What is a Favicon, How to Make One, and Why You Need It for Your Website
If you’ve ever browsed the internet, you’ve probably noticed small icons next to website titles in your browser tab. These tiny images are called favicons (short for “favourite icon”). But what exactly is a favicon, how do you make one, and why is it important for your website?
A favicon is a small graphic that represents your website. It’s often displayed in a few different places:
What is a Favicon?
- Next to your website’s title in a browser tab.
- In your browser’s bookmark bar when you save a website.
- In your mobile device’s home screen if you save a website as a shortcut.
The favicon serves as a visual symbol for your website, much like a logo does for your business. It helps users easily identify your site among many open tabs or bookmarks, which can be especially useful if they have multiple pages open at once.
How to Make a Favicon
Creating a favicon is pretty straightforward, and you don’t need to be a design expert to do it. Here’s how:
- Design the Image
The first step is to create your image. Favicons are usually square and are typically 16×16 pixels or 32×32 pixels in size. You can use an online tool like Canva or a graphic design program like Photoshop or GIMP to design your favicon. Keep it simple—this is a small icon, so avoid too much detail. - Choose the Right File Format
Favicons are usually saved as.icoor.pngfiles..icois the traditional format, but.pngis also commonly used today. Online favicon generators can help convert your image to the right file type. - Upload the Favicon to Your Website
After you’ve created your favicon, it’s time to upload it to your website. If you use a platform like WordPress, you can upload it easily through the site’s customizer under the “Site Identity” section. For other websites, you might need to add the favicon manually to your site’s header code. - Test It
Once uploaded, clear your browser cache and visit your website. You should see your favicon appear next to your website’s title in the browser tab. If not, try refreshing the page or checking your code.
Why You Need a Favicon
Favicons may seem like a small detail, but they have several benefits for your website:
- Better Branding
A favicon reinforces your brand identity. It’s a small but powerful way to make your website stand out. If you already have a logo, consider using a simplified version of it for your favicon. - Improved User Experience
Favicons make it easier for visitors to identify your website, especially when they have multiple tabs open. This improves the overall user experience, making your site more accessible. - More Professional Appearance
Having a favicon shows attention to detail, which can help your website look more polished and professional. It’s a simple way to enhance your site’s credibility. - Better Bookmarking
When people bookmark your site, the favicon appears next to the name in their bookmarks bar. This makes it easier for them to find and revisit your site later.
A favicon might be a small detail, but it plays an important role in improving the look and functionality of your website. It helps visitors quickly recognise your site, adds to your branding, and makes your site appear more professional.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re updating your website, taking the time to create a custom favicon is a great step towards improving your online presence.