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Favicon Guide

Everything you need to know about favicons for modern websites

What is a Favicon?

A favicon (short for "favorite icon") is a small image that represents your website in browser tabs, bookmarks, and history lists. It's a crucial part of your website's branding and helps users quickly identify your site among many open tabs.

Modern favicons need to work across dozens of devices, browsers, and contexts - from tiny 16×16px browser tabs to 512×512px Android home screen shortcuts. That's why FaviconForge Pro generates a complete package with all required formats and sizes.

Design Best Practices

Keep it Simple

Favicons are displayed at very small sizes (as small as 16×16px). Use simple shapes, high contrast, and avoid fine details that won't be visible.

Use High Contrast

Choose colors that stand out against both light and dark browser themes. Your favicon should be recognizable in any context.

Match Your Brand

Use your brand's colors and style. If you have a logo, simplify it to its most recognizable element. Many brands use their first letter or a symbol.

Test at Small Sizes

Always preview your favicon at 16×16px and 32×32px to ensure it's still recognizable at the smallest sizes where it will appear.

Consider Dark Mode

Many browsers now support dark themes. Make sure your favicon works well against both light and dark backgrounds. For more SEO and website optimization guidance, check out MetaTagPro for meta tag optimization.

File Formats Explained

PNG Files (favicon-*.png)

PNG is the most common format for modern favicons. You need multiple sizes to ensure your favicon looks crisp on all devices:

  • 16×16px, 32×32px, 48×48px: Browser tabs and desktop shortcuts
  • 192×192px, 512×512px: Android home screens and app icons
  • 64×64px, 128×128px: High-DPI displays and Windows taskbar

ICO File (favicon.ico)

The traditional favicon format that contains multiple resolutions in one file. Still used by older browsers and some Windows applications. FaviconForge Pro includes 16×16, 32×32, and 48×48 sizes in the ICO file.

SVG File (favicon.svg)

A scalable vector format that looks perfect at any size. Modern browsers support SVG favicons, and they're perfect for simple, geometric designs. Smaller file size than PNG, but not supported by all browsers yet.

Apple Touch Icons

Special favicons for iOS devices when users add your site to their home screen. Includes 76×76, 120×120, 152×152, and 180×180px sizes for different iPhone and iPad models.

Microsoft Tiles

Windows-specific icons (150×150, 310×310px) used when users pin your site to their Start menu or taskbar.

Installation Guide

Step 1: Upload Files

Copy all PNG, ICO, and SVG files to your website's root directory. For many frameworks, this is the /public folder.

Step 2: Add HTML Tags

Copy the HTML code from your downloaded package and paste it into your website's <head> section. This tells browsers where to find your favicon files.

<link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/favicon-32x32.png">

Step 3: Add Manifest Files

Place site.webmanifest and browserconfig.xml in your root directory. Update the "name" fields in site.webmanifest to match your website.

Step 4: Clear Cache and Test

Clear your browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete or Cmd+Shift+Delete) and refresh your website. You should see your new favicon in the browser tab!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Only One Size

Don't rely on a single favicon.ico file. Modern websites need multiple sizes (16×16 to 512×512) to look sharp on all devices and contexts.

Too Much Detail

Complex logos with fine details become illegible at 16×16 pixels. Simplify your design - use solid colors, simple shapes, and high contrast.

Ignoring Dark Mode

A white favicon disappears on light backgrounds; a dark one vanishes on dark themes. Test your favicon in both light and dark browser modes.

Wrong File Paths

Favicon files must be in your website's root directory or properly referenced. A broken path means no favicon. Always test after deployment.

Skipping Mobile Formats

Don't forget Apple Touch Icons and Android Chrome icons. These are essential for users who add your site to their home screens.

Common Issues & Solutions

Favicon not showing up?

  • Clear your browser cache - browsers aggressively cache favicons
  • Try hard refresh: Ctrl+Shift+R (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+R (Mac)
  • Check that files are in the correct directory
  • Verify HTML code is in the <head> section, not <body>
  • Use your browser's developer tools to check for 404 errors

Favicon looks blurry?

  • Make sure you're including all size variations
  • Use simple, high-contrast designs that scale well
  • Avoid fine details that disappear at small sizes

Old favicon still showing?

  • Browser cache can persist for days - clear it thoroughly
  • Try testing in an incognito/private window
  • Some browsers (like Safari) can be particularly stubborn - give it time or clear all browsing data

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