What happens when you convert GIF to ICO
| Compression | Lossless → Lossless |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Kept |
| Animation | First frame only |
| Sizes | 16, 32 and 48 px by default, up to 256 px, in one .ico file |
| Metadata | EXIF, GPS location and camera data are not copied to the new file |
| Opens in | Windows and every browser (as a favicon) |
Sizes are typical values; your files will vary with content and settings.
GIF Graphics Interchange Format
GIF is a 1987 format limited to a 256-colour palette per frame. It survives because it animates everywhere: chat apps, email clients and forums all play GIFs without a video player.
GIF converterICO Windows Icon
ICO is a container that holds one or more square icon images at different sizes. Browsers use it for favicon.ico and Windows uses it for application and shortcut icons.
ICO converterHow to use the GIF to ICO Converter
- 1
Click Choose files or drop your GIF images onto the page.
- 2
Adjust the ICO options if needed. The defaults work well for most images.
- 3
Click Convert, then download each ICO or all of them as a ZIP.
Why convert GIF to ICO?
GIFs come from chat apps, meme sites and screen-capture tools, and many of them are animated. The 256-colour palette causes banding in photos, and animated GIFs are far larger than video. Choose ICO for a website favicon or a Windows shortcut icon.
GIF to ICO settings
Choose which icon sizes to embed. Non-square images are centred on a transparent square canvas. Animated GIF files are converted using their first frame. You can also cap the width and height, which resizes large photos in the same step.
Frequently asked questions
Will the ICO lose quality?
No. Both formats are lossless, so every pixel or sample in your GIF is kept exactly.
Is transparency kept when converting GIF to ICO?
Yes. ICO supports transparency, so transparent areas in your GIF stay transparent.
Questions about privacy, file-size limits or conversion speed are answered in the general FAQ.