Images · 2 min read
How to make a favicon
A favicon is the small website icon shown in browser tabs, bookmarks and on a mobile home screen. Here is how to prepare the image, which sizes you need and how to convert PNG to ICO.
Updated: November 2, 2026
What is a favicon
A favicon is the website icon shown in browser tabs, bookmarks, history and on a mobile home screen. It helps users recognise a site among open tabs.
Prepare the image
Create a square PNG with a transparent background, for example 512×512 pixels. The logo must be readable at a small size: avoid fine details and thin lines.
Convert PNG to ICO
- Open the PNG to ICO tool.
- Upload a square PNG.
- Download the ICO.
An ICO can contain several sizes. Favicons usually use 16×16, 32×32 and 48×48. Our converter assembles an ICO from PNG; if the source is JPG, use JPG to ICO, but the background will be opaque.
Add the icon to your site
Place the file in the site root and add this to <head>:
<link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" sizes="any" />
For modern browsers, you can also provide a PNG or SVG. After updating, clear the browser cache to see the new icon.
Limitations
The maximum image size is 25 MB. A very complex logo may look blurry at 16×16: check the result at several sizes.
Questions and answers
What favicon size do I need?
Usually 16×16, 32×32 and 48×48 pixels in one ICO are enough. For modern browsers, add a 192×192 PNG or an SVG.
Do I need transparency?
Transparency is useful for a logo on a coloured background. If the background should be white, make it opaque in advance.
How is ICO different from PNG?
ICO stores several icon sizes in one file and is compatible with older browsers and Windows. PNG is convenient for modern browsers and mobile screens.
Why is the favicon not updating?
Browsers cache the icon. Clear the cache or open the site in a private window to see the new version.