What is a Favicon? The Complete Guide to Website Icons
A favicon is a small icon that represents your website in browser tabs, bookmarks, and history lists. Learn everything you need to know about favicons and why they're essential for your website.
Favicon Definition and Basic Concept
The term "favicon" is a combination of "favorite" and "icon." It's a small, typically 16×16 or 32×32 pixel image that serves as a visual identifier for your website. When users visit your site, the favicon appears in several key locations:
- Browser tabs next to the page title
- Bookmarks and favorites lists
- Browser history
- Desktop shortcuts (when users save your site)
- Address bar in some browsers
Why Favicons Are Important for Your Website
Brand Recognition
Favicons help users quickly identify your website among multiple browser tabs, improving brand recognition and user experience.
Professional Appearance
A well-designed favicon makes your website look more professional and trustworthy to visitors.
SEO Benefits
While not a direct ranking factor, favicons contribute to user experience signals that search engines consider.
Mobile Experience
On mobile devices, favicons appear when users add your site to their home screen, acting like an app icon.
Favicon Formats and Sizes
Modern websites should include multiple favicon formats and sizes to ensure compatibility across all devices and browsers:
Essential Favicon Sizes
- 16×16px - Standard browser tab icon
- 32×32px - High-resolution browser tab icon
- 48×48px - Windows site icons
- 180×180px - Apple Touch icon for iOS
- 192×192px - Android Chrome icon
- 512×512px - High-resolution Progressive Web App icon
How to Create a Favicon
There are several ways to create a favicon for your website:
Favicon Best Practices
Keep it Simple
At such a small size, complex designs become unclear. Use simple shapes, bold colors, and minimal text for maximum impact.
Stay Consistent
Your favicon should align with your brand identity and be recognizable as part of your overall design system.
Test Across Devices
Check how your favicon looks on different browsers, devices, and both light and dark themes.
Ready to Create Your Favicon?
Now that you understand what a favicon is and why it's important, create your own with our free favicon generator tools.