Favicon Generator

Your source image should be at least 512x512 pixels, though 1024x1024 pixels or larger is ideal for future-proofing. Starting with a high-resolution image allows the generator to scale down while maintaining quality, whereas starting small and attempting to scale up produces blurry, pixelated results. Square aspect ratio (1:1) is essential since favicons display as squares across all contexts.

If you have a vector logo (SVG, AI, or EPS format), export it to a high-resolution PNG before using the favicon generator—this provides the best of both worlds: scalable perfection translated to raster formats at optimal quality. The key principle is that you're scaling down from high quality, not up from low quality. Each size the generator creates (from 512px down to 16px) maintains better detail when derived from a high-quality source. Also ensure your source image has adequate padding—if your logo extends to the very edges, it may appear cramped in smaller sizes. Leave about 10-15% padding on all sides for breathing room.

While not strictly necessary, creating simplified versions for the smallest sizes (16x16 and 32x32) can significantly improve clarity. Complex logos with fine details, multiple colors, or text become muddy and unrecognizable when scaled to 16x16 pixels. At this size, you're working with just 256 pixels total—every pixel matters. Consider creating a simplified icon version that strips away complexity while retaining brand recognition.

For example, if your logo includes a wordmark plus icon, use only the icon for small sizes. If your logo has intricate details, simplify to essential shapes and high-contrast colors. Some brands create a dedicated "favicon logo" that's distinct from their primary logo but still brand-aligned. However, most favicon generators handle a single source image well enough for most purposes, applying automatic sharpening and optimization. Only invest time in size-specific designs if you notice the smallest sizes look poor and your brand requires perfect representation at all scales. Test the 16x16 version—if you can recognize it at a glance, the generator did its job adequately.

Browser caching is almost always the culprit. Browsers aggressively cache favicons since they rarely change, and this cache can persist for weeks or months. When you update your favicon, your browser continues showing the old version from cache. The solution: clear your browser cache (specifically for images and files), or test in incognito/private browsing mode which doesn't use cached resources.

To force users to see the new favicon without requiring them to clear cache, use cache-busting techniques. Add a version query parameter to your favicon link tags: href="/favicon.ico?v=2" (increment the version number each time you update). This makes browsers treat it as a new file. Also verify the new favicon files were actually uploaded to your server correctly—a surprisingly common issue is updating local files but forgetting to upload to production. Check browser developer tools' Network tab to confirm the favicon request returns your new file rather than a 404 error or old cached version. Finally, remember that different browsers cache independently—just because you see the update in Chrome doesn't mean Safari users will without clearing their cache too.

ICO (.ico) is the original favicon format created by Microsoft in the 1990s. It can contain multiple sizes within a single file (for example, 16x16, 32x32, and 48x48 together), and all browsers support it for backward compatibility. PNG is a modern image format that offers better compression and quality, but each size requires a separate file. Most modern browsers prefer PNG but will fall back to ICO if PNG isn't available.

Best practice is to provide both formats: use ICO for maximum compatibility (particularly with older browsers and Windows taskbar pinning), and provide size-specific PNGs for optimal quality in modern browsers and mobile devices. The typical implementation includes a favicon.ico in your root directory (browsers look here automatically even without HTML link tags), plus HTML link tags pointing to various PNG sizes for specific contexts. Don't stress too much about the choice—good favicon generators create both formats automatically. If you must choose only one, ICO provides broader compatibility, but the difference is increasingly negligible as legacy browser usage declines toward zero.

This depends on your design and how browsers handle different contexts. Transparent backgrounds work well when your icon is designed to float on any background color, particularly if different browsers or operating systems use light or dark themes. This flexibility ensures your icon looks good whether displayed on white (light mode), black (dark mode), or colored browser chrome. However, transparent backgrounds can cause issues if your icon has light colors that disappear against light backgrounds or vice versa.

Solid backgrounds guarantee consistent appearance regardless of context but may look jarring if they clash with browser themes. A good compromise: if your brand has a distinctive color, use it as background with a contrasting icon. If your logo is inherently light or monochrome, add a solid background to ensure visibility. Test your favicon against both light and dark browser themes (most browsers now support both). Also consider that mobile home screen icons typically look better with solid backgrounds that create distinct visual tiles, while browser tabs might look better with transparency. Some brands create two versions: transparent for browser tabs, solid color for mobile touch icons. Most favicon generators let you specify background color or transparency during generation.

Update your favicon only when your brand identity changes—logo redesigns, rebrandings, or significant visual refreshes. Favicons benefit from consistency; users learn to recognize your icon and use it to navigate tabs and bookmarks. Frequent changes disrupt this learned behavior and can confuse regular visitors who can no longer find your site among their tabs. Think of your favicon like your logo—it's not something to change on a whim.

That said, there are legitimate occasions for updates beyond rebrandings: if you initially launched without a custom favicon and finally create one, if your original favicon was low quality and you're upgrading it, if you discover your favicon doesn't work well at small sizes and needs simplification, or if you're expanding to mobile and need to add proper touch icons. Seasonal favicon changes (like holiday themes) can work for consumer brands if done tastefully, but be cautious—they can feel gimmicky and make your site harder to recognize. For most websites, set your favicon once during initial design, then update only when you update your overall brand identity. Focus your energy on creating a single excellent favicon rather than continuously tweaking it.