PNG to ICO

About PNG to ICO

Windows programs, shortcuts, folders and old websites need an icon in the .ico format. This free PNG to ICO converter makes one from your picture in a second.

A good .ico file is not one picture but several sizes in one file: Windows shows 16 px in lists, 32 and 48 px on the desktop, and 256 px in large views. This tool draws every size separately from your image, so the small ones stay sharp, and puts them all in one .ico file.

It keeps transparency, accepts PNG, JPG, WebP and SVG, and shows each size at its real pixel size before you save. Everything runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

Features

• Multi-size icon — 16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 128 and 256 px in one .ico file
• Pick the sizes — or use a quick pick: Windows icon, website favicon, or only 256
• Transparency kept — or fill the background with a colour
• Any picture in — PNG, JPG, WebP or SVG (an SVG is drawn sharp at every size)
• Not square? No problem — fit inside, crop to a square, or stretch
• Real-size previews — see how the 16 px icon will really look
• Works in every Windows program — small sizes as 32-bit bitmaps, 256 px as PNG
• One click — the icon is ready as soon as you change something

What is inside an ICO file?

An .ico file is a small folder of pictures of the same icon at different sizes. Windows (and browsers, for a favicon) picks the size it needs.

• 16×16 — file lists, the title bar, browser tabs
• 24×24 — small toolbars
• 32×32 and 48×48 — the desktop and "Medium icons"
• 64×64 and 128×128 — high-DPI screens and bigger views
• 256×256 — "Large" and "Extra large icons" in File Explorer

Each size can be stored as a bitmap (BMP) or as a PNG. This tool stores the small sizes as 32-bit bitmaps with an alpha channel, which every Windows program and icon editor can read, and the 256 px size as PNG, the same way Windows' own icons do it. Tick Store every size as PNG for a smaller file when you only need Windows Vista or newer, or a browser.

Tips for a sharp icon

• Start big and square — 256×256 px or more. A small source cannot make a sharp 256 px icon.
• Keep it simple — at 16 px there are only 256 pixels. Thin lines and small text disappear; a bold shape works best.
• Use an SVG if you have one: it is drawn fresh at every size, so nothing gets blurry.
• For a website favicon, the Favicon Generator makes the .ico together with the PNG sizes and the HTML code.

Common uses

• An icon for a program, installer or app you build
• A custom icon for a folder or shortcut in Windows
• A favicon.ico for a website
• Turning a logo into an icon file
• Need a picture again later? SVG to PNG, Crop Image and Image Resizer help prepare it

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a PNG to ICO?

Drop the PNG on the box. The icon is made at once with all sizes from 16 to 256 px. Untick the sizes you do not want, then click Download ICO.

What size should an ICO file be?

For a Windows icon, include 16, 32, 48 and 256 px (24, 64 and 128 help on high-DPI screens). For a website favicon, 16, 32 and 48 px are enough.

Does the ICO keep transparency?

Yes. Transparent parts of your PNG, WebP or SVG stay transparent in every size. You can also choose a solid background colour instead.

Can I make an ICO from a JPG or SVG?

Yes. JPG, WebP and SVG work the same as PNG. A JPG has no transparency, so its background stays as it is.

How do I change a folder icon in Windows with my .ico file?

Right-click the folder, choose Properties, open the Customize tab and click Change Icon…. Click Browse, pick your .ico file, then click OK.

Is my image uploaded?

No. The icon is made in your browser, on your device. Nothing is sent to a server.

How to use it

• Drop your image on the box, or click it to choose one — PNG, JPG, WebP or SVG
• Tick the sizes you want, or use a quick pick
• Choose how a non-square image fits, and a background if you do not want transparency
• Check the previews, then click Download ICO