Converting ICO to PNG: Modernizing Old Website Icons

You’ve probably seen older websites that still use ICO files for their little icons — like favicons or interface buttons. Back in the day, ICO was the go-to format because Windows could pack different image sizes into one file, making icons look decent no matter the resolution. But times have changed. With sharper screens and modern design standards, ICO feels pretty dated. These days, PNG is the format everyone leans on — and there are some solid reasons why.

Why move from ICO to PNG?

Well, PNG keeps your images crisp. It uses lossless compression, which means no matter how many times you edit or save it, the quality stays sharp and colors stay bright. It also supports transparency, so your icons can blend nicely into any background. Unlike ICO, which is kind of stuck in the past, PNG works everywhere — all browsers, all operating systems, and all devices, from laptops to high-DPI phones.

The modernization advantage

Switching your old ICO icons over to PNG is one of the easiest ways to freshen up a site. Your graphics look better, they’re more compatible, and they just feel more professional. Pretty much every modern CMS, browser, and design tool expects PNG these days. Plus, optimized PNG files are usually lighter than bulky ICO files, which can help with performance too.

How to make the switch

The process is super simple. You can use free online converters or programs like Photoshop or GIMP. Just drop in your ICO file, export it as PNG, and pick the sizes you need — usually 16×16, 32×32, or 48×48 pixels for the web. Upload those to your site and instantly your icons look cleaner and more up to date.

Bottom line: changing ICO to PNG isn’t just a tech detail. It’s a small upgrade that makes your site look modern, work better, and give visitors a smoother experience.