ICNS to ICO

Convert macOS ICNS icon files to Windows ICO format. Perfect for cross-platform development, migrating icons from Mac to Windows, or creating universal app icons.

Drop your ICNS file here

or click to browse files

Supports macOS ICNS files up to 10MB

How to Convert ICNS to ICO

  1. Upload your macOS ICNS file using drag & drop or the file browser.
  2. The tool will analyze your ICNS file and extract the best quality image.
  3. Choose a size preset: Standard Windows, Favicon, App Icon, or All Sizes.
  4. Configure Windows options like color depth and compression.
  5. Select a scaling method for best results when resizing.
  6. Click "Convert to ICO" to generate your Windows icon.

Why Convert ICNS to ICO?

Cross-Platform Development

Building apps for both Mac and Windows? Convert your macOS ICNS icons to ICO for a native Windows experience.

Platform Migration

Moving from Mac to Windows? Bring your favorite icons with you by converting them to the native Windows format.

Create Favicons

Convert your Mac app icon to ICO format for use as a website favicon. ICO is still the most compatible favicon format.

Custom Windows Icons

Use your Mac icons as custom folder icons in Windows Explorer or for personal Windows applications.

ICNS vs ICO Format Comparison

Feature
ICNS (macOS)
ICO (Windows)
Platform
macOS
Windows
Max Size
1024×1024
256×256
Multi-Size
Yes
Yes
Transparency
Yes
Yes
Image Format
PNG/JPEG2000
BMP/PNG

Frequently Asked Questions

Windows ICO files support sizes from 16×16 up to 256×256 pixels. Common sizes include 16×16 (small icon), 32×32 (standard), 48×48 (large), and 256×256 (extra large for Vista and later). Modern Windows uses PNG compression for 256×256 icons.

Since ICNS files typically contain larger images (up to 1024×1024), we can create high-quality ICO icons by scaling down. We use advanced algorithms like Lanczos to maintain sharpness. For best results, ensure your ICNS contains at least a 256×256 image.

Both ICNS and ICO formats support full alpha channel transparency. Your transparent backgrounds will be preserved during conversion when using 32-bit color depth. For older Windows compatibility, you can choose 24-bit or 8-bit color.

Right-click any folder or shortcut, select "Properties", click "Change Icon", then browse to your ICO file. For applications, include the ICO in your project resources. For favicons, upload to your website root as "favicon.ico".

Yes! Select the "Favicon" preset which includes 16×16, 32×32, and 48×48 sizes - the standard favicon dimensions. ICO format is still the most universally supported favicon format across all browsers.