How to convert DDS to ICO
To convert DDS to ICO, upload your DDS file, choose ICO as the output format and press Convert. The finished ICO file is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds, free, with no watermark and no sign-up. Your file is deleted from our server about 30 minutes after the conversion.
This free online converter changes DDS images into ICO files in seconds, with no software to install and no watermark. You can convert several files at once, resize them and choose the quality for formats that support it. Metadata such as location tags is removed from the output for privacy.
Reasons to switch from DDS to ICO
- Multiple sizes in a single file
- Works as a favicon
- Supports transparency
- Works with: Windows, every browser (favicon) and most editors
What to expect from this conversion
- Transparency is kept in the ICO file.
- The icon contains up to seven sizes from 16x16 to 256x256 pixels, built from your image on a square transparent canvas, which is what Windows and browser favicons expect.
DDS vs ICO
| Property | DDS | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | DirectDraw Surface | Windows Icon |
| Released | 1999, Microsoft | 1985, Microsoft |
| Compression | Lossy or lossless | Lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | No | No |
| Bit depth | 8-bit and compressed | up to 32-bit |
| Shown in browsers | No | Yes |
| Best for | game modding and textures; DirectX applications | website favicons; Windows application icons |
Steps to convert DDS to ICO
- Drop your DDS image file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that ICO is selected as the target and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then download your new ICO file when it finishes.
Tips for the best result
- Use quality 80 to 90 for photos: it is visually close to the original at a much smaller size.
- Set a width if the image will be shown on a small screen, which also reduces the file size.
- Choose a background colour before converting transparent images to a format without transparency.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert DDS to ICO?
Drop your DDS files on the converter, confirm that ICO is the target and press Convert. Download each file or the whole batch as a ZIP.
Is the DDS to ICO converter free?
Yes. It is free with no watermark, no sign-up and no limit on how many images you convert. The site is supported by ads.
Does converting DDS to ICO reduce quality?
Transparency is kept in the ICO file. The quality slider only affects formats that use lossy compression.
Will transparency be kept when I convert DDS to ICO?
Yes. ICO supports transparency, so transparent areas stay transparent.
Which programs open ICO files?
ICO files open in Windows, every browser (favicon) and most editors.
How many images can I convert at once?
Up to 20 images per batch, each up to 60 MB. Files are deleted from the server about 30 minutes after conversion.