Multiple source images
Only one image is decoded; a concatenated image sequence is not exported as a complete set.
Convert PAM to ICO
- In your browser
- No upload
- Private by design
What happens when you convert PAM 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.
PAM
Source
PAM
Portable Arbitrary Map
Compression: UncompressedTransparency: YesMetadata: Header, Comments
Portable Arbitrary Map: simple uncompressed raster samples for image-processing pipelines.
Explore PAM 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 PAM → ICO right for you?
Good choice when
- ICO fits your delivery use: Application icons & favicons.
- You can choose the source image or part needed for delivery.
- You need an icon resource for a compatible application.
- You need a transparency-capable destination and will check its supported variant.
Probably not when
- You require a complete collection, page set or multipart round trip.
- 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.
PAM to ICO conversion details
- Multiple source images
- Only one image is decoded; a concatenated image sequence is not exported as a complete set.
- 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
- PAM: Uncompressed → ICO: Depends on variant PAM: Netpbm stores these samples without compression. Reducing colour, thresholding or changing maxval can still lose information before storage; text and binary representations change the layout, not its image meaning. 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.
- Colour depth
- PAM: maxval up to 65535
- 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 every source image be exported?
Only one image is decoded; a concatenated image sequence is not exported as a complete set.
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.