Can I convert an animated GIF into an animated ICO file?

No, ICO files only support static images so only a single frame from the GIF can be converted.

What sizes does the ICO file contain after conversion?

Typically, the ICO file contains multiple sizes such as 16×16, 32×32, and 64×64 to support different uses.

Will my GIF’s transparency be preserved in the ICO?

Transparency may differ because GIF uses binary transparency while ICO supports varying alpha methods, which may affect appearance.

Convert Your GIF Image to ICO Format Easily

Learn how to convert your GIF images into ICO files for use as favicon, Windows application icons, and more with this simple online converter.

Upload Your File | Maximum Size Upto 25MB

Quick Access To 13 GIF File Conversion Pairs

What Is This Tool?

This tool allows you to convert GIF images, which are bitmap graphics with limited colors and optional animation, into ICO files. ICO files serve as containers for multiple small images at various resolutions and color depths, commonly used for Windows icons, favicons, and application resources.

How to Use This Tool?

Upload your GIF image file to the converter
Select desired output as ICO format
Choose or confirm icon sizes if options are available
Start the conversion process by clicking the convert button
Download the resulting ICO file for use as an icon or favicon

Key Features

Convert GIF images into ICO icon files supporting multiple sizes and color depths
Generate static icons suitable for Windows applications, favicons, and installers
Create ICO files containing PNG-compressed or bitmap images for wide compatibility
Easy to use online interface requiring just upload and conversion steps
Supports extracting a single frame from animated GIFs to produce static ICO entries

Examples

Convert a GIF logo to an ICO containing 16×16, 32×32, and 64×64 PNG images for website favicons
Create a multi-resolution ICO from a static GIF graphic for Windows application or installer icons
Extract a single frame from an animated GIF and package it as a static ICO icon file

Common Use Cases

Generating favicons from GIF logos for browser tabs and bookmarks
Producing Windows executable icons for taskbar, Start menu, and desktop shortcuts
Creating toolbar and system tray icons that require multiple resolutions and color depths

Tips & Best Practices

Select a static frame from your animated GIF to use in the ICO since animation is not supported
Use simple graphics or logos with limited colors to avoid quality loss during conversion
Check the resulting ICO in different browsers and Windows versions for compatibility
When possible, choose PNG-compressed ICO entries to maintain image quality
Avoid using photographic GIFs as source files due to color and transparency limitations

Limitations

Only one frame from an animated GIF can be converted; animation cannot be preserved
GIF's 256-color palette may cause color reduction or banding in ICO files with higher color depth
Transparency handling differs between GIF and ICO formats, potentially affecting icon appearance
ICO files are designed for small images (up to 256×256 pixels), not large or photographic images
Some tools vary in handling PNG-compressed ICO entries, leading to inconsistent interoperability

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert an animated GIF into an animated ICO file?: No, ICO files only support static images so only a single frame from the GIF can be converted.
What sizes does the ICO file contain after conversion?: Typically, the ICO file contains multiple sizes such as 16×16, 32×32, and 64×64 to support different uses.
Will my GIF’s transparency be preserved in the ICO?: Transparency may differ because GIF uses binary transparency while ICO supports varying alpha methods, which may affect appearance.

Key Terminology

GIF: A bitmap image format using 256-color indexed palette and lossless LZW compression, supporting simple animations.
ICO: A Windows icon file format containing multiple images at different sizes and color depths for use as icons.
PNG Compression: A lossless image compression method supported within ICO entries to maintain image quality.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is a key limitation when converting animated GIFs to ICO?

All animation frames are preserved

Only a single static frame can be used

The ICO file supports GIF animations natively

What type of images does ICO primarily support?

Large photographic images over 1000x1000 pixels

Small images with multiple resolutions and color depths

Animated vector images

Why might color banding occur when converting GIF to ICO?

Because ICO cannot store colors

Due to GIF’s limited 256-color palette when creating higher-color ICO entries

Because ICO files only accept black and white images