Favicon Format: ICO vs PNG vs SVG Complete Guide
Choosing the right favicon format is crucial for ensuring your website icon displays correctly across all browsers and platforms. This guide covers the three main favicon formats and when to use each.
Favicon Format Overview
ICO Format
- Best for: Maximum browser compatibility
- Supports: Multiple sizes in one file
- Browser support: All browsers
- File size: Larger than PNG
- Use case: Primary favicon format
PNG Format
- Best for: Modern browsers and high-quality displays
- Supports: Single size per file
- Browser support: Modern browsers
- File size: Smaller than ICO
- Use case: High-resolution favicons
SVG Format
- Best for: Scalable vector graphics
- Supports: Vector-based scaling
- Browser support: Modern browsers only
- File size: Smallest
- Use case: Future-proof favicons
ICO Format Deep Dive
Advantages
- Universal compatibility: Works in all browsers
- Multiple sizes: Can contain 16x16, 32x32, 48x48 in one file
- Legacy support: Required for older browsers
- Standard format: Traditional favicon format
Disadvantages
- Larger file size: Contains multiple sizes
- Limited quality: Not ideal for high-DPI displays
- Complex creation: Requires special tools
When to Use ICO
- Maximum browser compatibility needed
- Supporting older browsers
- Primary favicon implementation
- Legacy website requirements
PNG Format Deep Dive
Advantages
- High quality: Better for high-DPI displays
- Smaller file size: Single size per file
- Easy creation: Standard image format
- Modern support: Works in all modern browsers
Disadvantages
- Single size: One file per size needed
- Limited legacy support: Not supported in very old browsers
- Multiple files: Requires separate files for each size
When to Use PNG
- Modern browsers only
- High-quality displays
- Mobile-first websites
- Progressive web apps
SVG Format Deep Dive
Advantages
- Scalable: Perfect at any size
- Small file size: Vector-based
- Future-proof: Scalable for any display
- Crisp quality: Always sharp
Disadvantages
- Limited browser support: Not supported in older browsers
- Complex implementation: Requires fallbacks
- Design limitations: Not suitable for complex images
When to Use SVG
- Modern browsers only
- Simple, scalable designs
- Future-proof implementation
- Progressive enhancement
Format Comparison
| Format | Browser Support | File Size | Quality | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICO | Excellent | Large | Good | Medium |
| PNG | Good | Small | Excellent | Easy |
| SVG | Limited | Smallest | Perfect | Hard |
Implementation Strategy
Recommended Approach
- Primary: ICO format for maximum compatibility
- Secondary: PNG format for modern browsers
- Future: SVG format for progressive enhancement
HTML Implementation
<!-- ICO format (primary) -->
<link rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/favicon.ico">
<!-- PNG format (modern) -->
<link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/favicon-32x32.png">
<link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/favicon-16x16.png">
<!-- SVG format (future) -->
<link rel="icon" type="image/svg+xml" href="/favicon.svg">
Platform-Specific Requirements
WordPress
- Primary: ICO format
- Secondary: PNG format
- Sizes: 16x16, 32x32, 180x180
Shopify
- Primary: ICO format
- Secondary: PNG format
- Sizes: 32x32, 180x180, 192x192
Squarespace
- Primary: ICO format
- Secondary: PNG format
- Sizes: 16x16, 32x32, 180x180
Best Practices
- Use ICO as primary: Maximum compatibility
- Add PNG fallbacks: For modern browsers
- Include multiple sizes: 16x16, 32x32, 48x48
- Optimize file sizes: Keep under 10KB
- Test across browsers: Verify display
Common Mistakes
- Using only PNG format (loses legacy support)
- Using only ICO format (misses modern benefits)
- Not including multiple sizes
- Using complex designs for small sizes
- Forgetting mobile-specific formats
Tools for Format Conversion
- Favicon Genie: Free online converter
- RealFaviconGenerator: Comprehensive tool
- Favicon.io: Simple converter
- Online converters: Various free tools
- Design software: Photoshop, GIMP
Conclusion
The best favicon format strategy combines ICO for compatibility with PNG for quality. Start with ICO format and add PNG fallbacks for modern browsers. Consider SVG for future-proof implementations.
Ready to create your favicon in the right format? Try Favicon Genie and generate all formats you need.