Have you ever noticed those tiny icons on your browser tabs? They’re called favicons, which is short for “favorite icons”, and while they may be small, they’re important in improving your site’s user experience and brand identity.
This guide will explain what a favicon is, why it matters, and how to create and add one to your site. By the end of this post, you’ll understand why this tiny image is important—and how to make it work for you.
What is a favicon image?
A favicon (short for “favorites icon”) is a small, image that appears next to your website title in the browser tab, bookmarks, and address bar, and helps users quickly identify your site in their browser. It’s your virtual ID for browsers.
A favicon acts as the face of your website that helps users quickly identify your site when they have multiple tabs open. Despite its size, it’s valuable to your site’s design and branding strategy.
Think of some of the most recognized brands online:
- Facebook. The iconic blue “f” logo.
- Google. A simple, colorful “G” that’s instantly recognizable.
- Apple. A sleek apple silhouette.
These are examples of favicons that help make these websites easily identifiable and contribute to their overall branding.
What size is a favicon?
When designing a favicon, size and resolution must be considered. The standard is 16×16 pixels and works for browser tabs and the page title. However, depending on the device or platform, you might need different sizes for optimal display.
Your favicon could appear pixelated or blurry without the correct sizes, especially on larger or high-definition screens.
Recommended favicon sizes for different devices
To ensure your favicon looks great across all devices, consider using these sizes:
- 16×16 pixels. Ideal for browser tabs and bookmarks.
- 32×32 pixels. This works best on high-resolution screens, like Retina displays.
- 96×96 pixels. Great for larger screens or high-DPI displays.
- 180×180 pixels. Perfect for mobile devices, especially when web users save your favicon to their home screen.
512×512 pixels. This size is recommended for web apps and high-resolution displays. It’s also helpful when users add your site to their home screen on Android or iOS.
Why size matters
Creating favicons in multiple sizes ensures they display properly across all devices and resolutions. A favicon that’s too small can look blurry on high-res screens, while one that’s too large might not fit well in browser tabs or on mobile devices. Using the right size for your favicon keeps your website looking sharp and professional on all platforms.
Which favicon format works best for you
When choosing the right format for your favicon, there are a few options to consider, each with its own benefits.
- ICO. This is the most common and widely supported format. It’s perfect for browsers and guarantees your favicon works well across different devices. It can also contain multiple sizes in a single file.
- PNG. If you want a high-quality favicon with a transparent background, PNG is your best bet. It’s great for modern browsers and offers a nice, sharp image. However, it doesn’t support multiple sizes like ICO.
- SVG. This format is ideal if you want a scalable favicon that stays crisp at any size. SVGs are vector-based, so they can be resized without losing quality. This makes them perfect for responsive websites. However, not all older browsers support SVGs, so be sure to test compatibility.
- GIF. Although less common these days, GIFs can be used for a favicon, especially if you want to add some animation. Keep in mind that GIFs are limited to 256 colors and might not be as crisp as PNG or SVG.
Where favicon images appear
Favicons appear in several locations across browsers and devices. Here are the main places where they’re typically visible:
- Browser tabs. This is the most common place where favicons appear. Whenever a user has multiple tabs open in web browsers like Chrome or Internet Explorer, favicons help them quickly identify which site each tab represents.
- Bookmarks. Favicons are also visible next to website names in a user’s bookmarks bar. A recognizable favicon can make it easier for users to find and return to your site, especially if they’ve saved it for later.
- Mobile devices. On mobile, favicons appear in browser tabs and within the home screen shortcut if the website is saved to the user’s home screen. For mobile users, having a recognizable favicon can improve accessibility and the user’s ability to find your site on their device, whether in the browser’s address bar or on their home screen shortcut.
Benefits of favicons
You might not expect it, but those tiny icons in your browser’s tab are more powerful than they seem. Discover how these small icons can significantly impact your website’s performance and user experience.
Makes navigation easier
When users have a bunch of tabs open, a favicon makes it easy to spot your site and helps users navigate quickly without having to read through titles. This simple feature makes browsing smoother and less frustrating.
Improves site accessibility
Favicons easier for people to save and return to your site later. For those who rely on visual cues, like users with certain impairments, a clear favicon can make all the difference in recognizing and revisiting your site.
Boosts brand recognition
Whether it’s your logo or a design tied to your brand, a favicon keeps your website visually consistent across browsers and devices. Over time, this helps people remember and recognize your site, even when they’re just scanning through tabs or saved links.
Supports SEO efforts
Whether it’s your logo or a design tied to your brand, a favicon keeps your website visually consistent across bFavicons don’t directly affect search rankings, but they help create a better overall experience for your visitors. A site that’s easy to find and looks polished is one people are more likely to revisit. The longer and more often they stay on your site, the better it is for your visibility online.
