Convert GIF to ICO
Free GIF to ICO converter. Keeps transparency. No signup, and your files are deleted after 1 hour.
Image Converter
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Maximum file size: 100 MB per file
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How to convert GIF to ICO
Quick answer: To convert GIF to ICO: upload your GIF file, choose ICO as the output format, click Convert and download the result. It takes a few seconds, needs no account, and your files are deleted from the server after 1 hour.
- Upload your GIF file by clicking the upload area, dragging it in, or pasting an image URL.
- Select ICO as the output format.
- Click Convert and wait a few seconds.
- Download your ICO file, or download several files at once as a ZIP.
What changes when you convert GIF to ICO
- Both formats support transparency, so see-through areas stay transparent.
- ICO stores a single image, so an animated GIF keeps only its first frame.
- Neither format throws away detail in this conversion, so the pixels are preserved.
- Photos usually get smaller when saved as ICO.
- The icon file contains several sizes (from 16 to 256 px) so it works as a favicon and as a Windows icon.
GIF vs ICO at a glance
| Feature | GIF | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) | ICO (Windows Icon) |
| Introduced | 1987 | 1985 |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | No |
| Best for | Short looping animations, memes and very simple graphics | Website favicons and Windows app icons |
| Compatibility | Opens in every browser, phone, computer and app. | Used for favicons and Windows icons; most photo viewers do not open it. |
When to choose ICO instead of GIF
Choose ICO for website favicons and Windows app icons. Its main limit: it only suits small icon sizes.
Stay with GIF if you need short looping animations, memes and very simple graphics.
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GIF to ICO FAQ
How do I convert GIF to ICO?
Upload your GIF file, select ICO as the output format and click Convert. When it finishes, download the ICO file. No software or account is needed, and your files are deleted after 1 hour.
Does converting GIF to ICO reduce quality?
No. Both formats keep the full pixel data, so the converted image looks identical.
Is transparency kept when converting GIF to ICO?
Yes. Both GIF and ICO support transparency, so see-through areas are preserved.
Can I convert an animated GIF to ICO?
ICO holds a single image, so only the first frame of an animated GIF is saved.
Will the ICO file be smaller than the GIF?
For photos, usually yes. ICO compresses images more efficiently than GIF.
Where can I open a ICO file?
Used for favicons and Windows icons; most photo viewers do not open it.
Is it free and safe to convert GIF to ICO here?
Yes. It is free for up to 20 files per day and 100 MB per file, with no sign-up. Files are processed on our server, never shared, and deleted automatically after 1 hour.
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