Free GIF to ICO converter online
Need a ICO instead of a GIF? This free converter turns GIF files into ICO images right in your browser. Add as many files as you like, adjust the settings and download the results individually or together as a ZIP.
GIF is one of the oldest image formats still in use. It is limited to 256 colours, so photos look grainy, and transparency is all-or-nothing. It survives because it supports animation everywhere. When you convert a GIF to a still format, FileStripe uses the first frame.
ICO is the Windows icon format and the classic format for website favicons. A single .ico file can hold several sizes (16x16, 32x32, 48x48 up to 256x256) so the operating system or browser can pick the sharpest one.
About GIF and ICO files
New to these formats? These pages explain what each one is for and how to open it on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android.
Why convert GIF to ICO?
- ICO files are needed for website favicons and Windows shortcuts. FileStripe packs several sizes (16 to 256 px) into one icon.
How to convert GIF to ICO
- Click the upload box or drag and drop your GIF files (you can select several at once).
- Conversion to ICO starts automatically. Change the icon sizes if you like.
- Download each ICO file or click 'Download all' for a ZIP.
Features
- Batch conversionConvert hundreds of GIF files at once.
- No uploadFiles never leave your device, so it is fast and private.
- Strips metadataThe ICO files contain no EXIF or GPS data.
- Any deviceWorks on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Chromebook.
GIF vs ICO: what's the difference?
| Feature | GIF | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Graphics Interchange Format | Windows Icon |
| Released | 1987 | 1985 |
| Compression | Lossless (256 colours max) | PNG or BMP inside |
| Transparency | 1-bit (on/off) | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | No |
| Typical file size | Medium | Small |
| Best for | simple animations and reaction images | website favicons and Windows application icons |
| Compatibility | Universal | All browsers (favicon) and Windows |
| File extensions | .gif | .ico |
| MIME type | image/gif | image/x-icon |
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert GIF to ICO?
Open this page, add your GIF files, and FileStripe converts them to ICO in your browser. Then download the files one by one or as a ZIP. It takes a few seconds and you don't need to install anything.
Will converting GIF to ICO reduce quality?
No further quality is lost. ICO is lossless, so the ICO file looks exactly like the decoded GIF.
Can I convert multiple GIF files to ICO at once?
Yes. Select or drop as many GIF files as you like; there is no limit on the number or size of files.
What happens to animated GIFs?
The first frame of the animation is converted.
Is the GIF to ICO free?
Yes. The GIF to ICO is completely free with no sign-up, no watermarks, no daily limits and no premium tier.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. FileStripe processes your files locally in your web browser using JavaScript. Nothing is uploaded, so the GIF to ICO is safe for private photos and confidential documents and even works offline once the page has loaded.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. The GIF to ICO works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Samsung Internet on phones, tablets and computers. On a phone you can pick files from your photo library or files app and share the result straight to another app.
Last updated · Processing happens locally in your browser.