Favicon Best Practices
Keep it Simple
A favicon should be simple and easily recognizable. Complex designs with intricate details will become unrecognizable at smaller sizes. Use clean shapes, minimal details, and strong contrast.
Do ✓
Don't ✗
Key Tips
- Use simple geometric shapes
- Avoid fine details that will be lost at small sizes
- Make sure it's recognizable at 16x16 pixels
- Consider using your logo's most distinctive element
Ensure High Contrast
Your favicon should be clearly visible against both light and dark browser themes. High contrast helps with visibility and recognition.
Do ✓
Don't ✗
Key Tips
- Test against both light and dark backgrounds
- Use solid colors rather than gradients
- Ensure sufficient contrast between elements
- Consider providing different versions for light/dark modes
Optimize for Different Sizes
Modern websites need favicons in multiple sizes. Each size should be optimized separately rather than just scaling one image.
Do ✓
Don't ✗
Key Tips
- Create separate optimized versions for each size
- Don't rely on automatic scaling
- Test how each size appears in its intended context
- Pay special attention to the smallest (16x16) size
Use Appropriate File Formats
Different favicon sizes and purposes require different file formats. Using the right format ensures optimal quality and compatibility.
Key Tips
- Use ICO for the main favicon.ico
- Use PNG for larger sizes and transparency
- Optimize PNG files for web use
- Include SVG version for scalability when possible
Consider Touch Icons
Mobile devices use larger icons when users add your site to their home screen. These icons need special consideration in their design.
Key Tips
- Design with iOS and Android guidelines in mind
- Use appropriate padding for touch icons
- Consider using a different design for touch icons
- Test on actual mobile devices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Text in Favicons
Text becomes unreadable at small sizes. Use symbols or letterforms instead.
Ignoring Dark Mode
Favicons should be visible in both light and dark browser themes.
Single Size Only
Not providing multiple sizes leads to poor display across different contexts.
Over-Complexity
Complex designs with too many details become messy at small sizes.
Poor Contrast
Low contrast makes favicons hard to recognize in browser tabs.
Create Your Perfect Favicon
Ready to create a favicon following these best practices? Use our Favicon Generator to create all the necessary files in the correct formats and sizes.