Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is ICO Format?
• Steps to Create a Favicon
• Tools and Resources

Introduction

A favicon (short for “favorite icon”) is a small, square icon associated with a particular website or web page. It is displayed in browser tabs, bookmarks, and search results to help with brand recognition and user experience. Creating a proper favicon is essential for maintaining a professional online presence.

What is ICO Format?

The ICO format is an image file format used for icons in Microsoft Windows. It contains one or more small images at multiple sizes and color depths, allowing icons to be scaled appropriately. This format is widely used for favicons because it supports multiple resolutions within a single file, ensuring compatibility across various devices and platforms.

Steps to Create a Favicon

1. Design Your Icon: Use graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to create your icon. Ensure the design is simple and recognizable even at small sizes.
2. Resize the Icon: Create multiple sizes of your icon (e.g., 16x16px, 32x32px, 48x48px) to ensure it looks good on different devices and resolutions.
3. Convert to ICO Format: Use an online converter or software to convert your icon to the ICO format. This step combines the various sizes into a single ICO file.

Tools and Resources

• RealFaviconGenerator
• Adobe Illustrator: Professional vector graphic design software.
• Adobe Photoshop: Professional image editing software.
• IrfanView: Free image viewer and converter with ICO support.
• XnView: Image viewer and converter with support for ICO format.
• Favicon Generator: Online tool to create favicons in various sizes and formats.