How do you create a favicon and how do you integrate it into your website?

In today's digital world, it is essential that your website is not only functional, but also visually appealing. An essential part of this visual aspect is the favicon - the small icon that appears in the browser tab bar next to the name of your website. This article will guide you through the process of creating a favicon and integrating a favicon into your website.

What is a favicon?

A favicon, short for 'favorite icon', is a small, usually 16×16 or 32×32 pixel image that represents a website. It is displayed in the address bar of the browser, in the list of bookmarks, in tabs and in other places in the web browser.

The importance of favicons

• Brand identityFavicons are an essential part of your online identity and branding. They increase the recognition value of your brand.
• ProfessionalismA website with a favicon looks more professional and trustworthy.
• User friendlinessIn a browser tab bar, favicons help users to quickly identify your page.

Step 1: Create a favicon

Create favicon design tips

1. SimplicityRemember that favicons are very small. Complex designs will not be recognizable at this size.
2. Brand referenceYour favicon should reflect your brand or company logo.
3. ColoringUse colors that go well together and are recognizable even in a small size.

Create favicon

1. Design toolYou can use a graphic design program such as Adobe Photoshop, GIMP or even Paint to create your favicon. There are also specialized online tools specifically designed for creating favicons.
2. FormatThe traditional format for favicons is the ICO format, but nowadays PNG formats are also accepted.
3. SizeCreate your favicon ideally in different sizes, e.g. 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, and 64×64 pixels.

Create favicon with free online tools

To create a favicon for your website, there are various free online tools that can help you. Here are some recommended options:

1. Favicon.ioThis tool allows you to create your favicon from text, an image or from a selection of hundreds of emojis. It also provides resources and instructions on how to install your favicon on your website. You can find out more on favicon.io.
2. Real Favicon GeneratorUnique to this generator is the browser simulator that shows you how your favicon will look after resizing. It supports different sizes for all browsers and platforms. Visit realfavicongenerator.net for further information.
3. Favicon.ccWith this tool you can either upload an image to create a favicon or you can draw your own favicon. It also offers options for color selection and transparency as well as the ability to create animated favicons. You can find more details on favicon.cc.
4. FavicomaticFavic-o-Matic generates favicons in ICO and PNG format (also transparent) and offers different size settings for different devices and browsers. Visit favicomatic.com for further information.

These tools are user-friendly and offer various functions to create a favicon that meets your specific requirements.

Step 2: Integrating the favicon into your website

Uploading the favicon

Upload your favicon to the root directory of your website. This is the easiest way, as many browsers automatically search for a favicon file in the root directory.

HTML code

Paste the following HTML code into the -area of your website:

Different devices and browsers

• Apple devicesFor Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads, you can specify a special touch icon.
• MicrosoftFor Windows tablets and other devices, you can add additional meta tags for the start menu and tile size.
• Browser compatibilityMake sure that your favicon is displayed correctly in various browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge.

Please also read our article for Favicons in WordPress

Favicon checker and validation

After you have uploaded your favicon, it is important to check its functionality. There are online tools that check whether your favicon is set up correctly and is displayed correctly on different devices and browsers.

You can use various online tools to check your website's favicon. Here are some recommended options:

1. RealFaviconGeneratorThis tool checks more than a dozen settings to ensure that your favicon is displayed correctly on all major platforms. It checks aspects such as the correctness of your favicon.icothe appearance on iOS devices and the compatibility with different devices and browsers. You can download it on realfavicongenerator.net/favicon_checker use
2. Favic-o-MaticThe Favic-o-meter from Favic-o-Matic helps you to find out whether your favicon looks good on every browser and device. This tool not only generates favicons, but also offers a verification function. You can find it at favicomatic.com/favicon-test.
3. SEOptimerThis tool offers a quick and easy way to check whether your favicon has been implemented correctly on your website. It is a good option to test the visibility and brand impact of your favicon. Visit seoptimer.com/favicon-checker for further information.
4. RushaxRushax also offers a favicon checker that checks whether a favicon is present on your website. There is also information on the benefits and implementation of favicons. You can find more information on https://rushax.com/tools/favicon-checker/.

These tools are easy to use and give you valuable insights into how your favicon is displayed on different platforms and in different browsers.

Create favicon Conclusion

A well-designed favicon is a small but essential part of a successful website. Not only does it improve the user experience, but it also reinforces your brand identity and professionalism in the digital space. By following the steps above, you can create an effective favicon and integrate it into your website to optimize your online presence.