favicon.ico
favicon.ico is the classic browser favicon file — the small icon shown in browser tabs, bookmarks, and history. It's the universal fallback every browser still checks for at the root of your site.
favicon.ico is a multi-resolution icon file placed at the root of a website. Browsers request /favicon.ico automatically. Include 16x16, 32x32, and 48x48 sizes inside it so it stays sharp on standard tabs, hiDPI screens, and Windows desktop shortcuts.
Recommended favicon.ico sizes
| Size | Used by |
|---|---|
| 16x16 | Standard browser tab |
| 32x32 | HiDPI browser tabs, Windows taskbar |
| 48x48 | Windows desktop shortcut |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is favicon.ico?+
It's the legacy favicon file format. Browsers automatically request /favicon.ico from a site's root and display it in the tab, bookmarks, and history.
Is favicon.ico still required in 2026?+
Not strictly — modern browsers support PNG/SVG link tags — but older browsers and many tools still fetch /favicon.ico directly, so including it is the safe universal fallback.
What size should favicon.ico be?+
A favicon.ico can hold multiple sizes. Include 16x16, 32x32, and 48x48 so it looks crisp on standard tabs, retina tabs, and Windows desktop shortcuts.
Where do I put favicon.ico?+
In the root directory of your website so it's reachable at https://yoursite.com/favicon.ico. Then optionally add a <link rel="icon"> tag in your HTML head.
Can favicon.ico be a PNG?+
Technically some browsers accept a renamed PNG, but a proper .ico (multi-resolution) is the reliable choice. Use a generator to produce a real .ico.
Generate a favicon.ico in one click
Upload an image (or use text/emoji) and download a favicon.ico plus the full PNG and apple-touch-icon set.
Open Favicon Generator