Animation becomes a still
Still image output. Animated files use only the first frame; animation is not preserved.
Convert GIF to ICO
- In your browser
- No upload
- Private by design
What happens when you convert GIF to ICO?
Icon packaging
Creates one square icon. The image is fitted inside it without stretching.
Encoding mode
ICO compression depends on the embedded image payload. Multiple sizes are alternatives, not animation frames; transparency handling differs between old masks and alpha-capable images. The output uses the implemented still-image encoder; file size depends on the pixels and format.
GIF
Source
GIF
Graphics Interchange Format
Compression: LosslessTransparency: YesMetadata: Comments, Application extensions
Indexed-colour images and simple frame animation. GIF uses LZW compression and palette-index transparency.
Explore GIF format →ICO
Target
ICO
Windows Icon
Compression: Depends on variantTransparency: YesMetadata: Image dimensions, Colour depth
An icon resource containing several raster sizes and colour depths, with masks or alpha for transparency.
Explore ICO format →Is GIF → ICO right for you?
Good choice when
- ICO fits your delivery use: Application icons & favicons.
- You want a still illustration from an animated source.
- You need an icon resource for a compatible application.
- You need a transparency-capable destination and will check its supported variant.
Probably not when
- Motion, frame timing or loop behaviour must survive.
- You need automatic icon design or guaranteed multi-size packaging.
- You assume format-level alpha support guarantees matching transparent edges.
- You need a guaranteed output file size or archival pixel equality. Encoder settings do not guarantee either.
GIF to ICO conversion details
- Animation becomes a still
- Still image output. Animated files use only the first frame; animation is not preserved.
- Icon packaging
- Creates one square icon. The image is fitted inside it without stretching.
- Transparency representation
- The implemented target supports alpha. Display-pixel processing can round translucent samples; archival sample equality is not promised.
- Encoding mode
- ICO compression depends on the embedded image payload. Multiple sizes are alternatives, not animation frames; transparency handling differs between old masks and alpha-capable images. The output uses the implemented still-image encoder; file size depends on the pixels and format.
- Sample precision & colour
- Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
- Metadata & colour
- Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
- Compression
- GIF: Lossless → ICO: Depends on variant GIF: LZW compression is lossless for the stored palette indices. Colour reduction before encoding is not lossless for an arbitrary RGB source. ICO: ICO compression depends on the embedded image payload. Multiple sizes are alternatives, not animation frames; transparency handling differs between old masks and alpha-capable images.
- Transparency
- Transparency is replaced with white by default. Change the background in Advanced options.
- Animation
- Still image output. Animated files use only the first frame; animation is not preserved.
- Colour depth
- GIF: Up to 256 colours/table
- Multiple images
- ICO: Alternative icon sizes
- Dimensions
- Creates one square icon. The image is fitted inside it without stretching.
- Metadata
- Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
Common questions
Will the output keep animation?
Still image output. Animated files use only the first frame; animation is not preserved.
Will ICO automatically create all icon sizes?
Creates one square icon. The image is fitted inside it without stretching.
Which compression mode will ICO use?
ICO compression depends on the embedded image payload. Multiple sizes are alternatives, not animation frames; transparency handling differs between old masks and alpha-capable images. The output uses the implemented still-image encoder; file size depends on the pixels and format.
Are bit depth and colour values guaranteed to match?
Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.
Will metadata and colour profiles be retained?
Pixel conversion only. Original EXIF, GPS, XMP and ICC profiles are not copied; processing uses 8-bit display pixels.