Create your favicon instantly

Use the dedicated ICO Maker to convert PNG or JPG images to favicon-ready ICO files. No upload, no login, batch support, and ZIP download.

Convert PNG to ICO →

Quick answer

You can convert PNG to ICO by opening the ICO Maker, adding your PNG image, choosing the ICO size, and downloading the result. The conversion runs locally in your browser, so your image does not need to be uploaded to a server.

For the best favicon result, start with a clean square PNG image, avoid tiny text, and export a common icon size such as 256×256 for modern favicon use.

What is an ICO favicon?

An ICO file is an icon file commonly used as favicon.ico for websites. Browsers can show this small icon in tabs, bookmarks, shortcuts, and other interface areas where your site needs a recognizable visual identity.

Best practice: use a simple square logo or symbol. Favicons are displayed very small, so bold shapes usually work better than detailed illustrations or text.

How to convert PNG to ICO

  1. Open the ICO Maker.
  2. Add your PNG logo or icon image.
  3. Choose the ICO size you need, such as 256, 128, 64, 32, or 16 pixels.
  4. Keep the image square if possible for a cleaner favicon result.
  5. Click Create ICO.
  6. Download the generated .ico file and rename it to favicon.ico if needed.

Best PNG size and ICO size

Recommended sizes for favicon creation
Input or outputUse caseRecommendation
512×512 PNGGeneral source imageA good balance for most favicon and icon workflows.
1024×1024 PNGHigh-quality source logoUseful as a clean master file before exporting smaller icons.
256×256 ICOModern favicon outputA practical default for website favicon creation.
32×32 or 16×16 ICOSmall browser iconsHelpful when you want a very small classic favicon size.
Non-square imageWide or tall logosAdd padding or crop to a square before converting.

When to use PNG to ICO

  • Creating a favicon.ico file for a website.
  • Turning a transparent PNG logo into a browser tab icon.
  • Preparing icons for bookmarks, shortcuts, and older favicon workflows.
  • Batch creating favicon files for several small websites or landing pages.

When not to use ICO

  • Large website images: use WebP, JPG, or PNG instead for photos and content images.
  • Vector logos: keep SVG as the editable master when your logo needs perfect scaling.
  • Print graphics: print workflows usually need formats such as PDF, TIFF, PNG, or JPG.
  • Detailed artwork: very complex images may not look clear at favicon size.

How to add favicon.ico to your website

After converting your PNG to ICO, place the file in your website root folder and add this line inside the <head> section of your HTML:

<link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" sizes="any">

You can also include modern icon files for mobile devices and progressive web apps:

<link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" sizes="any">
<link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/icon-192.png" sizes="192x192">
<link rel="manifest" href="/manifest.webmanifest">
Make a favicon without uploading your logo

The ICO Maker runs in your browser, making it useful for draft logos, brand assets, and private website files.

Try the ICO Maker →

Common mistakes

  • Using a rectangular source: a wide logo may look squeezed or too small. Start with a square image.
  • Adding tiny text: small letters usually become unreadable in a favicon.
  • Using too much detail: simple shapes are easier to recognize at browser-tab size.
  • Forgetting the root path: placing favicon.ico in the root folder makes browser detection easier.

FAQ

Can I convert PNG to ICO for free?

Yes. You can use the free ICO Maker without creating an account or uploading your image to a server.

What should I name the favicon file?

The most common filename is favicon.ico. Place it in the root folder of your website and reference it from your HTML.

Should my favicon have a transparent background?

Usually yes. A transparent PNG source helps the favicon look cleaner across different browser themes and backgrounds.

Can I use JPG instead of PNG?

Yes, the ICO Maker can start from PNG or JPG. PNG is often better for icons because it supports transparency and sharp edges.