PNG to ICO Converter (Favicon Generator)
Generate a multi-size ICO favicon from a single PNG — includes 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, and 256x256 sizes in one file, ready to drop into any website.
What Is ICO?
ICO is the file format used for website favicons — the small icon that shows up in a browser tab, bookmark bar, and browser history next to a page's title. It's also the format Windows uses for desktop application icons.
What makes ICO different from a regular image format is that a single ICO file can hold several versions of the same image at different sizes — 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, and larger — all bundled together. The browser or operating system picks whichever size fits the context, so your icon looks sharp whether it's tiny in a tab or larger in a bookmark list.
What Is PNG?
PNG is one of the most common image formats, and it's the standard source format for generating favicons. Most logos, icons, and simple graphics start out as PNG files before being turned into an ICO.
How This Tool Works
This tool takes your PNG and generates a proper multi-size ICO file — with 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, and 256x256 versions bundled into one — right inside your browser. Nothing is uploaded to a server. Drop in a square PNG logo and download a favicon ready to add to your site.
PNG vs ICO — When to Use Each
| Feature | PNG | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple sizes in one file | No — one image per file | Yes — several sizes bundled together |
| Favicon support | Requires a <link rel="icon"> pointing to a PNG | Native, universally recognized favicon format |
| Editing | Easy to edit in any image editor | Not directly editable — regenerate from a source image instead |
| General image use | Universal — photos, graphics, web images | Narrow — favicons and Windows icons only |
| File size | Smaller, single image | Larger — bundles multiple image sizes |
Keep PNG When
- You're editing or designing the logo itself
- You need a single image for general use, not a favicon
- You're using the image somewhere other than a browser tab or Windows icon
Convert to ICO When
- You're setting up a favicon for a website
- You want one file that works crisply at every size a browser might display it
- You're building a desktop application icon for Windows
- A CMS or site builder specifically asks for a
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Common Scenarios for PNG to ICO Conversion
Setting Up a Website Favicon
Every website needs a favicon — the small icon shown in browser tabs, bookmarks, and history. This tool takes your logo PNG and generates a proper multi-size ICO file, ready to reference from your site's HTML.
Adding the Favicon to Your Site
Once you have your ICO file, you'll typically add a line like <link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico"> to your page's <head>. If you're cleaning up your site's markup at the same time, our HTML Formatter can tidy up the rest of the file.
Building a Windows Desktop Application
Windows applications use ICO files for their taskbar and desktop icons. If you're packaging a small utility or script into an executable, you'll usually need to supply an ICO alongside it.
Replacing a Blurry or Outdated Favicon
If your current favicon looks pixelated or was generated from a low-resolution source, regenerating it from a clean, high-resolution PNG produces a sharper result across every size a browser displays.
Rebranding a Website
When a logo changes, the favicon needs to change with it. Converting the new logo PNG to ICO keeps the browser tab icon consistent with the rest of your updated branding.
Other Ways to Convert PNG to ICO
You can also create an ICO favicon using an image editor like GIMP (File → Export As → .ico) or an OS icon-conversion utility. FileCast is useful when you want a quick conversion without installing a plugin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to convert my images here?
Yes. Your PNG is processed entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to a server, and nothing is stored after you leave the page.
What sizes are included in the ICO file?
This tool generates four sizes in one file: 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, and 256x256. That covers browser tabs, bookmarks, and higher-resolution displays.
Does my PNG need to be square?
For the best results, yes. If your PNG isn't square, it will be stretched to fit each square icon size, which can distort the image. Crop or pad your PNG to a square shape before converting for a clean result.
Will transparency be preserved?
Yes. Any transparent areas in your PNG carry over into every size in the ICO file, which is important since favicons are usually shown on top of a browser's own tab background.
Can I convert multiple files at once?
Currently, this tool converts one file at a time. Drop a file, convert it, download, then click "Convert Another" for the next one. Batch conversion is planned for a future update.