How to make a favicon

You can make a favicon in a few minutes with no design software. Here is the process from idea to live icon.

Step by step

1. Pick simple artwork. A symbol, monogram or single letter works best. Complex logos lose detail at 16×16.
2. Make it square. Aim for 512×512 pixels. Leave a little padding around the shape.
3. Open the favicon generator. Upload the image, or build one from text or emoji.
4. Adjust and preview. Zoom, center, choose a background and check the light and dark tab previews.
5. Download the ZIP and add the files to your site with the HTML code.

How to create a favicon ICO file

An ICO file stores several images in one file. Browsers use it when they request /favicon.ico. The generator builds one automatically with 16×16, 32×32 and 48×48 pixel images, and you can also download just the ICO. You do not need to convert anything by hand.

Design tips

• Use two or three high-contrast colors.
• Skip taglines and small text.
• Test it on both a light and a dark tab.
• Keep the same icon across your site and social profiles so people recognize it.

New to the topic? Read what a favicon is first.