PNG to ICO Converter
One PNG in, a multi-size favicon.ico out
Turn any PNG into a Windows- and browser-ready favicon.ico that packs 16×16, 32×32 and 48×48 into a single file — converted entirely in your browser, nothing is ever uploaded.
Drop Your PNG Here
Drag and drop, or click the button to choose a PNG file
Why use this PNG to ICO converter
Everything a real favicon.ico needs — in one fast, private, browser-based tool.
High-Quality Downscaling
Each embedded size is resampled from your source PNG so icons stay sharp at 16, 32 and 48 pixels — no blurry favicons.
Transparency Preserved
Your PNG's alpha channel is kept intact, so the favicon sits cleanly on light or dark browser tabs.
Universal Compatibility
A true multi-resolution .ico works in every browser, on Windows shortcuts and in legacy systems PNG favicons can't reach.
100% In-Browser
Conversion runs on Canvas inside your browser — your image never leaves your device and nothing is uploaded to a server.
Multi-Size in One File
16×16, 32×32 and 48×48 bitmaps are packed into a single favicon.ico, so the browser picks the right size automatically.
Instant & Free
No signup, no watermark, no waiting on a server round-trip — drop a PNG and download your .ico in seconds.
How to convert PNG to ICO in 3 steps
From a single PNG to a ready-to-ship favicon.ico in under a minute.
Upload your PNG
Drag in a square PNG — 256×256 or larger gives the sharpest result when it is downscaled. Nothing is ever uploaded to a server.
Preview the ICO sizes
The tool instantly generates 16×16, 32×32 and 48×48 versions and shows them side by side so you can check the detail.
Download favicon.ico
Click download to get a single multi-resolution favicon.ico, ready to drop into your website root or Windows project.
This converter vs. other ways to make an .ico
Most options either upload your file to a server or need desktop software. Here is how this tool compares.
| Capability | This tool | Upload-based converters | Photoshop / ImageMagick |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% in-browser (zero upload) | |||
| Multi-size .ico (16/32/48 in one file) | |||
| Transparency preserved | |||
| No software to install | |||
| Instant, no server round-trip | |||
| Free, no signup or watermark | |||
| Files never leave your device |
✓ Supported · ~ Partial / extra setup · ✗ Not available
Competitor capabilities reflect typical offerings; individual products and versions vary over time.
Want the full favicon picture? Read the guide: Favicon optimization across browsers
What sizes go inside a favicon.ico
An .ico is a container — it holds several bitmaps so the browser can pick the right one for each context.
Unlike a single PNG, the ICO format embeds multiple resolutions in one file. This converter packs the three sizes browsers and Windows ask for most, and each is used in a different place.
| Size | Used for | Where it appears |
|---|---|---|
| 16×16 px | Default favicon | Browser tabs, the address bar and bookmark lists at standard DPI. |
| 32×32 px | High-DPI & shortcuts | Retina/HiDPI tabs, Windows taskbar pins and desktop shortcuts. |
| 48×48 px | Windows desktop | File Explorer, large-icon views and legacy Windows site shortcuts. |
What's inside your favicon.ico
One file, three bitmaps, full transparency — ready to drop into your site root.
16×16, 32×32, 48×48
Three bitmaps embedded in a single favicon.ico. The browser selects the best match for each tab, bookmark or shortcut automatically.
Alpha transparency
The PNG's transparent areas are preserved in every embedded size, so the icon blends into light and dark browser chrome.
favicon.ico filename
Downloaded with the conventional name browsers probe for by default — placing it at your domain root is often all you need.
How to reference it in HTML
Drop favicon.ico at your site root, then add this inside the page head for explicit control:
<link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" sizes="any" />
<link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico" />PNG to ICO — frequently asked questions
ICO format, favicon sizes, transparency and browser support — answered.
Why convert PNG to ICO?
ICO is the long-standing favicon format and can hold several sizes in one file, so your icon stays crisp in tabs, bookmarks and Windows shortcuts. It also keeps working in older browsers and systems that don't reliably support PNG favicons.
What PNG size works best for conversion?
Start with a square PNG of at least 48×48 pixels; 256×256 or larger is ideal. Larger sources downscale to sharper 16, 32 and 48 pixel icons than tiny images blown up.
Can I convert a transparent PNG to ICO?
Yes. The converter preserves your PNG's alpha channel in every embedded size, producing a favicon.ico with a transparent background that looks clean on any tab color.
How many sizes are inside the ICO file?
Each generated favicon.ico embeds 16×16, 32×32 and 48×48 bitmaps — the sizes browsers and Windows request most often — so a single file covers standard favicon needs.
Is my image uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser using the Canvas API. Your PNG never leaves your device, which makes the tool both private and fast.
Is PNG or ICO better for favicons?
ICO has the widest compatibility — including older browsers and Windows — and bundles multiple sizes in one file. PNG favicons are simpler but need separate sizes and aren't recognized everywhere. For maximum reach, ship favicon.ico.
Want to go deeper?
Favicon Optimization Across Different Browsers