Best Practices
Learn how to create effective favicons that work well across all platforms and browsers
Design Guidelines
Text Length
Single characters work best. Favicons are displayed at very small sizes (16×16 to 32×32 pixels), so one or two characters are most readable. Longer text becomes illegible and cluttered.
Font Selection
Choose fonts that remain clear at small sizes:
- Bold, sans-serif fonts perform better than thin or decorative fonts
- Geometric fonts (like Bebas Neue, Oswald) maintain clarity when scaled down
- Avoid script or handwriting fonts unless using very large single characters
Color Contrast
High contrast is essential. Ensure your text color stands out clearly against the background. Light text on dark backgrounds (or vice versa) works best. Avoid similar shades that blend together at small sizes.
Simplicity
Keep it simple. Complex designs, gradients, or fine details are lost at favicon sizes. Focus on a clear, recognizable symbol or letter that represents your brand.
Technical Recommendations
Format Selection
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics): Use for modern browsers. SVG scales perfectly at any size without quality loss. Best choice for high-resolution displays and progressive web apps.
PNG: Use as a fallback for older browsers or when you need a fixed-size raster image. The 256×256 PNG works well for most use cases.
ICO: Legacy format, but still required for some older browsers and Windows shortcuts. Include it for maximum compatibility.
Size Requirements
Different platforms require different sizes:
- 16×16, 32×32, 48×48: Standard browser tab icons
- 96×96: Desktop shortcuts and bookmarks
- 180×180: Apple touch icon (iOS home screen)
- 192×192, 512×512: Progressive Web App (PWA) icons
The "Download All" package includes all necessary sizes for complete compatibility.
Browser Compatibility
Modern approach: Use SVG as the primary format with PNG/ICO fallbacks. Most modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) support SVG favicons. For maximum compatibility, include both SVG and ICO formats in your HTML.
Testing
Always test your favicon across different browsers and devices. Check how it appears in browser tabs, bookmarks, mobile home screens, and desktop shortcuts. Ensure it remains recognizable at the smallest sizes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much text that becomes unreadable at small sizes
- Choosing low-contrast color combinations that blend together
- Using overly complex designs with fine details
- Forgetting to include multiple sizes for different platforms
- Not testing across different browsers and devices
- Using copyrighted fonts or content without proper licensing