Convert AI to ICO — Free Online Converter
Convert Adobe Illustrator (.ai) to Windows Icon (.ico) online for free. Fast, secure image conversion with no watermarks or registration....
Secure Transfer
HTTPS encrypted uploads
Privacy First
Files auto-deleted after processing
No Registration
Start converting instantly
Works Everywhere
Any browser, any device
How to Convert
Upload your .ai file by dragging it into the upload area or clicking to browse.
Choose your output settings. The default settings work great for most files.
Click Convert and download your .ico file when it's ready.
About AI to ICO Conversion
AI to ICO conversion transforms Adobe Illustrator vector designs into Windows icon format, embedding multiple size variants in a single .ico file. ICO files contain bitmap images at standardized sizes — typically 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, and 256x256 pixels — used for application icons, desktop shortcuts, taskbar entries, and browser favicons on Windows systems.
Our converter rasterizes the AI vector artwork at each required size through Sharp and the to-ico package, packaging the results into a properly structured ICO file with the correct directory entries and bitmap data for each size variant. The vector source ensures sharp rendering at every target resolution.
Why Convert AI to ICO?
Windows applications, websites, and desktop customization all require ICO format icons. Designers create icons in Illustrator for the precision of vector editing — bezier curves, exact color control, and non-destructive scaling — then need to export the final design as an ICO file for deployment. The vector-to-raster conversion at multiple sizes is exactly what ICO packaging requires.
Favicon deployment for websites also demands ICO format for maximum browser compatibility. While modern browsers accept PNG favicons, the ICO format with its multi-size structure provides the best coverage across all browsers, including legacy versions, bookmark bars, and tab displays.
Common Use Cases
- Creating application icons for Windows desktop software from Illustrator-designed brand graphics
- Generating multi-size favicons for websites from vector logo designs
- Producing desktop shortcut icons for corporate software deployment
- Converting brand icons for Windows file type associations and shell integration
- Building icon sets for Windows UI design from Illustrator mockups
How It Works
ICO format is a container that holds multiple bitmap images (BMP or PNG-compressed) at different resolutions. Each image is listed in a directory structure specifying width, height, color depth, and data offset. Standard sizes include 16x16 (small icon), 32x32 (standard), 48x48 (large), and 256x256 (extra-large, stored as PNG). Our pipeline uses Sharp to rasterize the AI vector at each target size, then the to-ico package assembles these bitmaps into a valid ICO container with proper directory entries, color tables, and XOR/AND mask bitmaps for transparency.
Quality & Performance
Vector-to-ICO produces the best possible icon quality because the vector source is rasterized independently at each target size. Unlike downscaling a single large bitmap, each size variant gets its own optimized rasterization — 16x16 icons can use simplified shapes while 256x256 versions retain full detail. Alpha channel transparency from the AI design is preserved in 32-bit ICO bitmaps.
Device Compatibility
| Device | AI | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Partial | Native |
| macOS | Partial | Partial |
| iPhone/iPad | Partial | Partial |
| Android | Partial | Partial |
| Linux | Partial | Partial |
| Web Browser | No | No |
Tips for Best Results
- 1Design icons at 256x256 or larger in Illustrator and let the converter handle downscaling — vector rasterization produces clean results at all sizes
- 2Simplify fine details that will disappear at 16x16 pixels — test the smallest size variant carefully
- 3Use the ICO file as favicon.ico for websites and verify it displays correctly in browser tabs, bookmarks, and address bars
- 4For Windows application icons, include all standard sizes to ensure crisp display at every DPI setting
- 5Keep the AI source file for future icon revisions — re-converting from vector is always better than editing a raster ICO
AI to ICO converts professional Illustrator designs into the Windows icon format required for applications, favicons, and desktop integration. The vector source ensures optimal quality at every icon size.