What GIF to ICO conversion does

Convert a GIF image to a Windows ICO icon directly in your browser. Generate a single size, or the default multi-size package covering 16, 32, 48, 64, 128, and 256 px in one .ico file.

How to convert GIF to ICO

1. Choose a GIF file.
2. Pick a single icon size, or leave the default multi-size package selected.
3. Select Convert & download.
4. Save the .ico file from your browser downloads.

Why use this conversion

ICO is the format Windows expects for application icons, desktop shortcuts, and favicons. A single square image can be turned into a real, multi-resolution .ico file ready to use.

Transparency and output quality

Each embedded size keeps the source’s alpha channel — this is a real ICO container (ICONDIR plus one entry per size), with each size embedded as genuine PNG-compressed image data, not a renamed bitmap. Each icon entry uses PNG compression, so a single-size ICO stays small; the multi-size package is larger since it bundles six images.

Privacy and local processing

• Processing occurs locally in the browser.
• Files are not uploaded to Looty Tools for conversion.
• Converted files remain on your device.

Limits and known issues

• Input: GIF (.gif) only, up to 25.0 MB and 8,192 px per side.
• Each icon size is generated by resizing the full image to a square canvas, so a non-square source will be stretched to fit.
• This tool is for static GIF conversion only. Animated GIF: only the first frame is converted to ICO and the result will not be animated.
• Metadata is not preserved in the downloaded file.

Related tools

• GIF to AnyConvert GIF images into multiple common output formats.
• GIF to BMPConvert GIF images to uncompressed BMP bitmaps.
• GIF to TIFFConvert GIF images to TIFF for print and archival use.

GIF to ICO FAQ

Why convert GIF to ICO?

ICO is the format Windows expects for application icons, desktop shortcuts, and favicons. A single square image can be turned into a real, multi-resolution .ico file ready to use.

Can I generate a multi-size ICO?

Yes. The ICO output defaults to a multi-size package covering 16, 32, 48, 64, 128, and 256 px, or you can pick a single size from the dropdown.

Is this a real ICO file, or a renamed image?

A real ICO container (ICONDIR plus one entry per size), with each size embedded as genuine PNG-compressed image data.

What happens with an animated GIF file?

Only the first frame is converted, and the result will not be animated. This tool is for static GIF conversion only.

Are my files uploaded?

No. Conversion runs locally in your browser and does not upload your file to Looty Tools servers.

What is validated before conversion?

The file must actually be a GIF — the tool checks the GIF87a/GIF89a signature bytes, not just the filename or extension, before decoding.