XCF to ICO Converter
Convert XCF to ICO online for free. Fast, secure, and high-quality conversion with no sign-up or software required.
Maximum file size is 1GB
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Three steps to your converted file
Everything happens in your browser tab - upload, pick a format, download. The heavy lifting runs on our servers.
Upload your file
Drag and drop, click to browse, or paste a URL. Batches take up to 20 files at once - 230+ input formats across video, audio, image, document, and archive types.
Choose an output format
Pick from over a hundred output formats. Filter by category or search by name - every option is open to everyone, no account needed.
Convert & download
Hit Convert and grab your download link moments later. Originals are erased when the job completes; results are cleared within about an hour.
What is an XCF file?
XCF (eXperimental Computing Facility) is the native project file format for the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP). It is a binary format designed to save all data associated with a GIMP editing session, including layers, channels, paths, transparency (alpha), and guides. The file structure relies on a pointer-based system to reference image tiles and uses simple Run-Length Encoding (RLE) for compressing pixel data. XCF is strictly a working format for image editing and is not intended for final image distribution or web rendering.
How to open an XCF file
The XCF format is proprietary to GIMP and should be opened using the GNU Image Manipulation Program on Windows, macOS, or Linux to preserve layer structure and editability. While some third-party viewers like IrfanView (with plugins), XnView, and Inkscape can import or view flattened versions of XCF files, they cannot write or edit the multilayered data natively. Operating systems do not provide native rendering support for XCF files.
XCF Technical Info
- Full Name
- eXperimental Computing Facility
- Developed By
- The GIMP Team
- Initial Release
- 1995
- MIME Type
- image/x-xcf
What is an ICO file?
The ICO format is an image container specifically designed for Microsoft Windows to store icons for executable files, folders, and applications. Introduced with Windows 1.0, it can encapsulate multiple raster images of varying dimensions and color depths (specifically BMP or PNG frames) within a single file to support dynamic scaling across different display resolutions. The structure comprises an ICONDIR header referencing one or more ICONDIRENTRY directory entries, allowing the operating system to select the appropriate 16x16, 32x32, or 48x48 pixel resource based on the current UI scaling settings.
How to open an ICO file
ICO files are natively supported by the Microsoft Windows operating system, which automatically renders them in the File Explorer and taskbar. On macOS, Apple Preview handles the format natively. For editing or detailed inspection of the contained bitmap layers, raster graphics editors such as GIMP, Adobe Photoshop (via plugin), or Paint.NET are required. Web browsers also natively render ICO files when they are designated as favicons.
ICO Technical Info
- Full Name
- Microsoft Icon File
- Developed By
- Microsoft
- Initial Release
- 1985
- MIME Type
- image/vnd.microsoft.icon
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Purpose-built for speed, privacy, and breadth of format support.
Convert XCF to ICO in seconds
Every XCF to ICO conversion runs on our servers, so your device stays fast and the output quality stays intact.
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No queue, no waiting. Files are processed on high-performance servers and returned in seconds, even for large files.
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Encrypted in transit and never shared with anyone. Uploads are erased the moment your job completes, and results shortly after.
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Developer API
Convert XCF to ICO via API
Automate XCF to ICO conversions in three steps: create a job, upload your file, then poll for the result.
# 1. Create job
curl -X POST https://api.runconvert.com/v3/jobs \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"tag": "xcf-to-ico",
"tasks": {
"upload-file": {
"operation": "import/upload"
},
"convert": {
"operation": "convert",
"input": "upload-file",
"output_format": "ico"
},
"export-result": {
"operation": "export/url",
"input": "convert"
}
}
}'
# 2. Upload your file (use upload_url from the response)
curl -X PUT "$UPLOAD_URL" --upload-file input.xcf
# 3. Poll for result
curl https://api.runconvert.com/v3/jobs/$JOB_ID?include=tasks \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your RunConvert API key. Get your free API key at runconvert.com/api.