Free PNG to ICO Converter — Create Favicons Online
Free PNG to ICO converter — generate .ico favicon files directly in your browser. Choose the sizes you need (16×16, 32×32, 48×48…), convert your PNG instantly with no upload and no sign-up required.
Drag & drop your file
or browse your files
Each selected size will be embedded in the .ico file. Keep at least one selected.
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How to Convert PNG to ICO
Upload your PNG image
Drag and drop your PNG file into the converter above, or click the upload area to browse. For best results, use a square PNG image (256×256 or larger) with a transparent background.
Select icon sizes
Choose which sizes to embed in your ICO file. Common choices include 16×16 for browser tabs, 32×32 for taskbars, and 48×48 for Windows shortcuts. Select multiple sizes to create a multi-resolution favicon.
Download your ICO file
Click download to save your .ico file. It contains all selected sizes in a single file, ready to be added to your website or application. Simply place it as favicon.ico in your site's root directory.
What Is the ICO Format?
The ICO (Icon) format is a container file format originally developed by Microsoft for storing icons on the Windows platform. Unlike regular image formats that hold a single image, an ICO file can contain multiple images at different sizes and color depths within a single file. This multi-resolution capability is what makes ICO uniquely suited for favicons and application icons.
When a browser or operating system needs to display your favicon, it selects the most appropriate size from the ICO file. A 16×16 version is used in browser tabs, a 32×32 version for taskbars, and larger sizes for desktop shortcuts or high-DPI displays. By bundling all sizes into one .ico file, you ensure your icon always looks sharp regardless of where it appears.
While modern browsers also support PNG and SVG favicons, the ICO format remains the most universally compatible option. It is supported by every browser and operating system, making it the safest choice for ensuring your website's icon displays correctly everywhere — including older versions of Internet Explorer and legacy systems.
PNG vs ICO: Format Comparison
| Feature | PNG | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | General images & photos | Icons & favicons |
| Multi-size support | No (single resolution) | Yes (multiple sizes in one file) |
| Browser favicon support | Modern browsers only | All browsers (universal) |
| Transparency | Yes (alpha channel) | Yes (alpha channel) |
| Typical use case | Web images, UI assets | Website favicons, app icons |
| File size | Varies by dimensions | Small (contains only icon sizes) |
| Windows compatibility | Not usable as system icon | Native support (shortcuts, taskbar) |
| Color depth | Up to 48-bit | Up to 32-bit (8-bit alpha) |
Why Convert PNG to ICO?
- •Website branding: A favicon is the first visual element users see in their browser tab. A crisp, recognizable icon reinforces your brand identity across every open tab and bookmark.
- •Browser tab identification: With users often having 20+ tabs open, a distinctive favicon helps them quickly find and return to your site among the clutter.
- •Bookmark recognition: When users save your site, the favicon appears next to the bookmark name. A well-designed ICO file ensures your brand remains visible in bookmark bars and menus.
- •PWA and mobile icons: Progressive Web Apps require various icon sizes for home screen shortcuts, splash screens, and app switchers. A multi-resolution ICO serves as the foundation for your icon set.
- •Windows desktop shortcuts: If users create a desktop shortcut to your web app, Windows uses the ICO file to display the icon. Larger sizes (48×48, 256×256) ensure it looks sharp on the desktop.
- •Professional credibility: Websites without a favicon display a generic browser icon, which can look unprofessional and reduce user trust. A custom favicon signals attention to detail.
Favicon Size Guide
| Use case | Sizes included | ICO file size |
|---|---|---|
| Browser tab (standard) | 16×16 | ~1.1 KB |
| Taskbar / bookmark bar | 16×16, 32×32 | ~3.5 KB |
| Windows shortcut | 16×16, 32×32, 48×48 | ~7.5 KB |
| High-DPI / full set | 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 256×256 | ~45 KB |
Your Privacy Is Guaranteed
Our PNG to ICO converter operates entirely within your browser using the HTML5 Canvas API. When you upload a PNG image, it is processed locally on your device — no files are sent to any server or cloud service. The conversion happens in real time without any network requests.
This means your logos, brand assets, and design files remain completely confidential. Whether you are preparing a favicon for a client project or converting proprietary icons, you can trust that your files never leave your machine. There are no uploads, no server logs, and no data stored anywhere.
Free PNG to ICO Converter — Create Favicons Online — Frequently asked questions
What is an ICO file?
An ICO file is the standard favicon format used by browsers, Windows, and applications. It can contain multiple image sizes in a single file (16×16, 32×32, 48×48…), allowing the operating system to pick the most appropriate resolution.
Are my images uploaded to a server?
No. All conversion happens entirely in your browser using the Canvas API. Your PNG files never leave your device — everything is processed locally.
Which sizes should I include in my favicon?
For maximum compatibility, include 16×16, 32×32, and 48×48. Add 64×64 and 128×128 for high-DPI screens. 256×256 is useful for Windows desktop icons. The default selection (16, 32, 48) covers most use cases.
What is the ideal PNG source size for a favicon?
Start with a square PNG image of at least 256×256 pixels. This gives the converter enough resolution to generate crisp icons at all sizes. If your source image is smaller than the target size, the icon may appear blurry.
Should my PNG have a transparent background?
Yes, a transparent background is recommended for favicons. It ensures your icon blends naturally with browser tabs, taskbars, and bookmarks regardless of their background color. The ICO format fully supports alpha transparency.
How do I add a favicon to my website?
Place the .ico file in your website's root directory and name it favicon.ico. Most browsers will find it automatically. You can also add an explicit link tag in your HTML head: link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon".
Can I use a PNG instead of ICO for my favicon?
Modern browsers support PNG favicons, but ICO remains more universally compatible — especially with older browsers and Windows systems. For maximum compatibility, use an ICO file. You can also provide both using multiple link tags in your HTML.
Why does my favicon not show up after uploading?
Browsers aggressively cache favicons. Try clearing your browser cache, using an incognito window, or appending a query string to force a refresh (e.g., /favicon.ico?v=2). It may take several hours for the new icon to appear across all platforms.
What is the difference between favicon.ico and apple-touch-icon?
favicon.ico is the traditional icon format used by browsers and Windows. apple-touch-icon is a separate PNG file (180×180) used by iOS when users add your site to their home screen. For full device coverage, you should provide both.
Can I include multiple sizes in a single ICO file?
Yes, that is the key advantage of the ICO format. Our converter lets you select multiple sizes (16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 64×64, 128×128, 256×256) to bundle into a single .ico file. The browser or operating system automatically picks the best size for each context.