Convert ICO to GIF Online Free
Convert ICO icon files to the universally compatible GIF format. Extract icons as GIF images for use in email, messaging, legacy platforms, or animation projects.
To convert ICO to GIF, drop your ICO file into the converter above. ChangeThisFile decodes the icon and re-encodes it as a GIF image entirely in your browser. The conversion is free, instant, and your files never leave your device. Binary transparency from the ICO is preserved in the GIF.
Convert ICO to GIF
Drop your ICO file here to convert it instantly
Drag & drop your .ico file here, or click to browse
Convert to GIF instantly
ICO vs GIF: Format Comparison
Key differences between the two formats
| Feature | ICO | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Icons and favicons | Web graphics, animations |
| Color depth | Up to 32-bit | 8-bit (256 colors max) |
| Transparency | Full alpha channel | Binary (on/off) |
| Animation | Not supported | Native frame animation |
| Multiple sizes | Can embed multiple sizes | Single size |
| Compression | Uncompressed or PNG | Lossless (LZW) |
| Compatibility | Windows-focused | Universal |
When to Convert
Common scenarios where this conversion is useful
Embedding icons in email signatures
Email clients universally support GIF images but not ICO files. Convert your icon to GIF for reliable display in email signatures and newsletters.
Using icons on legacy platforms
Older forums, wikis, and content management systems accept GIF but may reject ICO. Convert for compatibility with these platforms.
Creating sprite sheets for games
Convert ICO icon sets to GIF format for use in retro-style web games or as sprite sources for animation tools.
Documentation and tutorials
When writing documentation that includes icon screenshots, GIF is universally viewable. Convert ICO files to GIF for inclusion in guides and tutorials.
How to Convert ICO to GIF
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1
Drop your ICO file
Drag and drop your ICO icon file into the converter area, or click browse to select it from your device.
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2
Instant conversion
Your browser decodes the ICO and exports it as a GIF image. The color palette is reduced to 256 colors. Transparency is converted to binary (on/off).
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3
Download your GIF
Save the converted GIF file. The output is a static GIF image with universal compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Partially. ICO supports smooth alpha transparency, but GIF only supports binary transparency (fully transparent or fully opaque). Semi-transparent pixels will be rounded, possibly creating jagged edges.
Possibly. GIF supports only 256 colors. Most icons use simple designs with limited colors and convert perfectly. Complex icons with many colors or gradients may show color banding.
The converter uses the largest icon size embedded in the ICO file for the best quality GIF output.
Choose GIF for maximum compatibility with email clients, legacy systems, and platforms that specifically require GIF. For general use, PNG is usually the better choice (more colors, better transparency).
The converter maintains the original icon dimensions. To enlarge, resize the GIF in an image editor after conversion. Enlarging small icons will result in pixelation.
Yes. All processing happens in your browser. Your ICO files are never uploaded to any server, ensuring complete privacy.
No. The output is a static single-frame GIF. ICO files don't contain animation data, so there's nothing to animate.
Yes, ChangeThisFile also offers GIF to ICO conversion if you need to create icon files from GIF images.
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