What happens when you convert ICO to GIF
| Compression | Lossless → Lossless |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Kept |
| Colours | Reduced to a 256-colour palette |
| Metadata | EXIF, GPS location and camera data are not copied to the new file |
| Opens in | every browser, chat app and email client |
Sizes are typical values; your files will vary with content and settings.
ICO 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 converterGIF 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 converterHow to use the ICO to GIF Converter
- 1
Click Choose files or drop your ICO images onto the page.
- 2
Adjust the GIF options if needed. The defaults work well for most images.
- 3
Click Convert, then download each GIF or all of them as a ZIP.
Why convert ICO to GIF?
ICO files are Windows icons and website favicons, and one file often holds several sizes. Icons are limited to 256×256 pixels and must be square. Choose GIF when the result has to loop in a chat app, forum or email client without a video player.
ICO to GIF settings
GIF output is limited to 256 colours, which is ideal for simple graphics but can show banding in photos. You can also cap the width and height, which resizes large photos in the same step.
Frequently asked questions
Will the GIF lose quality?
No. Both formats are lossless, so every pixel or sample in your ICO is kept exactly.
Is transparency kept when converting ICO to GIF?
Yes. GIF supports transparency, so transparent areas in your ICO stay transparent.
Questions about privacy, file-size limits or conversion speed are answered in the general FAQ.