If you want to make the most of this feature, add a favicon to your website and improve your branding and accessibility at the same time.
Now that you understand how favicons enhance your site’s branding and visibility, let’s explore how to create and implement one for your website.
Step-by-step guide on how to make a favicon
Creating a favicon is simple and quick. Whether you’re new to web page design or have some experience, there’s an approach that works for you. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have your favicon ready to go for your website in no time.
1. Choose your method: online generator or design software
- Online generator. If you want a simple, no-fuss option, an online favicon generator is the way to go. These tools simplify the process by allowing you to upload an image, which they then convert into the right sizes and formats for your site.
- Design software. If you want a custom design, use graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or Photoshop. These tools give you the flexibility to create a favicon that perfectly represents your brand.
2. Create your favicon
Using an online favicon generator
- Go to a favicon generator website like Favicon.io or RealFaviconGenerator.
- Upload your image (like your logo) that you want to use for the favicon.
- Download the file. The generator will create a zip file with favicons in multiple sizes and file formats. This will include ICO and PNG files for different platforms.
Using a graphic design software
- Open your design software (like Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or similar).
- Create a square image. Start with a 512×512 pixel canvas for good quality.
- Add your logo or a simple icon that represents your brand.
- Save your image in either ICO or PNG format, which are compatible with most websites.
3. Test and upload your favicon
- For manual installation. If you’re manually adding the favicon to your website, upload the favicon file to your website’s root directory and add the following code to your HTML <head> section:
- For CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress website). Most CMS platforms make it easy to upload your favicon. In WordPress, go to Appearance > Customize > Site Identity and upload your favicon file.
4 helpful tips to make the best favicon
- Keep it consistent. Your favicon should feel like a natural part of your brand’s look. Incorporating elements from your logo or matching your brand colors and style creates a smooth experience for users across all platforms.
- Pick the right color scheme. Go for a limited and contrasting color scheme to enhance visibility and recognition. Bright, bold colors stand out against any background or browser. They help your favicon catch attention and be memorable.
- Check if it’s scalable. Make sure your favicon stays clear and recognizable, even when it’s shrunk down. A design that looks great at a larger size might lose its impact when reduced, so it’s important to test regularly to keep it effective.
- Choose the right format and resolution. Pick a file format that works well and make sure your favicon is high resolution. A crisp, clear image not only looks more professional but also improves the overall user experience on your site.
Troubleshooting common favicon issues
If your favicon isn’t showing up as expected, there are a few simple fixes you can try. Below are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them.
Favicon not appearing
- Clear your browser cache. One of the most common reasons favicons don’t appear is that your browser is showing an old version of your site. Clearing your browser cache can often solve this problem. Simply go into your browser settings and clear the cached images and files.
- Check file format compatibility. Make sure your favicon is saved in a compatible format like ICO, PNG, or SVG. Some browsers might not support certain formats, so sticking with ICO for maximum compatibility is a good idea.
- Verify the file path. Double-check the link to your favicon in the HTML code. If the path to the file is incorrect, the favicon won’t display. Make sure the file is uploaded to the right directory and referenced correctly in your site’s code.
- Allow time for updates. Sometimes, it takes a while for changes to show up, especially if you’ve just updated your favicon. Try refreshing the page or waiting a few minutes and check again.
Favicon not displaying on mobile devices
- Use the correct sizes. You must properly size favicons for different devices, especially mobile ones. Create multiple sizes (e.g., 16×16, 32×32, 192×192 pixels) and upload them to your site for the best results.
- Add meta tags for mobile. To ensure your favicon shows correctly on mobile browsers, you’ll need to include meta tags in your site’s HTML. These tags help mobile browsers identify and display the correct favicon. For example:
Specifying multiple sizes ensures that your favicon appears clearly across all devices and screen resolutions.
- Test across multiple devices. Different mobile devices may render favicons in slightly different ways. Always test on several devices to make sure your favicon looks good everywhere.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the most common favicon issues and make sure it displays correctly across all browsers and devices. If the problem persists, you can check platform-specific guidelines or ask advice from design communities for more help.
Make your website stand out with a custom favicon
A favicon might be small, but it plays a big role in branding and user experience. By creating a unique favicon, you’re not only making your site look more professional, but you’re also improving its accessibility and visibility across devices. Now that you understand the importance of a favicon, it’s time to add one to your website.
If you’re ready to enhance your website with a custom favicon or need help with your overall site design, Web.com’s website design services can help bring your vision to life. Our team of experts will work with you to understand your brand and goals, then create a personalized design that fits your needs.
