What is a favicon?
Last updated: 18 September 2026
A favicon (short for "favourites icon") is the small square icon that represents your website. It appears in browser tabs, the bookmarks bar, browser history, and often next to your site in search results.
Create your favicon free →Where favicons appear
- Browser tabs — helps users spot your tab among many.
- Bookmarks — a recognizable icon is easier to find than text alone.
- Search results — many search engines show your favicon next to your listing.
- Mobile home screens — when users add your site as a shortcut or PWA.
Why favicons matter
- Brand recognition — a consistent icon reinforces your identity everywhere.
- Trust — a missing or default icon can look unfinished or unprofessional.
- Usability — users navigate open tabs faster with visual cues.
- Click-through — a clear icon can make your search listing stand out.
What format is a favicon?
The traditional format is .ico, but modern sites commonly use PNG, SVG, or a combination. See ICO vs PNG and SVG favicons for details.
How do I add one?
Create the icon, place it in your site root, and add a link tag in your HTML <head>. Our step-by-step guide, How to add a favicon, walks through it.
Make a favicon in seconds
Upload any image to the free myfavicon generator and get ICO plus PNG in every standard size — processed entirely in your browser.
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