ICO to PNG Converter
Get the images out of an icon file. An ICO file usually holds several sizes of the same icon; this converter extracts every one of them – or just the largest – as a transparent PNG. It reads both modern PNG-based icons and classic bitmap icons with their transparency masks, and works for cursor (.cur) files too.
- Files stay on your device
- No sign-up
- Free to use
How to use ICO to PNG
- Drop ICO or CUR files onto the page.
- Choose every size or the largest only.
- Click “Extract PNG images”.
- Download the PNGs one by one or as ZIP.
ICO to PNG features
All sizes
Every image stored in the icon.
Both icon types
PNG-based and bitmap icons.
Transparency
Alpha channel and masks decoded.
Cursor files
.cur supported too.
Batch
Convert many files at once and download a ZIP.
Private
Converted in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
When to use ICO to PNG
- Reusing a website’s favicon in other designs.
- Recovering a logo from an old icon file.
- Checking which sizes a favicon.ico contains.
- Converting Windows icons for use on the web.
ICO to PNG FAQ
Why are there several PNGs?
ICO files contain one image per size, such as 16, 32 and 48 pixels. Each is extracted separately, because smaller versions are often hand-tuned rather than simply scaled.
What is the difference between PNG and bitmap icons?
Modern icons store each size as a PNG inside the ICO. Older icons use a Windows bitmap with a separate 1-bit mask for transparency; the converter decodes both.
Several images have the same size. Which one is kept?
The one with the highest colour depth, which looks best.
Can I make an ICO from PNG?
Yes, with the PNG to ICO converter or the SVG to ICO converter.
Are my files uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser.
Inside an ICO file
The ICO format starts with a small directory that lists each image in the file: its width, height, colour depth, size and position. The images themselves follow. Since Windows Vista, images – especially the 256-pixel one – can be stored as complete PNG files; older icons store a device-independent bitmap followed by an AND mask.
The converter reads the directory itself rather than relying on the browser, which would show only one size. PNG entries are extracted as they are. Bitmap entries are decoded pixel by pixel: rows are stored bottom-up, colours may come from a palette of 2, 16 or 256 entries, and transparency comes from the 1-bit AND mask, unless the image has a full 32-bit alpha channel.
Cursor files (.cur) use the same structure with a hotspot instead of colour planes, so they are extracted the same way.
Extracting all sizes is useful when you need a crisp small version: designers often draw 16 and 32-pixel icons by hand for clarity, and these are better than a scaled-down large image.
Icons are processed locally in your browser.