PNG to ICO Converter
You have a logo or artwork as a PNG and you need an ICO file, most often for a website favicon or a Windows shortcut. This converter packs several sizes into one ICO file, keeps transparent backgrounds, and runs entirely in your browser. A square source with a simple shape gives the cleanest icon.
Embed this tool on your websiteShow code
Free to use on any site. Paste the code where you want the tool to appear. It runs inside the page; visitors' files are processed in their own browser and are not uploaded.
WordPress and most site builders have a "Custom HTML" block where this code can be pasted. The embed keeps a small link back to CalcMaster.
How to convert PNG to ICO
- Add your PNG files by dropping them, clicking the drop zone or pasting.
- The output format is already set to ICO. Adjust quality or size if you need to.
- Press Convert and compare the original and new size for each file.
- Download each file or all of them as a ZIP.
When to convert, and when not to
- You are creating a favicon.ico for a website.
- Windows or a program expects the .ico format for shortcuts or app icons.
- Your artwork has a transparent background you want to preserve.
- A modern site may also want separate PNG sizes, which you can make with the PNG converter.
What changes
- One image per ticked size is stored in the ICO, anywhere from 16 to 256 pixels. The default is 16, 32 and 48.
- Each image inside is PNG-compressed, so transparency is kept.
- The artwork is fitted inside a square without stretching.
- Fine detail is reduced at small sizes because there are fewer pixels to show it.
- Metadata is not kept.
Start from a square source
Icons are square. This converter does not crop; it scales your picture to fit inside the square and leaves transparent space on the remaining sides. A source that is already square fills the frame properly. If your logo is wide, add padding or redesign a compact mark first, because a wide wordmark becomes unreadable at sixteen pixels.
Aim for a large, simple shape with strong contrast. Thin lines and small text disappear when scaled down.
Choosing sizes for a favicon
Browsers show the smallest sizes in tabs and bookmarks, while larger sizes serve shortcuts and high-density screens. The default selection of 16, 32 and 48 pixels covers common favicon use. Add 64, 128 or 256 if the icon will appear on desktops or in app lists.
After downloading, place the ICO where your site or program expects it and check it in a real browser tab. Browsers often cache favicons, so you may need to clear the cache to see a new one.
Transparency and dark backgrounds
Because the ICO keeps the alpha channel, your icon will sit on whatever colour the tab or taskbar uses. Test it on both light and dark themes. A dark logo with no outline can vanish on a dark tab, and in that case a lighter version of the mark or a thin edge may help.
A short checklist for a clean favicon
Use a square PNG with a transparent background and a bold, simple mark. Tick 16, 32 and 48 pixels, then 64 or larger if needed. Convert, download, and test in a browser tab on both light and dark themes.
If the icon looks off, check three things: that the source was square, that the mark is big enough in the frame, and that the colours contrast with both tab backgrounds. Fix the artwork, not the converter settings, because the settings only change the sizes included.
If you also need the artwork for a web manifest or app store, remember that those ask for separate PNG files at specific sizes. This page produces the classic multi-size ICO only. Keep your square master PNG, use the PNG resize options for any other sizes, and place each file where the platform you are targeting expects it.
Privacy: your files stay on your device
- The tool decodes, resizes and encodes your pictures with your browser. The files are never sent to a server.
- To check it yourself: open the browser developer tools (F12), open the Network tab, convert a file, and look for any request that carries your image. You will see none.
Frequently asked questions
Which sizes should I include?
The default 16, 32 and 48 pixels work for most favicons. Add larger ones for desktop use.
Will my transparent background stay?
Yes. Transparency is kept inside the ICO.
Does it crop my image?
No. It fits the whole image inside a square.
Can I use one ICO for my whole site?
Yes, for the standard favicon. Some sites add PNG icons too.
Is the file uploaded?
No. The ICO is built in your browser.
Can I include sizes bigger than 256 pixels?
No. The ICO format used here holds sizes up to 256 pixels.
Why does my favicon not change in the browser?
Browsers cache favicons aggressively. After replacing the file, reload the page with a cache refresh or open the site in a private window to see the new icon.