What is a favicon.ico?
The classic website icon explained: what it is, what sizes to use and how to create it.
favicon.ico is a small icon file that browsers request from a website's root directory. It appears in tabs, bookmarks and the address bar.
Quick Answer
Short answer:
favicon.ico is a multi-size ICO file that should contain 16×16, 32×32, and 48×48 icons so it works in every browser, taskbar and desktop shortcut.
favicon.ico Sizes
A single favicon.ico file can bundle multiple sizes. These are the sizes you need.
| Size | Usage |
|---|---|
| 16×16 | Browser tab |
| 32×32 | Taskbar |
| 48×48 | Desktop shortcut |
favicon.ico vs PNG vs SVG
Keep favicon.ico for legacy support, then add PNG and SVG for modern browsers.
| Format | Best for |
|---|---|
| favicon.ico | Legacy browsers and Windows; one file with 16×16, 32×32 and 48×48 |
| PNG | Crisp modern favicon for tabs and bookmarks |
| SVG | Scalable vector icon with dark-mode support |
How to Add favicon.ico
Place favicon.ico in the root directory of your website and add this tag to your HTML:
<link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" sizes="any">Common favicon.ico Mistakes
- Saving only one size inside the ICO file
- Using a PNG file but naming it favicon.ico
- Forgetting to place favicon.ico in the root directory
- Uploading a low-resolution or non-square source image
FAQ
What does favicon.ico stand for?
favicon.ico is the classic 'favorite icon' file. It is a small ICO image that browsers load from your website's root directory to show in tabs, bookmarks and the address bar.
What sizes should favicon.ico contain?
A favicon.ico should contain 16×16, 32×32 and 48×48 icons. Older browsers use 16×16, while Windows taskbars and shortcuts use the larger sizes.
Is favicon.ico still necessary in 2026?
Yes. Modern browsers prefer PNG and SVG, but favicon.ico remains the most compatible fallback, especially on Windows and older browsers.
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This page provides original, human-reviewed information about favicon.ico and related concepts. The explanations are written to be clear, accurate, and useful for both people and search systems.
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