JPG to ICO Converter
To convert JPG to ICO, add your JPG and press Convert. The result is one ICO file containing square icons of 16, 32 and 48 pixels (larger ones when the image is big enough). Because JPG carries no transparency, the icon is a filled square; if you want an icon without a background, start from a transparent PNG instead. Everything happens in your browser, so your JPG is not uploaded.
- Free, no sign-up
- Your file never leaves your device
- Up to 50 MB per file
ICO is lossless, so there is no quality setting. The file holds square icons of 16, 32 and 48 pixels (plus 64, 128 and 256 when the image is large enough).
Your file never leaves your device; images are processed in your browser. EXIF and location data are not added to the output.
How to convert JPG to ICO
Add your JPG files
Drag the images onto the upload area or browse for them; you can add several files at once.
Keep ICO as the output
ICO is already selected. For formats with a quality setting the slider starts at 100%; lower it if you want a smaller file.
Convert and download
Press “Convert”. Every file is processed in your browser, and you can download the results one by one or as a ZIP.
What is preserved?
Kept
- The image proportions (a non-square image is fitted inside a square)
- The correct photo orientation (EXIF orientation is applied)
- Colors (adapted to sRGB)
Changed
- ICO is lossless, but the loss already introduced by JPG compression does not come back; the file usually gets larger
- The image does not stay at a single size: it is scaled to square icons of 16, 32 and 48 pixels (plus 64, 128 and 256 when it is large enough) and packed into one ICO file; a non-square image leaves empty space on the sides
Not carried over
- EXIF, location and camera data: left out of the output for privacy
When to use it
When your logo only exists as a JPG
Sometimes a logo only arrives as a JPG. Converting it to ICO lets you use it as a site icon or a Windows shortcut icon; it appears as a square together with the JPG's flat background.
A personal icon from a photo
To turn a photo into a folder or shortcut icon, first crop the face or object to a square with the crop tool, then convert it to ICO; plain compositions work better because detail disappears at small sizes.
Limitations to know
- ICO is at most 256 × 256 pixels, so larger images are scaled down. If you need a full set for a website (Apple and Android icons, manifest), use the Favicon generator.
- Up to 50 MB per file; the output can be at most 16,384 pixels on one side.
- On iPhone and iPad, images above roughly 16 megapixels may not be processed because of a browser limit.
About the formats
What is JPG?
JPG (JPEG) is the most widely used photo format. It uses lossy compression: detail the eye notices least is discarded to make files small, and the quality setting trades size against detail. JPG does not support transparency and is not ideal for text or sharp-edged graphics, but nearly every device, app and website opens it.
What is ICO?
ICO is an icon format that stores several square sizes (for example 16, 32 and 48 pixels) in a single file. It is used for Windows icons and for a website's favicon.ico; when a browser needs a small tab icon it picks the matching size from the file. It supports transparency, but cannot be larger than 256 × 256 pixels.
Frequently asked questions
Will the ICO from a JPG be transparent?
No. JPG cannot store transparency, so the icon is a square filled with the JPG's background. For a transparent icon, use a PNG with the background removed and convert that PNG to ICO.
Why is there no quality setting?
ICO is a lossless icon container; every size is stored without further loss. Any remaining quality loss comes from the JPG's own compression and cannot be undone.
Which sizes are added, and why?
16 and 32 pixels are used in browser tabs, 48 pixels on desktops and in search results. When the image is large enough, 64, 128 and 256 pixels are added too; Windows uses 256 pixels in its large icon view.
Why does my photo look bad as a small icon?
At 16 or 32 pixels the fine detail of a photo disappears. For small icons choose images with bold shapes, few colors and high contrast, and frame the subject close enough to fill the icon.
Is converting JPG to ICO free?
Yes, completely free. There is no account, subscription or watermark; just add your files and convert them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. Images are processed in your browser and never leave your device, so the waiting time depends on the file size and your device. EXIF and location data are not added to the output.