Convert ICON to APNG (Animated PNG)

An ICON file, an abbreviation for Icon Image File, is primarily used in Microsoft Windows operating systems to represent graphical icons. These files are essential for visually identifying applications, files, and folders, enhancing user experience through graphical representation. ICON files support multiple sizes and color depths, ensuring compatibility and visual clarity across different display settings. Introduced in the early versions of Windows, ICON files have evolved to accommodate higher resolutions and color variations, aligning with advancements in display technology. Their primary function is to provide a quick, intuitive visual reference for software and system elements.

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.