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
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