SVG to ICO
Make a Multi-Size Favicon: Convert SVG to ICO
Generate Windows .ico files for website favicons and desktop shortcuts. Every standard size from 16×16 up to your target is packed into a single file. Built for web developers and icon designers.
Editing defaults for new files
ICO uses fixed sizes: 16, 32, 48, 64, 128, 256. We'll generate every slot up to your target and pack them into a single .ico file.
Will include 16, 32, 48, 64, 128, 256
Preview
What is SVG?
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an XML-based vector image format. Instead of pixels, an SVG describes shapes, paths, fills, and strokes mathematically, so it can be rendered at any size without losing quality.
SVG is the standard vector format for the web. It is supported natively by every modern browser, can be styled with CSS, animated with JavaScript or SMIL, and is generally a fraction of the size of an equivalent raster image.
What is ICO?
ICO is the Windows icon container format used for favicons, application icons, and desktop shortcuts. An ICO file can hold one or more raster images (typically 16×16 up to 256×256) inside a single file.
SVG vs raster formats
Vector graphics (SVG) and raster graphics (PNG, JPG) solve different problems. The right format depends on what the image will be used for.
| Feature | SVG | PNG / JPG | ICO / ICNS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scaling | Resolution-independent | Blurry when enlarged | Pre-rendered at fixed sizes |
| File size | Small for shapes and icons | Grows with resolution | Bundle of pre-sized rasters |
| Editing | Editable as text or in vector tools | Pixel-level editing only | Edit each size, then repack |
| Animation | CSS, SMIL, JavaScript | Limited (animated PNG/GIF) | Not supported |
| Transparency | Yes | PNG yes, JPG no | Yes (PNG-based) |
When to convert SVG to ICO
Browsers and desktop shells use ICO files. Use this SVG to ICO converter as a free favicon generator: convert SVG to ICO when you need a favicon (`favicon.ico`), a Windows shortcut, or anywhere a `.ico` file is required. A multi-size ICO at target 64 typically weighs 5-25 KB; at target 256 (packing 16, 32, 48, 64, 128, 256), 40-120 KB. The single file covers every standard icon slot Windows and browsers ask for.
SVG to ICO: file size and quality trade-offs
File size
A multi-size ICO bundles every standard slot from 16×16 up to your target. At target 256, the file packs 16, 32, 48, 64, 128, 256, for a typical total of 40-120 KB. At target 64, three slots, around 5-25 KB. Each slot stores PNG data internally, so size scales with how detailed the artwork is.
When ICO is the right choice
ICO is the right output for Windows favicons (the `favicon.ico` at your site root), Windows desktop shortcuts, taskbar pinned apps, and any context that asks for a `.ico` file. It has the deepest browser fallback support; serving it satisfies even ancient browsers and feed readers.
When to keep the SVG
Modern browsers accept `<link rel='icon' type='image/svg+xml' href='/favicon.svg'>`, so keep the SVG and serve it alongside the ICO. A single SVG favicon scales to every taskbar and tab size and stays crisp on high-DPI displays. The ICO covers Windows desktop shortcuts and very old browsers.
Quality trade-offs
Each ICO slot is rasterized at its exact pixel size, so a 16×16 slot is sharp at 16×16, but extreme down-scaling from a complex SVG can lose detail. For favicons, design the source SVG to read well at 16×16 (heavy strokes, few details). Transparency is preserved per pixel; backgrounds stay see-through unless you pick a solid color.
How to convert SVG to ICO online
- Drop your file (or click SELECT FILES) to add it to the queue.
- Adjust the options on the left (format, size, background, quality) and watch the preview update.
- Click SAVE ALL to download the converted file (or a ZIP if you uploaded multiple files).
Privacy and security
Your files never leave your computer. The conversion runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript and WebAssembly. There is no upload, no server, and no analytics tracking the contents of your files.
Because nothing is uploaded, the tool is safe to use with confidential logos, internal documents, and proprietary artwork.
Frequently asked questions
What sizes does the ICO contain?
The converter packs every standard ICO slot up to your target size into a single file: 16, 32, 48, 64, 128, 256. Most browsers and Windows tools pick the right size automatically based on context.
What size should I pick for a favicon?
32 is a safe default for browser tabs and bookmarks. Pick 256 if you want every standard size bundled. Windows will use the largest for shortcuts, taskbar pins, and desktop icons.
Can I use a transparent background in an ICO?
Yes. ICO supports per-pixel alpha and the converter preserves transparency from the SVG by default. Pick a solid background color only if you want to fill the see-through areas.