A favicon (short for “favorite icon”) is the small image you see in a browser tab or address bar next to a website’s title. It’s a simple but important part of your website’s identity, helping users instantly recognize your site when they have multiple tabs open.

Favicons often feature a business’s logo or a simplified version of it. They also show up in browser bookmarks, search history, and even mobile home screen shortcuts – making them a key part of consistent website branding.

When building a website, adding a clear, well-designed favicon helps your site look polished and professional.

Why a shortcut icon matters for website design

A favicon does more than just make your site look nice. It improves user experience, boosts brand recognition, and even supports search engine optimization (SEO). Here’s why your web page needs one:

• Branding: A favicon acts like a mini logo, reinforcing your visual identity across tabs and bookmarks.
• Navigation: When users have multiple tabs open, a unique favicon helps them quickly spot your website.
• Professionalism: Websites without favicons can look incomplete; having one shows attention to detail.
• Mobile experience: Favicons appear when users save your site as a shortcut on their mobile home screen.

How to create and add a favicon image

Adding a favicon to your website is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps:

1. Design your favicon: Keep it simple and recognizable. A square image (like 32x32 pixels) works best. Most sites use their logo or a symbol that represents their brand. You can also use an online favicon generator to quickly create a properly sized and formatted favicon.
2. Save it in the right format: Common formats include .ico file format, .png, or .svg. PNG is often the best choice for clear, high-quality images.
3. Upload to your website: If you’re using a website builder like B12, you can easily add a favicon in your site’s settings.
4. Test across browsers: Open your site on different devices and modern browsers such as Mozilla and Internet Explorer to make sure the favicon displays properly.

Favicon best practices

• Keep it simple: Too much detail gets lost in such a small space. Go for a clear, minimal design.
• Use a square image: Favicons work best when they’re square, usually 16x16, 32x32, or 48x48 pixels.
• Stick to your branding: Use your logo or a visual that aligns with your brand’s style and colors.
• Optimize for all devices: Ensure your favicon looks sharp on both desktop and mobile screens. For Apple devices, consider adding an Apple touch icon, a larger version of your favicon designed specifically for iOS home screen shortcuts.

FAQs about favicons

What’s the ideal size for a favicon?

The most common size is 32x32 pixels, but it’s a good idea to also create versions in 16x16 and 48x48 to ensure compatibility across browsers and devices.

What file type should my favicon be?

The .PNG format is widely supported and offers high-quality images. You can also use the .ICO format for older browser compatibility or .SVG for scalable vector graphics.

Where does a favicon appear?

Favicons show up in browser tabs, bookmarks, search results, and mobile home screen shortcuts when users save your site.

Do I really need a favicon for my website?

Absolutely! A tab icon makes your website look more polished, improves user experience, and helps reinforce your branding.

How can I create and implement a favicon?

To create and implement a favicon, use a simple design, choose the right format, optimize for different sizes, and include it in your website's HTML using the tag.

How do I change my website’s favicon?

If you’re using a website builder like B12, you can usually update your favicon in the design settings. 

1. From the B12 Editor home screen, click Website, then go to Settings.
2. Click Website metadata.
3. Click Choose from library below Favicon.
4. Choose your image from the library or upload a new one by clicking Upload media. Once you select your image, click Continue, then Save to apply the changes.
5. Don’t forget to click the purple Publish button in the top-right corner to update these changes on your live website.

Build a professional website with B12

Want a sleek, professional website that’s easy to manage — favicon and all? B12’s AI-powered website builder helps you create a site that looks great on every device. From custom branding to essential web design elements, we’ll help you launch a website that stands out. Get started with B12 today!