A favicon, short for “favorites icon,” is a small icon that represents a website and is displayed in various locations, such as the browser tab, bookmarks bar, or browser history. It provides a visual identity for a website and helps users quickly identify and distinguish it among multiple open tabs or bookmarks.
To understand a favicon, imagine you have multiple browser tabs open, each representing a different website. The favicon appears as a tiny symbol or logo in the tab next to the website title, providing a visual cue that helps you locate the desired website more easily.
Favicons are typically square in shape and can be designed to incorporate a website’s logo, initials, or a distinctive symbol. They are saved as small image files, usually in the ICO (icon) or PNG format, and are placed in the root directory of a website.
When a user visits a website, the browser looks for the favicon file in the specified location and displays it accordingly. If a website doesn’t have a specific favicon file, some browsers may display a default favicon or a generic icon.
Favicons serve multiple purposes. They contribute to the overall branding and identity of a website, making it recognizable and memorable. They also provide a visual reference for users who have bookmarked a website or are navigating through multiple tabs, helping them quickly find the desired webpage.
Designing and implementing a favicon is a relatively simple process. It involves creating a small image file, ensuring it meets the required dimensions and format, and linking it in the HTML code of the website.
