How to convert ICO to WebP
- Click Choose files or drop your ICO images into the box above — up to 10 at a time on the free plan.
- Optionally set the quality, or switch on lossless mode.
- Conversion starts right away. Download each WebP file, or click Download all to get them as one ZIP.
ICO vs WebP
| ICO | WebP | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy or lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | No | Yes |
| Colors | Several sizes (16×16 to 256×256) in one file, full alpha | 8 bits per channel, full alpha |
| File size (photos) | Small | Very small |
| Opens on | Windows, every browser (as a favicon) | All modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari 14+); some older apps and editors cannot open it |
| Best for | Website favicons and Windows application or shortcut icons | Images on websites, where smaller files mean faster pages |
About ICO and WebP
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
What is WebP?
WebP was created by Google to make web pages load faster. Lossy WebP is typically 25–35% smaller than a JPG of similar quality, and lossless WebP is about a quarter smaller than PNG. It also supports transparency and animation. Many websites now serve WebP automatically, which is why images you download often end up as .webp files that older software refuses to open.
- Much smaller than JPG and PNG
- Transparency and animation
- Lossy and lossless modes
- Not accepted by some upload forms, print shops and older apps
- Windows Photo Viewer and older Photoshop versions cannot open it
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 ICO to WebP reduce quality?
WebP uses lossy compression, but at the default quality of 90% the difference is practically invisible. Move the quality slider down for smaller files, or up to 100% for the best possible result.
Is transparency kept?
Yes. Transparent and semi-transparent areas are kept as they are.
Will the WebP file be smaller than the ICO?
Usually yes — WebP compresses photos more efficiently than ICO. The exact saving depends on the image and the quality you choose.
Can I convert several ICO 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.