CompressImg

ICO to PNG Converter

Convert ICO favicon to PNG instantly — extract icon image with transparency, free, 100% in your browser

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ICO — max 20MB

⚡ Converts in seconds·🔒 Files never leave your device·✓ Free, no sign-up

What Is an ICO File?

ICO (Icon) is a file format used by Windows for application icons and website favicons. An ICO file can contain multiple sizes of the same image in a single file — typically 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 64×64, 128×128, and 256×256 pixels. This allows the operating system to select the best size for the current context (taskbar, desktop, file explorer).

On the web, favicon.ico is the standard filename for website icons displayed in browser tabs and bookmarks. Most websites place a favicon.ico at their root domain for broad browser compatibility.

Why Convert ICO to PNG?

Design tool compatibility

Figma, Canva, Sketch, and most design tools do not import ICO files. Convert to PNG to open the icon in any design application.

Extracting a favicon for editing

When you need to redesign or scale up a website favicon, convert the ICO to PNG to get an editable version.

Presentations and documents

PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Word accept PNG but may not accept ICO files. Convert to PNG for use in presentations.

Web use outside of favicons

ICO is not a valid web image format for <img> tags. Convert to PNG to use the icon image on a webpage, in emails, or in a UI.

Cross-platform compatibility

ICO is a Windows format. macOS and Linux do not natively open ICO files. PNG works on all platforms.

Preserving transparency

ICO supports transparency. Converting to PNG preserves the alpha channel — icon backgrounds stay transparent.

Standard ICO Sizes

SizeWhere it appears
16×16 pxBrowser tab favicon, Windows Explorer small icon
32×32 pxWindows taskbar (standard DPI), browser tab on some browsers
48×48 pxWindows Explorer medium icon
64×64 pxWindows Explorer large icon, high-DPI taskbar
128×128 pxmacOS Dock, Windows 10 Start Menu tiles
256×256 pxWindows Explorer extra-large icon, retina displays

Need the Reverse? PNG to ICO

If you need to create a favicon.ico from a PNG logo or icon, use the PNG to ICO converter. It generates a multi-size ICO file containing 16, 32, 48, 64, 128, and 256px versions from your source PNG — ready to use as a favicon.ico on any website.

Related Tools

  • PNG to ICO — create a multi-size favicon.ico from any PNG
  • Resize image — resize the extracted PNG to a specific dimension
  • PNG to WebP — compress the PNG to smaller WebP after extraction
  • Compress image — reduce file size of the converted PNG

Frequently Asked Questions

What size PNG does the converter extract from the ICO?

The browser renders the ICO file and extracts the size best suited for display. For most ICO files, this is the largest embedded size — typically 256×256 or 128×128 for modern icons, or 32×32 for classic favicons. The result depends on the sizes embedded in your specific ICO file.

Does the conversion preserve transparency?

Yes. ICO files support transparency (alpha channel) and PNG preserves it fully. Transparent areas in the ICO icon remain transparent in the PNG output.

Can I open the PNG in Photoshop or Figma?

Yes. PNG is universally supported in all design tools — Photoshop, Figma, Sketch, Canva, Affinity Photo, GIMP, and all others. Opening the PNG lets you edit the icon, scale it up, or export it to other formats.

Why can I not open my ICO file directly on macOS?

ICO is a Windows format. macOS does not include native support for opening ICO files in Preview. Converting to PNG gives you a file that opens natively on macOS, iOS, and all other platforms.

Can I convert multiple ICO files at once?

This tool converts one file at a time. For batch ICO to PNG conversion, use a desktop application like IcoFX (Windows) or GIMP with a batch export script.

Are my ICO files uploaded to a server?

No. All conversion happens entirely in your browser. Your ICO files are never sent to any server and never leave your device.