Compare
ICO vs PNG
ICO is a Windows icon container that can hold multiple image representations at different sizes and color depths. PNG is a general-purpose raster image format with broad support and transparency, but it does not by itself define an icon set for every operating system.
Which format should you choose?
Use ICO when a Windows favicon or application icon workflow requires it; use PNG for general images and platforms that accept PNG icons.
Good fit for ICO
Windows and file icons · Small favicon delivery
- Bundling several icon sizes
- Existing ICO requirements
Good fit for PNG
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
- Images requiring transparency
- Text and line art
Basic information
| Field | ICO | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .ico | .png |
| MIME type | image/vnd.microsoft.icon | image/png |
| Common uses | Windows and file icons · Small favicon delivery | UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images |
| How to open | Open it in a Windows viewer or ICO-capable image editor and inspect its included sizes. | Most operating-system viewers, web browsers, and image editors can open PNG files. |
| Export or convert | Generate ICO from PNG or SVG, check required sizes and transparency, and retain editable sources. | Export PNG to JPEG only when transparency and lossless quality are no longer needed. Keep the original PNG for editing, and use a proper export command rather than changing the filename extension. |
Choose by use case
Bundling several icon sizes
Windows and file icons · Small favicon delivery
ICOExisting ICO requirements
Windows and file icons · Small favicon delivery
ICOImages requiring transparency
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
PNGText and line art
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
PNGKey point 1
ICO can package several icon sizes or representations in one file.
More on the differencesKey point 2
PNG is a widely supported image format for individual raster images.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Check the platform's icon requirements and test at actual display sizes. When converting, verify transparency, edge quality, embedded resolutions, and whether the destination recognizes the file as an icon.
- ICO is designed for icon use and can contain multiple image entries.
- PNG represents a single raster image per file and supports alpha transparency.
- Renaming PNG to ICO does not create a valid icon container.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rename a PNG file to ICO?
No. Use an icon editor or converter that creates an ICO container and includes the needed sizes.