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How to set favicon.ico properly on a Vue.js webpack project?

javascript
webpack
vue.js
favicon
Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Oct 28, 2024
TLDR

Insert your favicon.ico file in the public directory and add this line to the <head> of public/index.html:

<link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico">

That's it! Webpack will take care of the rest during the building phase, making your favicon available throughout your Vue.js application. No further configuration needed.

Understanding static assets

Vue.js and Webpack have specific ways of handling static assets like favicons. Here's a breakdown:

The specialty of the public folder

In a Vue.js project with Webpack, the public folder is the place for assets that Webpack shouldn't process. Your favicon.ico belongs here. Webpack will copy the public folder contents into the dist directory when building your project, and keep the file paths as they are.

Referencing the favicon

To ensure browsers recognize and load your favicon, you need to reference it correctly in the index.html file. Here's the correct <link> tag usage:

<! — Mr. Browser, please take this and wear it. It suits your tab. --> <link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon">

Opting for modern file formats

Though the .ico format is traditional for favicons, you might consider using the .png format for better visuals and widespread compatibility:

<!-- Who needs old boring `.ico` when you got `.png`, right? --> <link rel="icon" href="/favicon.png" type="image/png">

Preventing 404s and other scary things

Nobody likes a 404 error. It's like a party where the host is missing. To prevent this, double-check your favicon's file path and reload your application after adding or updating the favicon. If you are using an nginx server or similar, make sure you've configured it to serve files correctly.

Customize and upgrade with metadata

Did you know that a favicon can be more than a one-trick pony? With a tool like realfavicongenerator.net, you can create an array of icons, optimized for different platforms. Add in some handy meta tags to help out the busy bots that index your site.

Managing favicons like a pro

Using generators: Not just for your electricity

Creating favicons that look good on every platform can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Tools like realfavicongenerator.net make it simple, creating an array of favicons optimized for every platform.

Meta tags: Not a rock band

The <head> tag in your HTML holds the keys to your site's web identity. The right meta tags can make a difference to how your site appears and functions across the web. So, while setting up your favicon, remember to add some meta tags to the mix.

Avatar change not reflecting

Not seeing your newly minted favicon? Are browsers disregarding your fresh icon? This can happen. What you can do is to clear the browser cache and use a version query string in your icon URL:

<!-- This URL forces the browser to wake up and smell the coffee --> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico?v=2">