ICO to PDF
Use an ICO image in a one-page PDF for an icon handoff. One decoded icon is shown; this route has no control for choosing among the set’s sizes.
Format Comparison & Technical Specifications
| Specification | ICO | |
|---|---|---|
| MIME Type | image/x-icon | application/pdf |
| Type | raster / container | document container |
| Compression | raw bitmap / PNG embedded | Flate / JPEG / JBIG2 / CCITT |
| Standard Specification | Microsoft ICO Format | ISO 32000-2:2020 |
| Magic Bytes Header | 00 00 01 00 | 25 50 44 46 (%PDF) |
Format Overview & Applications
An application icon may include several sizes for different display contexts; this PDF documents the largest entry, while designers should keep the ICO or export smaller sizes separately.
Technical Specifications & Codec Breakdown
The PDF path asks the browser to decode the ICO before creating PNG page pixels; the software fallback selects the directory entry with the largest pixel area, but browser entry selection is delegated to its image decoder.
OS & Browser Compatibility
Windows icon editors can open and change the ICO set; the PDF shows one browser-decoded icon image, while the software fallback explicitly selects the largest-area entry.
Useful info
If a specific 16×16 or 32×32 state must be reviewed, export that ICO entry as a separate PNG first; this route has no size picker.
Format Comparison & Technical Specifications
For an ICO entry selected at 256×256 pixels, the corresponding PDF page image occupies about 1.7×1.7 inches at 150 dpi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ICO size does the PDF show?
The browser decodes the ICO for the client-side route; the software fallback chooses the entry with the largest pixel area.
Can I compare the icon’s multiple sizes in this PDF?
No, one selected entry becomes one page image. Export the desired sizes separately for a comparison sheet.