ICO to GIF Converter
Convert ICO to GIF free — no upload, no signup
To convert ICO to GIF, drop your ICO images into the box below, click Convert, then Download. Fylo does the work inside your browser, so nothing is uploaded and there's no signup or watermark. It converts icons into the universally compatible GIF format.
Drop images here
or tap to browse · paste with Ctrl+V · add many at once
Your files never leave your device
No settings needed — GIF output keeps every pixel. Options are under Advanced.
Advanced
Fewer colours = smaller file.
Mixes palette colours to smooth gradients.
Leave empty to keep the original size.
How to convert ICO to GIF
Add your ICO files
Drag and drop ICO files into the box, tap to choose them, or paste with Ctrl+V. You can add many at once.
Review colour options
Dithering is on by default to smooth gradients; switch it off or reduce colours under Advanced.
Convert and download
Click Convert, then download each GIF or get them all in one ZIP.
Why convert ICO to GIF?
Some legacy systems, email templates and older forums accept GIF but not ICO. Converting gives you an icon image you can use anywhere.
Does converting ICO to GIF affect quality or size?
The largest icon image is saved as a GIF. Semi-transparent pixels become fully transparent or fully opaque, and colours are reduced to 256 — usually invisible for small icons.
What's the difference between ICO and GIF?
ICO is the Windows icon format and the classic favicon.ico. One ICO file holds several square images (16 to 256 px) so each screen can use the sharpest size.
GIF is a 1987 format limited to 256 colours per frame with on/off transparency. It's still everywhere thanks to simple animation support, but it's inefficient for photos.
Learn more: ICO format guide · GIF format guide
| Property | ICO | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | PNG or uncompressed bitmap entries | Lossless (LZW), 256-colour palette |
| Transparency | Yes | 1-bit (on/off) |
| Animation | No | Yes |
| Colour depth | Up to 32-bit + alpha | 8-bit palette (256 colours) |
| Typical size, 12 MP photo | Max 256 × 256 px | Not suited to photos |
| Support | All browsers (favicons), Windows | Universal |
| Best for | Favicons, Windows app and shortcut icons | Simple animations, small flat graphics |
| Introduced | 1985 | 1987 |
Frequently asked questions
Why would I need an icon as a GIF?
Older forum software, some email builders and legacy intranet tools only accept GIF, JPG or PNG uploads. Converting the icon lets you use it as an avatar, a bullet image or a small badge in those places.
Will the GIF be larger than the ICO?
Usually it's smaller, because only one size is saved and GIF compresses flat icon colours well.
Will the GIF keep the transparent background?
Yes, using GIF's on/off transparency. Soft shadows or anti-aliased edges are simplified.
Which icon size is used?
The largest image stored in the ICO.
Are my ICO files uploaded to a server?
No. Fylo converts ICO to GIF entirely inside your browser using a background Web Worker, so your files never leave your device. That's also why it's fast — there's no upload or download wait.
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