PSD to ICO Converter

Convert Adobe Photoshop PSD files to Windows ICO icons instantly. Our converter preserves transparency, supports all layer types, and creates multi-resolution icons perfect for applications, websites, and desktop shortcuts.

Drop your PSD file here

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PSD Photoshop Layers
Maximum file size: 50MB
Related Tools:
PNG to ICO JPG to ICO SVG to ICO ICO to PNG Favicon Generator App Icon Generator Icon Resizer Image to ICO

How to Convert PSD to ICO

  1. Upload your Adobe Photoshop PSD file using drag & drop or the file browser. Our tool supports all PSD versions with layers and transparency.
  2. Preview your design and check the layer structure. The converter flattens all visible layers while preserving the alpha channel.
  3. Select the icon sizes you need. For Windows applications, we recommend including 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, and 256×256 at minimum.
  4. Choose a scaling method: Lanczos for photos, Nearest Neighbor for pixel art, or Bicubic for general graphics.
  5. Click "Convert to ICO" and download your multi-resolution Windows icon file.
Need to create a favicon instead? Use our Favicon Generator which creates all necessary sizes for web browsers and mobile devices.

Understanding ICO Icon Sizes

16×16

Used in Windows taskbar, Explorer list views, and browser tabs. Essential for any Windows application icon.

32×32

Standard desktop icon size used in Windows Explorer and shortcut icons. Include this for desktop shortcuts.

48×48

Medium tile view in Windows Explorer. Provides better detail for icon thumbnails in folder views.

256×256

Required for Windows Vista and later. Used in large icon views and Windows 10/11 Start menu tiles.

Tips for Best Results

Use Square Dimensions

For best results, design your PSD with square dimensions like 512×512 or 1024×1024. Non-square images will be fitted into a square canvas.

Flatten Before Converting

If your PSD has complex layer effects, consider flattening in Photoshop first. Some advanced effects may render differently.

Preserve Transparency

Keep transparency enabled for icons with non-rectangular shapes. The ICO format fully supports alpha channel transparency.

Create Size-Specific Designs

For professional applications, create separate designs for small sizes (16×16) with simplified details to maintain clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our converter supports standard PSD files with layers, layer groups, transparency, and most blending modes. Complex effects like 3D layers or smart objects are flattened during conversion. For best results with advanced features, flatten your PSD in Photoshop and export as PNG first.

You can upload PSD files up to 50MB. For larger files, consider compressing or resizing your design in Photoshop before uploading.

For Windows applications, include at least 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, and 256×256. For favicons, 16×16 and 32×32 are sufficient, but you may want to use our dedicated Favicon Generator for web icons.

Yes! The ICO format supports full alpha channel transparency. Keep the "Preserve alpha channel" option enabled, and any transparent areas in your PSD will remain transparent in the ICO. You can also use our PNG Background Remover if you need to remove backgrounds first.

Yes, CMYK files are automatically converted to RGB during processing since ICO files use RGB color mode. For critical color accuracy, convert to RGB in Photoshop first and verify the colors.

Files are processed securely and automatically deleted within 1 hour. We don't store, share, or use your files for any other purpose. For more privacy, see our privacy policy.

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