A favicon is the small icon you see in the browser tab next to a website title. It is an important part of your website branding and helps visitors quickly recognize your site among their open tabs. In an age where users often have multiple tabs open, a distinct favicon can make a significant difference in user experience and site recognition.

What is a favicon?

Favicon stands for "favorite icon" and was originally used for bookmarks. Today you see it everywhere: in browser tabs, search results, bookmarks, and even on mobile devices when you add a website to your home screen. A favicon is not just a decorative element; it serves a functional purpose in enhancing user navigation and brand identity.

A professional favicon provides:

  • Better brand recognition: A unique favicon helps users identify your brand quickly.
  • Professional appearance: A well-designed favicon adds to the overall professionalism of your website.
  • Easier to find among open tabs: A recognizable icon makes it simpler for users to locate your site among many open tabs.
  • Higher trust score with visitors: A polished favicon can enhance the credibility of your website.

Favicon format and dimensions

The standard format for a favicon is .ico, but modern browsers also support PNG and SVG formats. The most important dimensions are:

  • 16x16 pixels - This is the standard size for browser tabs.
  • 32x32 pixels - Used for bookmarks and taskbar icons.
  • 180x180 pixels - This is the size for Apple Touch Icons on iOS devices.
  • 192x192 pixels - This size is recommended for Android Chrome.

Tip: Use a square image of at least 512x512 pixels as your source file. This allows you to generate all required formats without losing quality.

Creating a favicon with online tools

You do not need to be a graphic designer to make a good favicon. There are numerous free online tools available that simplify the process:

  • Favicon.io - This tool allows you to generate favicons from text, images, or emojis. Simply enter your text or upload an image, and it will create a favicon for you.
  • RealFaviconGenerator.net - This comprehensive tool creates all required formats and provides the necessary code snippets for easy integration into your website.
  • Canva - If you prefer a more hands-on approach, Canva offers design templates specifically for favicons, allowing you to create a unique icon that reflects your brand.

Upload your logo or design, and the tool will automatically generate all required formats. This saves time and ensures consistency across different platforms.

Setting up a favicon in WordPress

In WordPress, you can easily set up a favicon via the Customizer. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Go to Appearance > Customize.
  3. Click on Site Identity.
  4. Scroll to Site Icon.
  5. Click on Select site icon.
  6. Upload your image (ensure it is at least 512x512 pixels).
  7. Click on Publish.

WordPress automatically generates the required formats for different devices, making it a hassle-free process.

Setting up a favicon manually via HTML

For websites without a content management system (CMS), you can add the favicon manually. First, upload your favicon files to your webroot via FTP. Then, add the following code to the <head> section of your HTML:

<link rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/favicon.ico">
<link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/favicon-32x32.png">
<link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/favicon-16x16.png">
<link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/apple-touch-icon.png">

Setting up a favicon in Sitebuilder

If you use the Theory7 Sitebuilder, you can set up the favicon via the SEO settings of your website. This is usually a straightforward process that involves uploading your favicon file and saving the changes.

Favicon not visible? Try this

Sometimes your new favicon does not appear immediately. This is usually due to browser caching. If you encounter this issue, try the following:

  • Hard refresh - Press Ctrl+F5 (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+R (Mac) to force the browser to reload the page and resources.
  • Clear cache - Clear your browser cache completely to ensure the latest version of your favicon is loaded.
  • Incognito window - Open your site in a private window to bypass the cache.
  • Different browser - Test your site in a different browser to see if the favicon appears there.

Frequently asked questions

Which file format is best for a favicon?

For maximum compatibility, use a combination of .ico (for older browsers) and .png (for modern browsers). SVG is ideal for scalable icons, especially if you want to maintain quality across different resolutions.

Can I use a photo as a favicon?

Technically yes, but photos do not work well at small sizes. It is better to use a simple logo or icon with clear shapes and contrasts to ensure visibility and recognition.

How often should I update my favicon?

Only update your favicon when you change your branding or logo. A consistent favicon helps with brand recognition, so frequent changes can confuse users.

If you need help setting up your favicon or making other adjustments to your website, Theory7 webhosting offers excellent support for all your hosting questions. Their team can assist you with any technical issues you may encounter, ensuring your website looks professional and functions smoothly.