PNG to ICO Converter
Convert PNG, JPG, or WebP to a multi-size .ico file — 16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 128, 256 px bundled into one. Modern PNG-embedded format. Runs in your browser.
Drop a PNG / JPG / WebP to convert to .ico
Multi-size favicon · PNG-embedded · never uploaded
How PNG to ICO conversion works
ToolChop renders your source image at each enabled size, encodes each variant as PNG, and packs them into the standard ICO container: a 6-byte ICONDIR header, one 16-byte ICONDIRENTRY per size pointing at the payload offsets, and the PNG bytes concatenated at the end. Windows Vista and later (plus every modern browser) read PNG-embedded ICO natively.
Why a local ICO converter matters
Favicons and Windows icons are almost always built from brand logos, product marks, or proprietary app artwork. Uploading the source image to a third-party converter just to wrap it in a 4 KB ICO container is a needless data path. ToolChop runs the entire pipeline in your browser.
Which sizes to include
- 16×16 — browser tabs, Windows menus, small UI
- 24×24 — slightly larger UI elements (often skipped)
- 32×32 — Windows file lists, classic favicon size
- 48×48 — Windows taskbar, Windows Explorer medium
- 64×64 — additional safety size, modern Mac dock
- 128×128 — Windows desktop large icons
- 256×256 — Windows Explorer "Extra Large Icons" view
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a PNG to .ico online for free?
Drop your PNG (or JPG / WebP). Pick which sizes to bundle into the .ico (16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 128, 256). Click Build .ico. ToolChop renders each size, encodes them as PNG, and packs them into a multi-size .ico that Windows and browsers can read. Click Download. No account, no upload, no daily limit.
Does ToolChop upload my image?
No. The image is decoded, rendered at each requested size, and packed into the ICO format entirely in your browser. Your image never leaves your device.
Why is the privacy story important for an ICO converter?
Favicons and Windows icons are almost always built from brand logos, product marks, or app artwork — proprietary creative assets. Uploading the source image to a third-party converter just to package it into a 4 KB .ico is a needless data path. ToolChop keeps everything local.
What's a multi-size .ico and why do I need it?
An .ico file can contain multiple icon images at different resolutions. Windows uses 16/24/32 for menus and tabs, 48 for the taskbar, 64 for tile-thumbnails, 128 for medium previews, and 256 for the Explorer large-icon view. A multi-size .ico means the OS picks the sharpest variant per context — you don't get a soft 256 px icon scaled down to 16 px in a tab.
What format does ToolChop use inside the .ico?
PNG embedding. ICO supports two payload formats: classic BMP (works on all Windows versions but doesn't compress) and PNG (Windows Vista and later, all modern browsers — smaller files, supports full 8-bit alpha). ToolChop uses PNG, which is the modern industry standard for favicons.
Will my .ico work in older Windows versions?
PNG-embedded .ico is supported by Windows Vista (2007) and later. For XP compatibility specifically, you'd need BMP-encoded .ico — Windows XP can read .ico files but ignores PNG-embedded entries. For all browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) and any post-Vista Windows, PNG-embedded works perfectly.
Why is my icon blurry at 16×16?
Downsampling a high-resolution image to 16×16 inevitably loses detail. For pixel-perfect favicons, design directly at 16×16 in a pixel editor (or use a logo with no thin lines/small details). The browser's bilinear downsampling that ToolChop uses is good — but no algorithm can preserve detail that doesn't fit in 256 pixels.
Should I include all sizes or just one?
Include 16, 32, 48, and 256 at minimum. 16 and 32 cover browser tabs and Windows menus; 48 covers the taskbar; 256 covers Explorer's large-icon view. Including 64 and 128 gives the OS more options and adds only ~10–20 KB. Including 24 is mostly redundant — most apps just use 32.
Will the .ico work as a website favicon?
Yes. Place the file at `/favicon.ico` in your website root. Every browser checks that path automatically. For extra control, also add `<link rel='icon' href='/favicon.ico' />` in your `<head>` — defensive against weird hosting configurations.
What's the difference between this and the Favicon Generator?
PNG to ICO produces a single multi-size .ico file — perfect when you just need favicon.ico. The Favicon Generator produces the full modern favicon set: .ico, apple-touch-icon.png, manifest.json with Android icons, the HTML head tags. Use this tool for the .ico alone; use the Favicon Generator for a complete cross-platform favicon package.
Can I make Windows desktop icons with this?
Yes — the same .ico format is used for Windows desktop shortcuts and folder icons. Right-click your shortcut → Properties → Change Icon → Browse to the .ico you saved. Windows will pick the appropriate size based on your desktop view.
Why use ToolChop instead of an online ICO maker that uploads my image?
Privacy. Favicons are always brand or product artwork — proprietary creative work. Uploading the source image to a third-party converter is a needless data path. ToolChop runs the conversion in your browser. DevTools → Network confirms no request fires.