Format comparison
PNG vs ICO
How do PNG and ICOcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
.png
Full guide →Portable Network Graphics
PNG is a lossless image format that supports transparency. It was created as an improved, non-patented replacement for GIF. PNG is ideal for graphics, logos, screenshots, and any image where quality preservation is critical.
.ico
Full guide →Icon File Format
ICO is the icon file format used by Windows for application icons and website favicons. It can contain multiple image sizes and color depths in a single file.
| Specification | PNG | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Network Graphics | Icon File Format |
| Extension | .png | .ico |
| MIME type | image/png | image/x-icon |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Developer | PNG Development Group | Microsoft |
| Year introduced | 1996 | 1985 |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
PNG advantages
- Lossless compression — no quality loss
- Supports full transparency (alpha channel)
- Great for text, logos, and sharp-edged graphics
- Universally supported across all browsers and platforms
PNG limitations
- Larger file sizes than JPG for photographs
- No animation support (use APNG or GIF instead)
- Not ideal for print workflows (CMYK not supported)
ICO advantages
- Multiple sizes in one file
- Standard for Windows icons and favicons
- Widely supported by all browsers
- Small file sizes
ICO limitations
- Limited to small image dimensions
- Primarily Windows-focused format
- Being replaced by PNG favicons in modern web
- Complex internal structure for a simple purpose
Which should you use?
Both PNG and ICO have their strengths. PNG excels at website graphics and logos, while ICO is better for website favicons.
Best uses for PNG
Website graphics and logos
Screenshots and UI mockups
Images with transparency overlays
Digital art and illustrations
Best uses for ICO
Website favicons
Windows application icons
Desktop shortcuts
Taskbar and system tray icons
Convert between PNG and ICO
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.