How to convert ICO to GIF
To convert ICO to GIF, upload your ICO file, choose GIF as the output format and press Convert. The finished GIF 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 ICO images into GIF 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 ICO to GIF
- Animations that play everywhere
- Tiny files for flat graphics
- Supported by chat apps and social sites
- Works with: every browser, chat app and social platform
What to expect from this conversion
- Both formats store the pixels without loss, so the picture stays identical. Only the file size and compatibility change.
- Transparency is kept in the GIF file.
ICO vs GIF
| Property | ICO | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Windows Icon | Graphics Interchange Format |
| Released | 1985, Microsoft | 1987, CompuServe |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | No | Yes |
| Bit depth | up to 32-bit | 8-bit (256 colours) |
| Shown in browsers | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | website favicons; Windows application icons | short looping animations and memes; simple icons |
Steps to convert ICO to GIF
- Drop your ICO image file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that GIF is selected as the target and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then download your new GIF 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 ICO to GIF?
Drop your ICO files on the converter, confirm that GIF is the target and press Convert. Download each file or the whole batch as a ZIP.
Is the ICO to GIF 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 ICO to GIF reduce quality?
Both formats store the pixels without loss, so the picture stays identical. Only the file size and compatibility change. The quality slider only affects formats that use lossy compression.
Will transparency be kept when I convert ICO to GIF?
Yes. GIF supports transparency, so transparent areas stay transparent.
Which programs open GIF files?
GIF files open in every browser, chat app and social platform.
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.