File Utils

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How to create ICO favicons and app icons from images

Learn how to build multi-resolution .ico files from PNG or other images for browser tabs, Windows shortcuts, and legacy tooling, using client-side conversion only.

What is an ICO file?

ICO is the classic format for favicon.ico in browser tabs and bookmarks, and it is still used for some Windows icons. A single .ico can embed multiple sizes (for example 16×16, 32×32, 48×48) so the OS or browser can pick the best one.

When to use this tool

  • You have a square PNG (or another raster image) and need a favicon for your site.
  • You need a .ico for desktop shortcuts or legacy apps that do not accept PNG alone.
  • You want a quick conversion without installing desktop software.

How to use Image to ICO

  1. Go to Image to ICO.
  2. Upload your source image. PNG with transparency often works best for crisp edges on dark and light browser chrome.
  3. If the tool offers size presets, enable the sizes you need. For modern sites you may still ship favicon.ico alongside PNG/WebP icons in HTML.
  4. Process the queue and download the .ico file.
  5. Deploy the file at your site root (e.g. /favicon.ico) or reference it from your HTML <link rel="icon"> tags per your framework’s docs.

Design tips

  • Start from at least 256×256 source art when possible so downsizes stay sharp.
  • Keep important marks inside the safe area; extreme corners may be clipped at 16×16.
  • Simple shapes read better than fine typography at tiny sizes.

Related

  • PNG conversion if you need lossless assets before composing an icon set.