, so they are never uploaded to a server and nobody else can see them.
You can check this yourself: open your browser's developer tools, switch to the Network tab and convert a file. No upload requests are made.
Your logo never leaves your device, which matters for unreleased brand assets.
Files stay in this tab's memory only until you remove them or close the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sizes should a favicon.ico include?
16×16 and 32×32 cover browser tabs and bookmarks, and 48×48 covers Windows site shortcuts. Those three are the default. Larger sizes mostly add weight to the file.
What if my image isn't square?
It's scaled to fit and centred on a transparent square, so nothing is cropped or stretched. For the sharpest result, start from a square image.
Do I still need a favicon.ico if I use a PNG favicon?
It's still recommended. Browsers and other tools request /favicon.ico by default, and it's the most compatible way to make sure an icon always shows up.
Can I make a Windows app or folder icon?
Yes. Include 256 pixels along with the smaller sizes. Windows picks the right size for the taskbar, Explorer and high-DPI screens.
Is transparency kept?
Yes. Each size is stored as a PNG with its full alpha channel.