Convert JPG to ICO
About JPG
JPEG, which stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, is the most common image format for digital photography. It uses a lossy compression algorithm, which means it discards some image data to achieve significantly smaller file sizes. This trade-off makes it ideal for web use and email, but it's less suitable for images that will undergo multiple edits, as quality can degrade with each save.
About ICO
The ICO (Icon) file format is used for computer icons in Microsoft Windows. An ICO file contains one or more small images at multiple sizes and color depths, allowing them to be scaled appropriately. The most common use for ICO files on the web is for 'favicons', the small icon displayed in a browser's tab.
JPG vs ICO
| Feature | JPG | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | lossy | uncompressed or PNG compressed |
| Transparency | false | true |
| Animation | false | false |
| Quality Rating | 4 | 3 |
| Patent Status | royalty-free | royalty-free |
| Year Introduced | 1992 | 1985 |
| Developed By | Joint Photographic Experts Group | Microsoft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between JPG and JPEG?
There is no difference in the format itself. Both refer to the same image format. The '.jpg' file extension originated from older versions of Windows that required three-letter extensions. Modern systems can handle '.jpeg', but '.jpg' remains more common.
When should I use JPEG?
JPEG is best for complex images with millions of colors, like photographs. It's not ideal for images with sharp lines, text, or flat colors (like logos), as the compression can create noticeable artifacts. For those, PNG is a better choice.
Can I use a PNG for a favicon instead of an ICO?
Yes, modern browsers have excellent support for using PNG files as favicons. You can simply link to a .png file in your HTML header. However, the .ico format can still be useful as it can contain multiple icon sizes in a single file, which some browsers and platforms use in different contexts (like bookmarks or desktop shortcuts).
What's the maximum size for an ICO file?
While historically icons were very small (16x16 or 32x32 pixels), the ICO format can technically support icons up to 256x256 pixels. This allows for high-resolution icons on modern displays.
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