Why convert ICO to PNG
ICO files are built for Windows and browser tabs, but most image editors, design tools, documents and websites work with PNG. Converting gives you an ordinary image you can edit, resize, place in a design or upload anywhere, with the same transparent background.
Typical uses:
- reusing a program or folder icon in documentation or a presentation
- editing an existing favicon to create a new version
- converting icons from an old icon pack into a modern format
- getting a logo from a favicon you created earlier but lost the original of
How to use it
Choose your ICO or CUR files or drop them on the box above. The first time, the page loads ImageMagick (about 15 MB). Each icon is then converted on your device with a download button.
What’s inside an ICO file
An ICO file can contain several images, typically 16, 32, 48 and 256 pixels. Older icons stop at 32 or 48 pixels, so they can look blocky when enlarged. For a sharp, large version, the best source is always the original logo file rather than an icon.
What you get
- The largest image stored in the icon
- Transparency exactly as in the icon
- Full colour, even from older 256-colour icons
Going the other way
To create an icon or favicon from a PNG, use PNG to ICO, which builds one ICO containing six sizes from 16 to 256 pixels.
Privacy
Icons are converted in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
Recovering your own favicon
If you’ve lost the original logo file for a website’s favicon, the favicon.ico on your live site often contains a 48 or 256 pixel version. Converting it gives you a usable PNG while you track down or redraw the original artwork.
Questions
My ICO has several sizes. Which one do I get?
You get the largest size stored in the icon, so the PNG is as sharp as possible. If you need a particular smaller size, resize the PNG afterwards with the image resizer.
Is transparency kept?
Yes. Icons almost always have transparent backgrounds, and the PNG keeps them exactly.
Can I convert Windows cursor (.cur) files?
Yes. CUR files use the same structure as ICO, so they convert the same way.
How do I get a website's favicon?
Most sites have it at their root address, such as example.com/favicon.ico. Download it, then convert it here. Only reuse icons you have permission to use.
Last reviewed 1 November 2026