ICO to PNG: Convert a Favicon Into a Normal Image

ICO files are common for Windows icons and favicons, but they are awkward to use in most design tools and web workflows. Converting ICO to PNG gives you a normal image file you can edit, share, and reuse.

Use: ICO to PNG.

When converting ICO to PNG makes sense

ICO is a container format that was designed around Windows icon workflows. PNG is the more flexible “everywhere” format.

Convert ICO to PNG when:

• You want to edit an icon in a design tool that doesn’t handle .ico well
• You need to share an icon in Slack/email without people asking “what is this file?”
• You want to reuse the artwork in a website, slide deck, or document
• You are doing a favicon refresh and want a clean source image first

If your end goal is still a favicon, you can always go back the other direction afterwards:

• PNG to ICO

What makes ICO different?

An ICO can contain multiple sizes inside one file (16x16, 32x32, 48x48, and more). When you convert to PNG, you get a single image output.

If you need a specific size, you can resize after converting. The key idea is: start from the largest clean version you can get, then scale down, not up.

Why scaling direction matters

Upscaling a tiny 16x16 icon to a big PNG will look blurry because there simply aren’t enough pixels. If your ICO includes multiple sizes, convert it and check whether the result looks like a “real” resolution or a tiny one stretched larger.

How to convert ICO to PNG (private)

1. Open: ICO to PNG
2. Drop the .ico file.
3. Convert and download.

Tips for better results

• Check transparency: PNG supports transparency, so if your icon has a transparent background, PNG is a great output.
• Preview on light and dark backgrounds: This helps you spot edge halos that are easy to miss.
• Avoid aggressive sharpening: If you plan to resize after converting, do the resizing first, then apply any sharpening in your editor.

Related conversions

• Making a favicon: PNG to ICO
• Web optimization: PNG to WebP

Related reading

• Making a favicon from a clean source: PNG to ICO: make a favicon
• Choosing formats for web graphics: PNG vs WebP

FAQ

• Will I lose quality converting ICO to PNG? PNG is lossless. The main “quality limit” is whatever resolution exists inside the ICO. If the ICO only contains small sizes, the PNG will reflect that.
• Can ICO contain multiple images? Yes. That’s common. After converting, if you need a different size, resize the PNG or try a different source icon.
• Is this safe for private icons (company logos, internal assets)? Yes. QuickImager converts locally in your browser. Your file is not uploaded.

Convert now: ICO to PNG.