ICO
Image
Icon image format for Windows
Advantages
- Multiple sizes in one file
- Transparency support
- Windows standard
Disadvantages
- Limited use case
- Small dimensions only
Best for
- Website favicons
- Application icons
- Windows icons
ICO vs PNG
Compare ICO and PNG formats to find the best option for your needs.
PNG
Image
Portable Network Graphics - lossless image format
Advantages
- Lossless quality
- Supports transparency
- No quality loss
- Good for graphics
Disadvantages
- Larger files
- Heavy for photos
Best for
- Logos
- Screenshots
- Graphics
- Icons
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | ICO | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Image | Image |
| File size | Medium | Medium |
| Compatibility | Good | Opens everywhere |
| Quality | Good | Excellent |
Questions and answers
What is the difference between ICO and PNG?
ICO: Icon image format for Windows. PNG: Portable Network Graphics - lossless image format.
Which format should I choose: ICO or PNG?
It depends on the job. ICO is the better pick for: Website favicons, Application icons, and Windows icons. PNG is the better pick for: Logos, Screenshots, and Graphics.
Can I convert ICO to PNG?
Yes. Open the ICO to PNG converter, drop the file and download the result.
Is ICO better than PNG?
Not in general. ICO is stronger at: Website favicons, Application icons, and Windows icons. PNG is stronger at: Logos, Screenshots, and Graphics.