The Ultimate ICO-to-PDF Conversion Guide for Beginners

Have you ever come across an ICO file and wondered what it is or how to use it beyond just being an icon? While ICO files are perfect for app and website icons, they are not always convenient when it comes to sharing, printing, or adding them to documents.

Whether you want to know what an ICO file is or how to easily convert an ICO file to PDF, this step-by-step guide covers everything you need. We have also introduced UPDF, a powerful yet simple tool that makes the whole process effortless, so keep reading to discover the easiest way to convert your ICO.

Part 1.What is an ICO file?

An ICO is an image file used in Microsoft Windows. In this file, you can see icons for different Windows programs. Moreover, a single ICO file can have multiple images  for toolbars, desktop shortcuts, and high-resolution displays. Since ICO files are mainly supported on Windows, you may need to convert them into other formats, such as PDF, PNG, and more, for easier sharing and viewing.

Part 2. How to Open ICO files?

You can easily open ICO files on Windows using apps like Microsoft Photos, Microsoft Paints, etc. However, Mac users have to first convert it into another format, such as PDF, to open it. Here's how you can open and work with ICO files.

​1. On Windows:

You can use Microsoft Photos, Microsoft Paint, CorelDRAW, and other third-party apps to open an ICO file.

​2. On MacOS:

Mac users can open ICO files using Apple Preview, Lemkesoft GraphicConverter, and Inkscape.

Part 3. How to Convert ICO to PDF?

Converting ICO to PDF is the best way to share, print, and include ICO in documents without worrying about compatibility. Unlike ICO files, PDFs can be opened on almost any device, making your work easier. UPDF is an all-in-one PDF editor that is compatible with all devices, like Windows and macOS. It allows you to read, edit, annotate, organize, and convert ICO into different formats, such as PDF, PNG, PPT, and more. Click the Download button below to install UPDF on your Mac.

Key Features of UPDF:

1. Fast and User-Friendly: Compared to other apps, it is fast and offers an easy-to-use interface.
2. Batch Convert ICO: You can use the batch mode to convert multiple ICO files to PDF at the same time.
3. Add-Free: Unlike many freemium tools, UPDF offers an ad-free experience.
4. Private & Secure: You can upload ICO files without worrying about security.
5. No Internet Needed: You can easily convert and edit your  ICO files offline.

Steps to Convert ICO To PDF

Step 1: Click the download button below to download the latest version of UPDF for Mac. Install the setup and launch it on your device.

Step 2: Enter your email and password for login, and drag and drop your ICO file.

Alternatively, you can open the Tools menu, navigate to the Create PDF section, and select Other > PDF from Image to upload your files.

Step 2. After uploading, you will see the pop-up window, which allows you to adjust the PDF settings.

Here’s what each option means:

1. Create Mode: This mode offers  two options: Keep original size and Standardize Page.  If you want the document to stay exactly as it is, you can leave Create Mode as “Keep Original size.”
2. Page Size: With this option, you can choose a standard paper size, such as A4.
3. Orientation: You can  select Portrait or landscape for printing.

Step 3. Click “OK” to apply the changes, and  UPDF will automatically convert your file to PDF. To edit your PDF file, click “Tools > Edit” Mode to  add text, images, and links.

Additionally, you can click the “Tools > Comment” mode for annotation. Using PDF annotation, you can highlight your text, add comments, add sticky notes and more.

Step 4. Click the “Save” icon in the top-right corner to save your file.

Part 4. How to Batch Convert ICO Files to PDF (Mac)?

If you want to convert multiple ICO files on Mac, batch mode can save you a lot of time. Instead of converting each icon individually, you can convert them all at once into a PDF. Here is a step-by-step guide you can follow to convert multiple ICO files using the batch mode.

Step 1. Launch the UPDF app and click the “Tools” option. Now, go to Batch PDFs and click “Create” to convert your ICO files to PDF.

Step 2. Click “Add Files” to upload multiple ICO files. Once done, select your desired Setting, such as:

1. Create Mode

• Combine into one → Merges all selected files into a single PDF.
• Create separately → Converts each file into its own PDF (this option is currently selected).

2. Size Options

• Keep original size → Maintains the file’s original dimensions when converting.

3. Page Size (in) → Lets you pick standard paper sizes like A4, Letter, etc., or define a custom width (W) and height (H).

4. Orientation → Choose Portrait or Landscape for printing your PDF.

Step 4. After choosing your options, click the “Apply” button. Within a few minutes, the tool will convert ICO files to PDF and will create a separate folder on your Mac.

Part 5. How to Convert ICO to PNG? (Mac)

ICO files are used as icons for applications and shortcuts, but sometimes you have to convert them into a compatible format like PNG for editing, presentations, or web use. Here is how to convert ICO to PNG using UPDF.

Step 1. Go to “Tools” and click the “Convert” option to convert your ICO files into PNG.

Step 2. Choose “Add Files” to upload your ICO files. From the Image format dropdown, select PNG to proceed. Don’t forget to choose your settings, like Export All Images and so on.

Step 3. After choosing your settings, click the “Apply” option. Within a few minutes, the app will convert your ICO files into PNG and will create a new folder on your Mac.

Conclusion

That’s all, folks. In this article, we have mentioned all the possible ways of converting ICO to PDF for a better sharing experience. If you are looking for a reliable application, we recommend using UPDF because it is easy to use and offers lots of powerful PDF editing features. Moreover, it is available for all devices, including macOS, Windows, iPhone, and Android. You can also use it to compare and merge PDFs with one click.