PNG to ICNS

Convert PNG images into professional macOS ICNS icon files. Perfect for app icons, Finder icons, and custom folder icons on Mac.

Drop your PNG image here

or click to browse files

Supports PNG images up to 10MB (recommended: 1024×1024 or larger)
Related Tools:
HEIC to ICNS PNG to ICO SVG to ICNS ICO to ICNS

How to Convert PNG to ICNS

  1. Upload your PNG image (ideally 1024×1024 pixels or larger for best quality).
  2. Choose a size preset: Standard Mac, Retina, App Icon, or All Sizes.
  3. Configure macOS options like Big Sur rounded corners and padding.
  4. Enable transparency preservation if your PNG has a transparent background.
  5. Click "Convert to ICNS" to generate your Mac icon.
  6. Download and use in Xcode, custom folders, or app development.

About ICNS Format

Apple's Icon Format

ICNS is the native icon format for macOS. It contains multiple sizes in a single file, allowing macOS to choose the best size for each context.

Multi-Resolution

ICNS files bundle icons from 16×16 up to 1024×1024, supporting both standard and Retina displays automatically.

App Development

Required for macOS app submissions to the App Store. Xcode uses ICNS files for app icons.

Custom Folders

Use ICNS files to customize folder icons in Finder. Simply copy the icon and paste it onto any folder.

PNG to ICNS Tips

Start Big

Use a 1024×1024 or larger PNG for best results. The converter will create crisp icons at all smaller sizes.

Transparency

PNG supports transparency, which is preserved in ICNS. Use transparent backgrounds for professional-looking icons.

Square Images

For best results, start with a square image. Enable "Smart Crop" to automatically center and crop non-square images.

Big Sur Style

Enable "Big Sur Rounded Corners" for the modern macOS look with smooth, rounded icon edges.

ICNS Size Guide

16×16

Smallest size, used in Finder list view and window title bars.

32×32

Finder column view, preference panes, and small dock icons.

128×128

Standard Finder icon view. Most commonly seen size.

256×256

Cover Flow view and larger Finder displays.

512×512

Full-size Quick Look previews and maximum non-Retina quality.

1024×1024

Retina displays (@2x). Required for crisp icons on modern Macs.

Frequently Asked Questions

ICNS is Apple's icon format for macOS, while ICO is Microsoft's format for Windows. ICNS supports larger sizes (up to 1024px) and is required for Mac apps. Use PNG to ICO if you need Windows icons.

PNG is the ideal source format because it supports transparency, has no compression artifacts, and can store high-resolution images. Most design tools export to PNG, making it the standard for icon creation workflows.

For app development, include all sizes (16, 32, 128, 256, 512, 1024). For personal use, the "Standard Mac" preset (16, 32, 128, 256, 512) is sufficient. Add 1024×1024 for Retina display support.

Open the ICNS file in Preview, press Cmd+A to select all, then Cmd+C to copy. Right-click any folder or app, choose "Get Info", click the icon at the top left, and press Cmd+V to paste your custom icon.

You have two options: enable "Smart Crop to Square" to automatically crop to center, or enable "Preserve Aspect Ratio" to add transparent padding around non-square images while maintaining proportions.