Popular JPG to ICO Converter for Windows 10, 11

  1. 1️⃣ Download and Install.
  2. 2️⃣ Open Icon Maker.
  3. 3️⃣ Choose Conversion Options.
  4. 4️⃣ Convert JPG to ICO.
  5. 5️⃣ Save Your ICO File.
SoftOrbits Icon Maker Screenshot.
Eugene - CEO at SoftOrbits, Candidate of Technical Sciences, has more than 16 years of expertise in software development and testing.. Developed by a team of specialists, including engineer Julia, PhD candidate Paul. 110+ hours of work went into this page.
📅 Last updated on:  2024-10-21

I needed to convert a JPG image to ICO format for a new app icon. After trying several online converters and ImageMagick, I found Icon Maker to be a suitable option. It allowed me to easily convert the image and create icons in multiple sizes with good quality.

Way #1 Convert Image to Icon on Windows 10, 11

Step-by-Step Guide to use JPG to ICO Converter Software

Download and Install

  • Download it and run the installation program.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Download program..

Open the program and Import Image

Click Create Icon From Image to select and import your JPG.

Import JPG Image..

Choose Conversion Options

  • After importing, click Tools or Effects to set conversion preferences.
  • Customize output size, color depth, etc., according to your needs.
Choose Conversion Options..

Change JPG to ICO

  • With options set, hit Start to begin the conversion.
  • Depending on image size and settings, it may take a few minutes.
Convert..

Save Your Result

  • Once done, save as new.
  • Click Save As... and choose a location on your PC.
Save Your result..

Use Your New Icon

Apply it as an icon for programs, files, folders, or any other purpose.

Use Your result..

SoftOrbits Icon Maker SoftOrbits Icon Maker

SoftOrbits Icon Maker Software is a tool to create icon from PNG images.

 Download for Free

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When choosing an ICO converter, consider the software's ability to maintain image quality and its compatibility with various ICO sizes. Additionally, the software should offer batch processing capabilities for efficient conversion of multiple images.

Paul

Image Editing Basics Before Conversion

Before converting your image, consider these basic editing steps to improve the quality and suitability of the final result:

Resizing

Ensure the image is the desired size for the icon. Use a tool like Paint or a dedicated image editor for precise resizing.

Background Removal

Icon Maker can automatically remove the background of an icon with a white background and create a transparent icon.

Batch Conversion of Multiple Images

Batch Conversion..

👍 Icon Maker Features

User-friendly interface, batch processing, customization options, and compatibility with various ICO sizes.

👎 Icon Maker Weaknesses

Can be resource-intensive for large image conversions, and the free version has limited features.

Way #2 Free & Paid Alternatives

At SoftOrbits, our goal is to deliver accurate and trustworthy information.

  • We pick products for reviews based on what people like and what is popular.

  • Our testing phase focuses on spotlighting the prime features of a product and identifying its most suitable software.

  • User reviews from top sites guide us in crafting our product reviews.

  • We gather feedback from our users, understanding their thoughts on SoftOrbits software and other products.

While Icon Maker is one tool for converting JPG to ICO. Other options include Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and online converters.
For those looking for a free and open-source option, GIMP is popular.
GIMP..

It's not as feature-rich as paid design tools, but it's still great for creating and modifying icons.
Choose the conversion tool that best suits your needs. Icon Maker is a popular option for beginners due to its simplicity. For users with more advanced needs, Adobe Photoshop or CorelDRAW may be better choices.
Whatever your choice, many options are available for converting and creating custom icons.

Converting Image to an ICO file using CorelDRAW:

Needed to make icon

Opened CorelDRAW on computer. Went to File > Open. Selected my JPG. Image opened in CorelDRAW window.

CorelDRAW add files..

Next, went to File > Export

Export dialog box appeared. Selected ICO from format options. Clicked on Settings button. New window for ICO settings opened.

In settings, chose desired sizes. Selected 16x16, 32x32, 48x48 pixels. Also picked colors and resolution. Made sure settings correct. Hit OK to confirm.

CorelDRAW Settings..

Back in Export dialog

Double checked everything correct. Clicked Export button.

CorelDRAW exported JPG as new ICO file

Contained multiple sizes in one file. Closed CorelDRAW when done. Went to saved location. Found my new multi-size!

CorelDRAW export..

