
Updated · Feb 08, 2023
Updated · Feb 07, 2023
What is a favicon – now that’s a question most people don’t ask themselves very often, although you see hundreds of them each day. You have probably even memorized many of them without knowing it!
They’re a huge part of our internet experience, yet not many of us realize what they are or how important they are for websites.
The simple favicon definition is a 16x16 pixel icon that represents a page on the web browser. You see it most commonly on your web browser’s tabs.
The term favicon is short for “favorite icon,” and it’s different from the logo, though sometimes they might be identical. Here are some famous favicon examples you definitely know:
In most places on the web, you have very little space available for visual representation and you need to use a favicon. This results in a better visual experience for the web user and more straightforward navigation through multiple pages.
Some of the places you can find favicons are:
Although they’re small and aren’t required, it’s strongly advised you consider a site favicon. If you don’t use one, the browsers will display a generic, boring gray icon.
Users flip through tons of visuals and pages every day. So, if you want to make a good impression and be remembered, use every opportunity you get. Favicons are a crucial element for that exact purpose.
The lack of a website favicon doesn’t look serious, creating doubts in the user’s mind. They might think your website isn’t secured or, even, fake. Instead, you should present your business as trustworthy. Such an icon gives your page credibility, a distinct look, and it shows attention to detail.
When users have multiple tabs opened in their browser, it can be hard to differentiate between websites. Favicons help them to navigate their tabs easily. Therefore, they can locate yours effortlessly and quickly return to your page.
Good favicon icons will prompt users to save your website in their bookmarks toolbar. This will save them time from searching through tabs and links.
Brands these days have a hard time grabbing the attention of users. There’s too much visual stimulus everywhere. The favicon image might be small, but it plays an imperative role in your brand identity. If you want your brand to appear cohesive, don’t overlook the details - small or big.
Much like your logo, favicons will stay in people’s minds. They’ll increasingly be able to identify your brand and business on the web. More importantly, they’ll find you easily on small screens such as smartphones - if your design is done well!
Having a favicon on your website doesn’t impact your SEO directly. Its effect is in the overall improvement of the website’s visibility, recognition, and design.
If your website is user-friendly, people are more likely to return to it. They’ll be more motivated to put it in their bookmarks, which is a positive for Google’s search engine. These things might seem insignificant, but they all make a difference to the success of your SEO.
There are favicon generators out there, but you can also do it yourself. If you want to make the best favicon possible, just keep in mind these things:
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s compatible with all the browsers and devices it’ll be used on.
Favicons may be small, but they have a huge impact. They facilitate our web surfing and make it easier to find our favorite websites. Thanks to them, we spend less time searching our tabs for a particular page. They enhance our brand awareness and help us portray our business as professional and trustworthy.
In conclusion, use a favicon! It’s a must for your website. With its many benefits, this tiny element can bring big change.
Yes. Even though it’s not mandatory to have one - it’s highly recommended! It’ll boost your website’s SEO, improve your brand consistency, and give your website a professional look.
Yes. But you have to make sure your logo meets the criteria and looks good when small. It has to have a good design, be visible, simple, and handle resolution changes well.
You can make your own, hire a graphic designer, or use a generator. There are many generators online. Make sure to create it following simple favicon guidelines in different formats and sizes just in case.
The most common size is 16x16 pixels. Although, sometimes, you might need a larger, 32x32 pixels version. You could use other sizes as well for more specific displays.
It represents your website and brand on the web. It’s visible in the tab bar on top of browsers, your bookmarks, and your history. Favicons help users navigate quickly through multiple tabs and locate your website more smoothly.
Deyan Georgiev
Deyan has been fascinated by technology his whole life. From the first Tetris game all the way to Falcon Heavy. Working for TechJury is like a dream come true, combining both his passions – writing and technology. In his free time (which is pretty scarce, thanks to his three kids), Deyan enjoys traveling and exploring new places. Always with a few chargers and a couple of gadgets in the backpack. He makes mean dizzying Island Paradise cocktails too.
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Updated · Feb 08, 2023
Updated · Feb 07, 2023
Updated · Feb 07, 2023
Updated · Feb 07, 2023