PNG to ICO: generate a multi-size favicon.ico that stays crisp

If your favicon.ico looks fuzzy, the usual cause is a low-resolution source or an ICO that only contains one embedded size.

The fastest fix is to generate a multi-size ICO from a good PNG:

• Convert a PNG into an ICO: PNG to ICO
• If you need a full pack (PNG sizes, Apple touch icon, manifest, snippet): Favicon Generator

Why multi-size ICO matters

ICO is not a single image. A proper favicon ICO can embed multiple images, and browsers can pick the closest match.

If your ICO only contains 16x16, a browser might upscale it for a larger display context. That is where blur comes from.

Use the PNG to ICO tool (simple steps)

1. Start with a square PNG. 64x64 is a minimum; 256x256 or 512x512 gives you more headroom.
2. Open PNG to ICO.
3. Upload the PNG.
4. Select the sizes you want embedded (16, 32, 48, 64).
5. Convert and download favicon.ico.

If your source is smaller than 64x64, expect soft edges. The converter will warn because upscaling cannot invent detail.

Example: the correct tag for favicon.ico

Put favicon.ico in a public folder and reference it like this:

<link rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/favicon.ico" />

If you keep it in /favicons:

<link rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/favicons/favicon.ico" />

Common errors (and how to fix them)

"PNG file required"

An ICO converter should start from a PNG. If your asset is JPG or SVG:

• Export to PNG in your design tool, then retry, or
• Use the Favicon Generator to upload SVG/JPG and generate the full set.

The ICO looks wrong on Windows but the PNG looks fine

Windows may pick a different embedded size than your browser tab.

Fix:

• Make sure your ICO contains multiple sizes
• Start from a larger PNG

The icon has a weird background

If your PNG is not transparent (or has a non-matching background), the ICO will preserve that.

Fix:

• Export a transparent PNG, or
• Choose a background color in the Favicon Generator so the icon is consistent.

Related tools

• Extract PNG sizes from an existing ICO: ICO to PNG
• Audit what your site is serving: Favicon Checker