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How to Convert ICO to SVG - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Upload Your ICO Favicon File

Start by uploading your ICO favicon file. You have multiple convenient options:

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Click to upload: Click the upload area or the "Upload" button to select your ICO file from your computer
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Drag and drop: Simply drag your favicon.ico file directly into the upload area for instant processing
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Try the sample: Click "Sample" to load a demo favicon and see how the converter works
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Privacy guaranteed: All conversions happen in your browser - your ICO files never leave your device
Step 2

Preview Your Favicon

Once uploaded, you'll see a preview of your SVG-wrapped favicon. The converter will display:

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Favicon preview: Visual preview of your ICO favicon embedded in SVG container with transparency preserved
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File information: Original file name and size details
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Icon dimensions: Width and height extracted from largest size in ICO
Step 3

Automatic SVG Wrapping

The conversion happens automatically and instantly after upload! Your ICO favicon is embedded in an SVG container using base64 encoding:

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Instant conversion: Conversion starts automatically 300ms after upload
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Transparency preserved: ICO alpha channel fully maintained in SVG output
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Base64 encoding: ICO data is encoded as data URI within SVG
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Quality maintained: Original favicon quality is pixel-perfect in SVG wrapper
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Local processing: Everything happens on your device for maximum privacy
Step 4

Download Your SVG File

Once conversion is complete (happens automatically!), you have multiple options:

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Download as file: Click the "Download" button to save your SVG file to your computer
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Copy to clipboard: Click "Copy" to copy the SVG code and paste it directly into your project
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Automatic naming: Downloaded files keep your original name with .svg extension
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Convert more: Use the "Clear" button to reset and convert another ICO favicon
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Success indicator: Green "Converted" badge confirms the conversion was successful

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ICO to SVG conversion?

ICO to SVG conversion embeds your favicon ICO file within a scalable SVG container. This allows you to use ICO favicons in SVG-based systems and modern web frameworks while maintaining the original icon quality. Note that this doesn't convert your icon to true vector paths - it creates an SVG wrapper around your ICO file using base64 encoding.

Will my ICO favicon become a true vector graphic?

No, this tool embeds your ICO favicon as a raster image within an SVG container. The icon remains pixel-based but is wrapped in a scalable SVG format. For true vector conversion (tracing), you would need dedicated vectorization tools like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator's Image Trace feature. However, for most favicon use cases, this SVG-wrapped format works perfectly.

Why would I need to convert ICO to SVG?

There are several practical reasons: your web framework or design system might require SVG format, you need to use ICO favicons in SVG-based compositions, you want to apply CSS filters or transformations that work with SVG elements, or you need a consistent file format for your asset pipeline. SVG is also better supported in modern design tools and frameworks.

Does the file size increase?

Yes, the file size will typically increase because the ICO data is base64-encoded (which adds about 33% overhead) and wrapped in SVG XML markup. However, since favicons are typically small (1-16 KB), the resulting SVG file is still quite small and works seamlessly in web browsers. You can also use our SVG Optimizer to reduce the file size further.

Is ICO transparency preserved in SVG?

Yes! ICO transparency (alpha channel) is fully preserved in the SVG output. Your transparent backgrounds and semi-transparent pixels will render correctly in the SVG format, making it perfect for favicons with transparency that need to work on various backgrounds.

Can I use the SVG favicon in my website?

Absolutely! The generated SVG files work in all modern browsers and can be used as favicons with <link rel="icon" type="image/svg+xml" href="favicon.svg">. SVG favicons are increasingly popular because they scale perfectly on high-DPI displays and can even support dark mode with CSS. You can also convert back using our SVG to ICO converter.

Which size from multi-size ICO is used?

If your ICO file contains multiple sizes (16×16, 32×32, 48×48, etc.), this tool automatically extracts the largest size available for the best quality in the SVG output. For example, if your favicon.ico contains a 256×256 version, that will be used to ensure maximum quality and sharpness.

Are there any browser compatibility issues?

The generated SVG files work in all modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). However, very old browsers like Internet Explorer may have limited SVG support. For maximum compatibility, you might want to provide both ICO and SVG favicons. Check SVG browser support for more details.

Is this ICO to SVG converter free?

Yes, completely free with no file limits, no registration required, and unlimited conversions. All features are available at no cost with full privacy protection. You can convert as many ICO favicon files to SVG as you need. All processing happens locally in your browser, so your files never leave your device.

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