Why do I still need ICO?

ICO remains the most compatible favicon format and can embed multiple bitmap sizes in a single file, which helps Windows and legacy browsers.

What sizes should my ICO include?

Include 16, 32, 48, 64, 128 and 256 px to cover classic, Hi‑DPI and Windows scenarios.

Does IcoSmith upload my images?

No. Processing happens locally in your browser; files are not uploaded to our servers.

Should I use transparent background?

Yes in most cases. Use a solid color only for specific legacy UIs that require it.

How do I add the favicon to my site?

Export the favicon package and include the generated HTML tags (ICO + PNG + manifest) in your .

PNG to ICO – complete guide

Author: IcoSmith • Updated: Sep 28, 2025

Favicons still rely on the ICO format for universal compatibility. This guide walks you through converting a PNG into a crisp multi‑size ICO, explains the ideal sizes, and shows how to ship a production‑ready setup in minutes.

Try it now: Open IcoSmith, drop your PNG, pick sizes 16, 32, 48, 64, 128, 256, and export. You can download either the ICO file or the full favicon package with all tags.

Why ICO is still needed

ICO can embed multiple bitmap sizes in one file. Windows and many legacy contexts prefer ICO, and some tooling still looks specifically for favicon.ico at the site root. Shipping an ICO ensures your brand mark appears correctly everywhere.

Recommended sizes

16×16 and 32×32: classic tab icons.
48×48 and 64×64: Hi‑DPI desktop.
128×128 and 256×256: Windows and large contexts.

Start from a square source of at least 512×512. If your logo has very thin strokes, enable the “sharp small icons” profile in IcoSmith for better 16px clarity.

Step‑by‑step

Open IcoSmith and drag your PNG (or click to choose).
Select the sizes listed above. Keep transparent background unless you need a solid color.
Preview the 16–32 px results; adjust the “sharp/smooth” profile if needed.
Export the ICO, or click favicon package to get HTML tags, PNG fallbacks, mask icon and manifest.

Add it to your site

Place favicon.ico at the root and add the tags from the package in your <head>. We also recommend a 180×180 Apple Touch PNG and a mask icon SVG. See favicon sizes and best practices.

Troubleshooting

Looks blurry at 16px: re‑export with the “sharp small icons” profile or simplify the logo.
Wrong color background: ensure the PNG has transparency; avoid flattening on export.
Browser still shows the old icon: hard refresh or bump the file name with a query string to bust cache.

Ready? Generate your favicon now. You can also explore PNG → ICO, JPG → ICO and SVG → ICO tools.