Can I convert GIMP XCF to ICO on iPhone, Android, Mac or Windows?

Yes. ConvertPixels works in Safari, Chrome, Edge and Firefox on any device, so you can convert GIMP XCF to ICO on your phone or computer without installing an app.

Is there a free XCF to ICO converter with no sign-up?

Yes, this one. Converting XCF to ICO on ConvertPixels is free, with no sign-up, no watermark and no daily cap. Convert up to 30 files per batch, each up to 50 MB.

Can I convert XCF to ICO without losing quality?

Yes. ICO is a lossless format, so your converted file is pixel-for-pixel the same as the XCF. (It can't add back detail the original never had.)

Will the transparent background survive converting XCF to ICO?

Yes. Transparency is supported in both formats and is preserved exactly.

Can I batch convert XCF to ICO?

Yes. Add up to 30 XCF files and convert them in one batch. You can even choose a different output format for individual files, then download them separately or together as a ZIP.

Is it safe to upload XCF files to ConvertPixels?

Yes. Uploads use an encrypted connection and are processed automatically - nobody views them. Your originals are deleted straight after conversion and the results within an hour, or instantly if you click "Delete from server now".

Convert

GIMP XCF to ICO Converter

Convert GIMP XCF images to ICO online in seconds - free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Batch convert up to 30 files and download them together as a ZIP.

Free
No sign-up
No watermark
Private by design

Choose filesor drag and drop files hereUp to 30 files · 50 MB each

Image Converter

How to use it

1
Drop your GIMP XCF files onto the converter
2
Press Convert to turn them into ICO
3
Download your ICO images one by one or as a ZIP

GIMP XCF to ICO

Why convert XCF to ICO?

XCF and ICO are both lossless formats. ICO is the usual choice for website favicons and Windows icons.

Transparent areas stay transparent

XCF and ICO both handle transparency, so anything see-through in the original is still see-through after conversion.

Create a favicon or app icon

ICO is the icon format every browser and Windows understands. Convert a square XCF to get a favicon for your site or an icon for a desktop shortcut.

GIMP XCF vs ICO: what's the difference?

Property	GIMP XCF	ICO
Compression type	Lossless (exact pixels, larger files)	Lossless (exact pixels, larger files)
Transparent background	Yes	Yes
Animation	No	No
Where it opens	None (needs GIMP)	All browsers as a site icon
Used for	Layered GIMP projects	Website favicons and Windows icons

What is a GIMP XCF file?

XCF is GIMP's native file format - the free, open-source alternative to Photoshop's PSD. It keeps layers, channels, paths, text and selections so you can continue editing later.

Like PSD, XCF is a working file rather than a sharing format: to post or send the design you need a flattened JPG or PNG.

How to open a GIMP XCF file

GIMP (free for Windows, Mac and Linux) opens XCF files. Some viewers such as XnView show a flattened preview. Converting gives you the finished image without installing GIMP.

Extension: .xcf
Contains: Layers, channels, paths, text
Made by: GIMP
Best for: Layered GIMP projects

What is an ICO file?

ICO is the icon format of Microsoft Windows and the classic format for website favicons - the little image in a browser tab. One ICO file can hold several sizes (16 × 16, 32 × 32, 48 × 48 and more), so the icon looks sharp everywhere.

ICO supports transparency, so icons can have rounded or irregular shapes. Modern sites often add PNG and SVG favicons too, but favicon.ico is still the universal fallback.

How to open an ICO file

Windows shows ICO files in File Explorer and opens them in Photos; Mac Preview opens them too. GIMP and online editors can edit them. To make one, convert a square PNG - or use the Favicon Generator for a complete set.

Extension: .ico
Sizes: Several in one file (16-256 px)
Transparency: Yes
Best for: Favicons, Windows icons