👍 Design Software Strengths

Powerful image editing capabilities, high-quality output, and versatility for various design 4tasks.

👎 Design Software Weaknesses

Steep learning curve for beginners, can be expensive (especially Photoshop and CorelDRAW), and may not have dedicated ICO conversion features.

Way #3 Online Converters

If you need to convert image to .ico on Windows 10 / 11 format quickly and easily, several online tools can help. One popular option is ConvertICO, which allows you to upload a JPG and convert it to ICO format in seconds.

Another tool is ICO Convert, which offers a simple and intuitive interface for converting JPG files to ICO. You can choose the size and color depth of the icon, and the tool lets you crop and resize the original image.
Finally, Online Convert is another option for converting JPG to ICO online. It supports JPG files and transparency of the icons it makes.

Steps for converting using online-convert.com:

Upload Your Image

  • Choose your JPG file by selecting it from your computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, or via URL.
  • You can also drag and drop the file onto the page.

Upload Your image..

Select ICO Format

Click on the dropdown menu and choose ICO as the desired output format.

Select file format ..

Download Your Result

  • Click Start to begin the conversion process.
  • Once done, you can download your ICO file right away.

Download Your ICO File..

While online apps can be a quick and easy solution for converting images, it's essential to keep in mind that these tools may not offer the same level of customization and control as dedicated design software like JPG to ICO Converter software or Adobe Photoshop.

👍 Online Converters Strengths

  • Quick and easy to use, no installation required, and often free.

👎 Online Converter Limitations

File Size Restrictions:

  • Maximum input file size constraints
  • Output icon size limitations

Quality Issues:

  • Compression-induced quality loss
  • Reduced color depth

Format Constraints:

  • Limited icon format support
  • Potential lack of transparency

Feature Limitations:

  • Restricted customization options
  • Absence of batch processing capabilities
These limitations impact output quality and usability. Consideration of paid options or desktop JPG to icon converter software software may yield superior results for JPEG to icon conversion tasks.

Way #4 Command Line tools: 💁My Experience: Converting GIFs, PNGs, and JPGs to .ICO using Imagemagick

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I recently encountered an issue while trying to change various image formats such as GIF, PNG, and JPG to .ICO using ImageMagick. I followed the commands suggested on Stack Overflow but faced difficulties achieving transparency in the generated icons.

Paul
The problem I encountered was that the generated .ICOs didn't maintain transparency across web browsers. While the favicon.ico file worked fine with Firefox, it didn't display correctly in other browsers such as IE, Chrome, Opera, and Safari. The issue might be with the command I used to switch the images, as it worked for one browser but not others.

Tino in a comment on the Stack Overflow Issue Description

Commands Used

The following commands were suggested for converting images to .ICO format:

For transform:

/usr/bin/convert -resize x16 -gravity center -crop 16x16+0+0 input.jpg \
-transparent white -colours 256 output/favicon.ico

For GIF and PNG:

/usr/bin/convert -resize x16 -gravity center -crop 16x16+0+0 input.png \
-flatten -colours 256 output/favicon.ico

Attempted Solutions

To address the transparency issue, I tried various modifications to the commands, such as using the -channel alpha -negate options. I needed a solution to work universally and produce transparent .ICO compatible with all major browsers.

Alternative Solution

After further research, I discovered an alternative solution that involved using the control command instead of ImageMagick. It was suggested by a user named Tino in a comment on the Stack Overflow thread. The solution involved the following command:
icotool -c -o favicon.ico FILENAME
This command worked for me and resolved the transparency issue. It is worth noting that this solution was mentioned explicitly as working on Ubuntu Linux, but it may also work on other operating systems with control installed.

Recommendations

Based on my experience and the alternative solution I found, I would like to provide the following recommendations for converting GIFs, PNGs, and JPGs to .ICO with transparency:
Consider using control instead of ImageMagick: If you're facing issues with ImageMagick's transparency support for ICO images, try using the power command-line tool as an alternative.
Install control on your system: If you don't have control installed, install it using package managers specific to your operating system. For example, on Ubuntu, you can use the following command:
sudo apt-get install icoutils
h3Convert images using control: Once the tool is installed, you can use the following command:
icotool -c -o favicon.ico FILENAME
Replace FILENAME with the path to your input image. This command should generate with transparency.

