Convert ICO to APNG (Animated PNG)

The ICO file extension, standing for "Icon", is integral to Microsoft Windows for storing icons of different sizes and color depths. Its primary use is to display graphical representations of executable programs, files, and folders within the Windows operating system. The ICO format's origins trace back to the early versions of Windows, evolving over the decades to support enhanced resolutions and alpha transparency. Today, ICO files ensure visually consistent and scalable icons that maintain their appearance across various display settings, aligning with modern user interface standards.

Animated Portable Network Graphics (APNG) is an extension of the Portable Network Graphics (PNG) format designed to support animated images. Introduced in 2004, APNG allows for animated sequences while retaining backward compatibility with non-animated PNG files. This format is utilized for its lossless compression, making it ideal for web graphics where image quality is paramount. APNG files are widely used for animated icons, logos, and other elements that benefit from high-quality animations without the artifacts common in GIF files. Its concise, efficient structure makes it a preferred choice among developers and designers focused on optimizing web performance.