WEBP to ICO Conversion: How to Turn Modern Images into Custom Icons Easily

Created on 6 October, 2025 • Image Manipulation Tools • 21 views • 2 minutes read

Converting WEBP to ICO is a simple but powerful way to turn your modern, high-quality images into practical icons for both desktop and web use.

The WEBP image format has become a popular choice for web developers and designers due to its superior compression and high-quality output. However, when it comes to creating custom icons for applications, websites, or desktops, the ICO format is still the go-to standard. Converting WEBP to ICO allows users to transform their modern, optimized images into functional icons compatible with all major operating systems. In this guide, we’ll explore what WEBP and ICO formats are, why this conversion is useful, and how to perform it effortlessly.

Understanding WEBP and ICO Formats

What Is a WEBP File?

WEBP is a next-generation image format developed by Google that provides both lossy and lossless compression. It’s designed to reduce file sizes while maintaining excellent image quality, making it ideal for websites and apps looking to boost performance. WEBP also supports transparency and animation, making it one of the most versatile formats available for digital media.

What Is an ICO File?

ICO (Icon) is a Microsoft-developed image format primarily used to store icons for Windows applications, folders, and shortcuts. An ICO file can contain multiple image sizes (16x16, 32x32, 48x48, etc.) within a single file, ensuring that icons display properly on different screen resolutions. ICO files support transparency, which makes them ideal for clean, professional-looking icons.

Why Convert WEBP to ICO?

1. Create Custom Icons

Converting WEBP to ICO allows you to turn any image—such as a logo, photo, or illustration—into a custom icon for desktop shortcuts, folders, and applications. This gives your computer or software a personalized and branded touch.

2. Use in Web Development

Web developers often convert WEBP images to ICO format for favicons, the small icons displayed in browser tabs. Since all browsers support ICO files, this ensures perfect visibility across platforms.

3. Improve Compatibility

Not all software or operating systems support WEBP yet. Converting it to ICO ensures full compatibility with Windows, macOS, and various web browsers.

4. Maintain Transparency

Both WEBP and ICO support transparency. By converting between these formats, you can keep your image’s transparent background intact, ensuring clean and professional visuals.

How to Convert WEBP to ICO Easily

1. Using Online Converters

Online tools such as ICOConvert, Convertio, and CloudConvert make WEBP to ICO conversion simple and quick.

Steps:

1. Upload your WEBP file.
2. Select “ICO” as your output format.
3. Choose desired icon sizes (commonly 16x16, 32x32, 64x64).
4. Click “Convert” and download your new ICO file.

These platforms are free, fast, and require no installation.

2. Using Image Editing Software

Programs like GIMP, Adobe Photoshop (with plugins), or IrfanView can open WEBP files and export them as ICO files. This method is ideal for designers who want more control over resolution, quality, and transparency.

3. Using Built-In Tools

On Windows, you can open WEBP images in Paint and save them as BMP or PNG first, then convert them to ICO using online tools or icon editors. This two-step process ensures accurate results when native ICO export is unavailable.

Tips for Better WEBP to ICO Conversion

1. Use square images (e.g., 256x256 pixels) to prevent distortion.
2. Preserve transparency to create professional-looking icons.
3. Optimize file size for faster loading and system performance.
4. Test icons in multiple resolutions to ensure visual consistency.

Conclusion

Converting WEBP to ICO is a simple but powerful way to turn your modern, high-quality images into practical icons for both desktop and web use. Whether you’re a web developer designing a favicon or a user customizing your system icons, this conversion ensures compatibility, clarity, and a polished look. With plenty of online tools and professional software options available, transforming a WEBP file into a clean, transparent ICO image can be done in just a few clicks.