SVG to ICO Converter — Create Favicons and Windows Icons
Turn your SVG logo into a multi-size ICO file for browser favicons and Windows application icons.
Drop your image here
Supports PNG, JPG, BMP, WEBP up to 5MB
When You Need ICO Format
ICO (Icon) format is the native Windows icon format and the traditional favicon format. It supports multiple image sizes in a single file.
- Browser favicons: browsers look for /favicon.ico by default
- Windows desktop icons: require ICO for .exe and shortcut files
- Windows application icons: multiple sizes (16×16, 32×32, 48×48, 256×256) in one ICO
- Electron desktop apps: ICO required for Windows installer and taskbar icon
Modern Favicon Strategy: SVG + ICO
The best modern favicon setup uses both SVG (for capable browsers) and ICO (as fallback).
- <link rel='icon' type='image/svg+xml' href='/favicon.svg'>: modern browsers
- <link rel='icon' type='image/x-icon' href='/favicon.ico'>: IE11, older browsers
- SVG favicon supports dark mode: @media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) inside the SVG
- ICO contains 16×16, 32×32, and 48×48 PNG layers
- Apple devices: add apple-touch-icon.png (180×180)
Converting SVG to ICO
Tools for generating ICO from SVG.
- realfavicongenerator.net: upload SVG, generates complete favicon package (ICO + PNG + manifest)
- ImageMagick: convert -resize 16x16 -resize 32x32 -resize 48x48 logo.svg favicon.ico
- Inkscape: export PNG at 16px, 32px, 48px → use IcoFX or GIMP to combine into ICO
- Online: favicon.io/favicon-converter — uploads PNG, generates ICO
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use SVG or ICO for my favicon?
Both — use SVG as the primary favicon for modern browsers, with ICO as a fallback. Modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) prefer SVG; older ones use ICO.
What sizes should a favicon ICO contain?
Minimum: 16×16 and 32×32. For full Windows support: 16, 24, 32, 48, 256 (256×256 is used for large icon views).
Can SVG favicons use dark mode?
Yes. Add a <style> inside the favicon SVG: @media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) { :root { fill: white; } }. The favicon automatically switches on dark mode in Chrome and Firefox.
Why doesn't my favicon show up?
Clear the browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete). Check the favicon URL is correct (open favicon.ico directly in browser). Check server response code for the favicon URL.
Can I use an ICO file for a desktop app icon?
Yes. For Electron apps: specify in electron-builder.yml under win.icon. The ICO file is used for the .exe file, installer, and Windows taskbar.
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