4Generate
Languages:
🇧🇷 PT🇺🇸 EN🇪🇸 ES🇫🇷 FR🇩🇪 DE
All categories
Back to blog
Blogtutorials

What is a Favicon and How to Create a Custom Favicon

Discover what a favicon is, its importance for websites, and how to create custom favicons for free. Complete guide on favicons and design tips.

4 min read

Post topics

tutorials
favicon
web design
websites
icons
tutorial
Try the tool

What is a Favicon and How to Create a Custom Favicon

If you've ever browsed the internet, you've certainly seen small icons appearing in browser tabs, next to the page title. These small icons are called favicons and play an important role in a website's visual identity and user experience.

What is a Favicon?

A favicon (short for "favorite icon") is a small icon associated with a website or web page. It appears in various places:

  • Browser tabs: Next to the page title
  • Favorites/Bookmarks: When you save a site to favorites
  • Browser history: In the list of visited sites
  • Mobile apps: When you add a site to the home screen
  • Search results: In some browsers and services

The favicon is typically a square image file, usually 16x16 or 32x32 pixels, although larger formats are also supported.

Why are Favicons Important?

1. Visual Identity

The favicon is an extension of your site's brand. It helps users quickly identify your site among multiple open tabs.

2. Professionalism

Sites with custom favicons convey more professionalism and attention to detail, while sites without favicons may appear incomplete or amateur.

3. User Experience

Favicons improve the browsing experience, allowing users to quickly find the tab they're looking for.

4. SEO and Branding

Although favicons don't have a direct impact on SEO, they contribute to brand recognition and can improve click-through rates in search results.

Favicon Formats

Favicons can be created in various formats:

  • ICO: Traditional format, supports multiple sizes in a single file
  • PNG: Modern and widely supported format
  • SVG: Vector format, scalable and modern
  • GIF: Less common, but still supported

Recommended Sizes

To ensure compatibility with all devices and browsers, it's recommended to create favicons in the following sizes:

  • 16x16 pixels: Standard size for browser tabs
  • 32x32 pixels: Standard size for favorites
  • 48x48 pixels: For devices with high pixel density
  • 180x180 pixels: For Apple devices (Apple Touch Icon)
  • 192x192 and 512x512 pixels: For Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

How to Create a Favicon

There are several ways to create a favicon:

1. Using an Online Generator

The easiest and fastest way is to use an online favicon generator. These tools allow you to create favicons in various ways:

  • From a letter: Create a simple favicon using an alphabet letter
  • From an emoji: Use emojis to create modern and expressive favicons
  • From an image: Upload an image and it will be converted to favicon
  • Customization: Choose colors, shapes (square, round, transparent) and sizes

2. Using Design Software

You can create favicons using tools like:

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • GIMP (free)
  • Figma
  • Canva

3. Converting an Existing Image

If you already have a logo or icon, you can convert it to a favicon using online tools or image editing software.

Tips for Creating a Good Favicon

1. Simplicity is Key

Favicons are very small, so simple designs work best. Avoid excessive details that won't be visible at small sizes.

2. Use Contrasting Colors

Choose colors that stand out and are easily recognizable even at small sizes.

3. Test at Different Sizes

Make sure your favicon is legible and recognizable at different sizes, especially 16x16 pixels.

4. Consider the Background

Decide if your favicon will have a transparent background, colored background, or round shape. Each option has its specific use.

5. Maintain Consistency

Your favicon should be related to your site's visual identity, using colors and elements similar to your logo.

How to Add a Favicon to Your Site

After creating your favicon, you need to add it to your site. This is done by adding <link> tags in the <head> of your HTML:

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

Conclusion

Favicons are small but important elements for any website. They improve visual identity, user experience, and convey professionalism. With the right tools, creating a custom favicon is quick and easy.

If you're looking for a quick and free way to create custom favicons, try our Favicon Generator, which allows you to create favicons using letters, emojis, or images, with customization options for colors, shapes, and sizes.

Related Posts