How to convert GIF to ICO
- Click Choose files or drop your GIF images into the box above — up to 10 at a time on the free plan.
- Optionally choose which icon sizes to include, from 16×16 up to 256×256 pixels.
- Conversion starts right away. Download each ICO file, or click Download all to get them as one ZIP.
GIF vs ICO
| GIF | ICO | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
| Transparency | On/off only | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | No |
| Colors | Maximum 256 colors per frame, on/off transparency | Several sizes (16×16 to 256×256) in one file, full alpha |
| File size (photos) | Large for photos and video clips | Small |
| Opens on | Every browser, messenger and social network | Windows, every browser (as a favicon) |
| Best for | Short looping animations, reactions and simple graphics | Website favicons and Windows application or shortcut icons |
About GIF and ICO
What is GIF?
GIF is the original animated image format of the web. Each frame can use at most 256 colors and a pixel is either fully transparent or fully opaque, so photos look grainy and animated GIFs are much larger than the same clip as MP4. It is still everywhere because every app can play it without a video player.
- Animation that plays anywhere, no player needed
- Supported by every messenger and social network
- Only 256 colors
- Huge files compared with MP4 or WebP
- No partial transparency
What is ICO?
An ICO file bundles several square versions of the same icon — typically 16×16, 32×32 and 48×48 pixels, up to 256×256 — so Windows and browsers can pick the sharpest one for each place it is shown. It is still the most compatible format for a website favicon.
- Several sizes in one file
- Works as a favicon in every browser
- Transparency
- Only square images up to 256×256
- Not useful outside icons
Why GlideConvert?
- Private by design. Your files are converted on your own device by your browser — they are never uploaded to a server. That keeps them private, avoids upload waits and means there is no queue.
- Fast. Images convert in a fraction of a second; video uses your device’s hardware encoder.
- Free. No sign-up, no watermark. 10 images, 5 audio files or one video at a time — Pro lifts the limits and removes ads.
Frequently asked questions
Will converting GIF to ICO reduce quality?
No. ICO is lossless, so the result looks exactly like your GIF.
Is transparency kept?
Yes. Transparent and semi-transparent areas are kept as they are.
What happens to animated GIFs?
Only the first frame is converted, because ICO images cannot hold animation. To keep the animation, use GIF to MP4 or GIF to WebP.
Which sizes should a favicon ICO contain?
A website favicon usually contains 16×16, 32×32 and 48×48 pixel images; Windows app and shortcut icons also use 256×256. All of these are selected by default. For a complete favicon set (PNG, Apple touch icon and manifest) use the Favicon generator.
Can I convert several GIF images at once?
Yes. The free plan handles 10 images at a time, and you can download everything as a single ZIP. Pro removes the batch limit, converts files in parallel and supports files up to 4 GB.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. GlideConvert runs entirely in your browser: images are processed with the browser’s built-in codecs and WebAssembly, video and audio with hardware-accelerated WebCodecs (or a WebAssembly build of FFmpeg for older formats). Nothing is sent anywhere — you can even disconnect from the internet once the page has loaded.
Does it work on iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows?
Yes. It works in any up-to-date browser — Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox or Samsung Internet — on phones, tablets and computers, with nothing to install. On phones, extremely large images may be scaled down to fit within the browser’s memory limit; you will see a note if that happens.