How to convert PNG to ICO
- Click Choose files or drop your PNG 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.
PNG vs ICO
| PNG | ICO | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | No | No |
| Colors | Up to 16 bits per channel, full alpha | Several sizes (16×16 to 256×256) in one file, full alpha |
| File size (photos) | Large for photos, small for graphics | Small |
| Opens on | Every browser, phone and computer | Windows, every browser (as a favicon) |
| Best for | Screenshots, logos, graphics with text and anything that needs a transparent background | Website favicons and Windows application or shortcut icons |
About PNG and ICO
What is PNG?
PNG keeps every pixel exactly as it is (lossless compression) and supports smooth, partial transparency. That makes it ideal for screenshots, logos, UI graphics and images with text, but photos saved as PNG are usually 5–10 times bigger than the same photo as JPG.
- Lossless: no quality loss, ever
- Full transparency (alpha channel)
- Crisp text and sharp edges
- Photos are very large
- No animation (except the rarely used APNG variant)
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 PNG to ICO reduce quality?
No. ICO is lossless, so the result looks exactly like your PNG.
Is transparency kept?
Yes. Transparent and semi-transparent areas are kept as they are.
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 PNG 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.