Make an ICO from SVG

Windows executables, installers, and browser favicons still expect a single .ico file that packs several pixel sizes, but most SVG tools only export one flat raster at a time. This guide exports a multi-size Windows icon (.ico) from one SVG source in IconVectors, with the size sets desktop apps and favicons actually need.

Why an ICO file?

SVG is the working format for icons on the web and in modern apps, but Windows shells and legacy browser code still read .ico for app icons and favicon.ico. When a build target asks for one of those, you need to flatten your SVG into a sized ICO bundle.

• Purpose-built for Windows: .ico is the native icon format used by Windows executables, installers, and shortcuts.
• Favicons: browsers still accept favicon.ico at a site's root, often containing 16x16/32x32/48x48 bitmaps for legacy compatibility.
• All-in-one: a single ICO can embed several sub-images at different sizes and color depths (e.g., 16x16 up to 256x256, 24-bit flat or 32-bit with alpha), so Windows picks the best match automatically.

Step-by-step in IconVectors

1. Open, draw, or trace your SVG icon.
   • Open existing SVG: File -> Open... (Ctrl+O)
   • Create from scratch: New Icon (Ctrl+N), then draw shapes/paths

   

2. Open the multi-export dialog: File -> Export -> Export to Multiple Bitmaps (Ctrl+Shift+F3). This opens the dialog where you generate multi-size outputs, including ICO.
3. Understand the options in the Export Icon to Multiple Bitmaps dialog:

   

   • Destination (left pane) — browse to the folder where files will be written.
   • Base Filename — enter the root name (no extension). Size suffixes/extensions are added automatically; for ICO, .ico will be appended.
   • File Formats — tick Windows Icons (*.ICO) to build a single .ico that contains multiple sub-images. (You can also tick PNG/JPG/BMP/ICNS if you want those formats generated in parallel.)
   • Sizes Based on Native Size — quick multipliers (1x, 1.25x, 1.5x, 2x, 3x...). Handy when your source grid defines a "base" size.
   • Sizes in Pixels — choose the exact bitmap sizes to embed. Common sets:
     • Windows app icon: 16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 256
     • Classic favicon: 16, 32, 48
     Use Add... under Custom if you need other sizes.
   • Colors — for flat (non-alpha) outputs, define the background/transparency key/matte colors. ICO sub-images are normally 32BPP with alpha for modern Windows, so you typically don't need a flat background.
4. Select the destination folder in the left pane, then set Base Filename — for example, AppIcon (the .ico extension is added for you).
5. Choose Windows Icon (ICO) in File Formats, then check the sizes you want to embed (e.g., 16x16, 24x24, 32x32, 48x48, 64x64, 256x256). You can enable other bitmap formats at the same time if you also need PNGs.
6. Click OK. IconVectors generates the .ico file (plus any additional formats you checked). You can now use it as a Windows application icon or as /favicon.ico for your website.

Notes & tips

• Alpha transparency is recommended for modern Windows — ensure your icon has clean edges on dark/light backgrounds.
• Keep the SVG master for future edits; re-export ICO/PNG sizes as needed.
• Favicons: modern sites commonly serve PNGs via <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="..."/> along with favicon.ico for legacy support. Your Multi-Bitmaps export can generate both in one pass.