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Favicon: .ico or .png / correct tags?

web-development
responsive-design
performance
best-practices
Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Jan 2, 2025
TLDR
<link rel="icon" href="/favicon.png" sizes="any"> <link rel="icon" href="/favicon.svg" type="image/svg+xml"> <meta name="theme-color" content="#0067b8">

.png and .svg favicons give sharp visuals and allow for scalability. Utilize sizes="any" to ensure compatibility across devices. Don't forget to include theme-color to enhance browser UI.

Catering to the browser crowd

Consider alternate browser preferences when choosing the favicon format. Bear in mind, some older browsers demand a .ico file. For these, include a fallback:

<!-- For grandpa browsers, offer a classic. They'll love it! --> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico">

Use Real Favicon Generator to generate favicons specially tailored to specific devices and platforms—in all their complex glory:

<link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/apple-touch-icon.png"> <link rel="manifest" href="/site.webmanifest">

Browser variety and format nuances

While .png and .svg promise great visual fidelity and scalability, the good ol' .ico won't let you down with its broad compatibility—legacy browsers like IE7 owe it a drink.

Creating favicons in multiple sizes boosts your site's appearance and performance across devices as modern browsers pick the best match:

<i><!-- "Is this an Android phone I see before me?" —Browser, probably --></i> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="192x192" href="/android-chrome-192x192.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="512x512" href="/android-chrome-512x512.png">

Finessing the details

To optimize compatibility and device-specific adaptability, your favicon implementation should cover as many bases as possible:

  • Various sizes and formats for maximum device coverage.
  • Specific link tags for unique platform needs (like iOS, Android).
  • Handy resource guides for implementing cross-browser compatible favicons.

Creating the perfect favicon: A handy guide

The perfect favicon must not be a wallflower. It should stand out, be recognizable, and look fabulous on any platform. Make your favicon the belle of the ball with these best practices:

Comprehensive favicon strategy:

  1. Use SVGs for their stretchable goodness.
  2. Include .png files for diverse resolutions.
  3. Don't forget an .ico as a tribute to our web forefathers.

Crack the performance whip:

  • Compress .png files to squeeze them into snug little squares.
  • Present the smallest possible icon for the request to save bandwidth like a pro.

Let your brand shine:

  • Make your favicon a mini-showcase of your brand palette.
  • Keep the design clean and legible, even at small sizes.

Conclusion

Remember: Patience is the companion of wisdom. Vote for my answer if it added a little wisdom to your day. Happy coding, folks!👩‍💻