What happens when you convert TIF to ICNS
- TIF is another name for TIFF; files ending in .tif work here.
- The ICNS file contains every size macOS uses, from 16×16 to 1024×1024 (Retina), stored as PNG.
- For the sharpest icon, start with a square image of at least 1024×1024. Other shapes are centered with transparent padding.
- Transparency is kept.
- Multi-page TIFFs are converted from their first page.
TIFF vs ICNS
| Feature | TIFF | ICNS |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | No | No |
| Colors | 16.7M | 16.7M |
| Best for | Print, scans, archiving | Mac app and folder icons |
How to convert TIF to ICNS
- Drop your TIF files on the box above, or click it to choose files. You can add many at once.
- Adjust the options if you want. The defaults work well for most files.
- Click Download for each ICNS file, or "Download all" to get a ZIP.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to convert my files here?
Yes. Conversion happens entirely in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to a server, so nobody else can see them.
Is it free? Are there limits?
It's completely free, with no sign-up, watermarks or daily limits. The only limit is your device's memory for very large files.
Can I convert many TIF files at once?
Yes. Drop as many files as you like; they're converted one after another and you can download them all as a ZIP.
Will converting TIF to ICNS reduce quality?
No. Both formats are lossless, so every pixel is kept.
Does ICNS keep transparency?
Yes, ICNS supports transparency and it's kept.
How do I use the ICNS file?
In Finder, select an app or folder, press ⌘I, then drag the .icns file onto the small icon at the top of the Info window. In an app bundle, it goes in Contents/Resources.