Comparison of JPG to ICO Conversion Methods

FeatureIcon Maker (Free)Icon Maker (Pro)ConvertICOICO ConvertOnline-Convert.comAdobe PhotoshopCorelDRAWGIMPImageMagickicotool
PricingFree$29.95FreeFreeFree$23.99/month (individual)$299 (perpetual license)FreeFreeFree
Free TrialN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A7-day free trialN/AN/AN/AN/A
Operating System CompatibilityWindowsWindowsWeb-based (Windows, macOS, Linux)Web-based (Windows, macOS, Linux)Web-based (Windows, macOS, Linux)Windows, macOSWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
User-friendlinessExcellentExcellentGoodGoodGoodHighHighMediumMediumMedium
CustomizationLimitedExtensiveLimitedLimitedLimitedExtensiveExtensiveMediumModerateLimited
Batch processingLimitedYesLimitedLimitedLimitedYesYesYesYesYes
Output qualityHighHighVariesVariesVariesHighHighHighHighHigh
Offline useYesYesNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYes
File size limitsLimitedNo limitVariesVariesVariesNo limitNo limitNo limitNo limitNo limit
Command-line interfaceNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes

Beginner users

Online converters or SoftOrbits Icon Maker's free version offer a simple and straightforward solution.

Advanced users

Design software provides more control and customization but requires a steeper learning curve.

High-volume users

Icon Maker's paid version or a dedicated batch processing tool might be more efficient.
Ultimately, the best converter depends on your specific needs, budget, and level of technical expertise.

Best Practices for Creating Icons from JPG Images

Icon Design..

Creating icons from JPG images requires attention to detail to ensure that the icons are of high quality and visually appealing. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when creating icons from JPG images:

✔️ Enhancing Image Quality before Conversion

It is vital to ensure the image is high quality before converting the image to ICO. Make the icon clearer and crisper.

✔️ Selecting the Right Size and Resolution for Your Icons

Choosing the right size and resolution for your icons is essential. Files can contain multiple dimensions of the same, so choosing the appropriate size for each use is necessary.

✔️ Using Transparency in ICO Files

When creating files, it is crucial to use transparency to make the icon blend seamlessly into the background.

Common User Pain Points During Conversion

When converting images, users often encounter specific challenges that can impact the quality and usability of the final result. Here are some common pain points and potential solutions:

Transparency Issues

Loss of Transparency: Sometimes, transparency can be lost or distorted during conversion, especially when converting between different file formats.
Solutions:

✔️ Maintain Transparency

Ensure that the original image and the target format support transparency.

✔️ Check Converter Settings

Look for options that allow you to preserve transparency or alpha channels.

✔️ Use Specialized Tools

For complex transparency manipulations, consider using specialized image editing software.

Color Depth Selection

Incorrect Color Depth: Choosing the wrong color depth can lead to color distortion or loss of detail.
Solutions:

✔️ Understand Color Depths

Familiarize yourself with different color depths (e.g., 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit) and their implications.

✔️ Match Original

If possible, select a color depth that matches the original image to avoid color degradation.

✔️ Consider File Format

Some file formats have inherent color depth limitations. Choose a format that supports the desired color depth.

Other Common Issues

✔️ File Format Compatibility

Ensure that the target file format is compatible with the intended use.

✔️ Quality Loss

Compression algorithms can sometimes lead to quality degradation. Consider using lossless compression or adjusting compression settings.

✔️ Conversion Errors

If you encounter errors during conversion, try different converters or check for file corruption.

Converting a JPEG to an ICO is a common task when creating icons for web and software applications. Looked at Adobe Photoshop option. And CorelDRAW and GIMP too. But seemed complicated. Compared to Photoshop and others' complexities. tool was way more convenient. Simple yet powerful for icon conversions and creations. Very pleased with the results.

SoftOrbits Icon Maker SoftOrbits Icon Maker
Looking for a reliable and free tool to convert JPG images to ICO format for Windows 10/11? Discover the top-rated software that offers quick and effortless conversion.
SoftOrbits Icon Maker Screenshot.


🙋Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use this tool to transform a image to an icon in Windows 10 or 11.

No, SoftOrbits Software utilizes lossless compression, ensuring that the quality of the modified icons remains intact without any loss of image data.

ICO files are primarily used to store icons for Windows operating systems.

Common image formats that can be converted to ICO include JPG, PNG, and BMP.

Yes, InfranView supports batch conversion, allowing you to process multiple images at once.