About the PNG to ICO
PNG to ICO turns a picture into a .ico icon file. Pick a PNG, JPG, WebP or SVG image, tick the sizes to include (16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 128 and 256 pixels), choose whether to crop the middle or fit the picture with transparent edges, and download one .ico file that holds every size. Use it for a website favicon, a Windows program or shortcut icon or a desktop folder. The icon is built in your browser with PNG-compressed images, which every current browser and Windows Vista or newer can read, and nothing is uploaded.
Updated October 2026
How to use the PNG to ICO
- 1Select your image; a square picture of 256 × 256 pixels or larger is best.
- 2Tick the icon sizes you want; 16, 32, 48 and 256 are a good set.
- 3Choose to crop the middle or fit with transparent edges.
- 4Press Download .ico.
- 5Save the file as favicon.ico or use it for your program.
Where icons are used
Icons appear in browser tabs and bookmarks (favicons), on the desktop and the taskbar, in file explorers and in the title bar of programs. Because they appear at many sizes, a good ICO file holds several versions, so each place can use a sharp one instead of stretching a single size.
Designing a good icon
Keep the design simple. Detail disappears at 16 pixels, so use bold shapes, strong contrast and a few colours. Test your icon at the smallest size before you finish. A transparent background lets the icon sit well on light and dark toolbars.
- Start from a large square image
- Avoid thin lines and tiny text
- Check how it looks at 16 × 16
- Use transparency for a clean edge
Using it on a website
Put the favicon.ico in the site root, which browsers request automatically, and add link tags for PNG or SVG versions for phones. The Favicon Generator makes the full set of site icons, including the Apple touch icon.
Related tools
Make a full favicon set with the Favicon Generator, resize pictures with the Image Resizer, edit PNGs with the Photo Editor and convert with the Image Converter. The SVG to PNG tool prepares vector logos.
Features
- Seven icon sizes in one file
- PNG, JPG, WebP and SVG input
- Crop the middle or fit with transparency
- PNG-compressed icons, 256 pixels supported
- One-click download
- Private: nothing is uploaded
Frequently asked questions
What is an ICO file?
A Windows icon file that can hold several sizes of the same picture. The system picks the best size for each place, such as a taskbar, a folder or a browser tab.
Which sizes should I include?
For a website favicon, 16, 32 and 48 are enough. For a Windows program, add 256 as well.
Can I use the ICO as a favicon?
Yes. Save it as favicon.ico in the root of your site, and also add a PNG or SVG favicon with a link tag for modern browsers.
What is the best source image?
A square picture, at least 256 × 256 pixels, with a simple shape that still reads at 16 pixels.
Does it keep transparency?
Yes. A PNG with a transparent background gives a transparent icon.
Will the icon work on old Windows?
Windows Vista and newer read the 256 pixel PNG icons. Very old systems such as Windows XP may only show the smaller sizes.
What if my picture is not square?
Choose to crop the middle, or fit it with transparent edges so that nothing is cut off.
Do I need an ICO file for my website?
Browsers still ask for /favicon.ico by default, so it is good to have one in your site's root even if you also link PNG or SVG icons. It is also the format Windows uses for program and shortcut icons.
Can I convert an SVG logo?
Yes. Pick the SVG file, and it is drawn at each size. Use a square logo for the best result.
Are my images uploaded?
No. The icon is built on your device.