Convert GIF to ICO
Free, fast and secure — convert GIF to ICO right in your browser.
Convert GIF to ICO for wider compatibility
Converting GIF to ICO gives you a more widely supported file that opens cleanly across more devices, apps and platforms — handy when GIF will not play nicely everywhere.
How to convert GIF to ICO
- 1 Drop your GIF file into the converter above.
- 2 It is converted to ICO automatically — no settings to fiddle with.
- 3 Download your new ICO file instantly.
GIF vs ICO
| Feature | GIF | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | No |
| Type | Raster | Raster |
| MIME type | image/gif | image/x-icon |
| Best for | Short looping animations, memes and simple flat graphics shared across the web. | Website favicons and Windows app icons — usually made from a PNG or SVG. |
About the formats
GIF image
GIF is a classic format limited to 256 colours but able to hold short looping animations. It remains the lingua franca of reaction clips and simple web animations.
Strengths
- Universally supported animation
- Tiny files for simple graphics
- Supports basic transparency
Limitations
- Only 256 colours — poor for photos
- Large files for longer animations
- No partial transparency or sound
Best for: Short looping animations, memes and simple flat graphics shared across the web.
Icon (ICO)
ICO is the Windows icon format, used for app icons and website favicons. A single ICO file can bundle several sizes so the right one is shown at each scale.
Strengths
- The standard for website favicons
- Bundles multiple sizes in one file
- Supports transparency
Limitations
- Tiny dimensions only
- Not for general photos
- Limited editor support
Best for: Website favicons and Windows app icons — usually made from a PNG or SVG.