What is that called? That little image in my browser address bar, just in front of the website url? It shows up again on the “tab” in my browser….and yet again if I bookmark the site in my favorites list!
It’s called a Favicon. The file is actually “favicon.ico”. Having a favicon file for your website is becoming a necessity as businesses develop their brand on the web. So just exactly what is it?
Formal definition: The small icon displayed next to a URL in the address bar of a browser; A small icon that is used by some browsers to identify a bookmarked Web site; or small image displayed on the browser address bar when visitors view or bookmark your web page .
The following is my favicon…
How do you get one? Not all image programs will create favicons, but your graphic designer should be able to create one for you that matches your site design. Whether you use part of your logo, or a memorable image from your site is up to you. Keep in mind that a favicon image is 64 px by 64 px with 16 colors, so really complicated graphics may not “shrink to fit” well. The resolution of the original graphic can make a big difference.
I include a favicon in every website I design…after all it’s a part of your branding strategy! However you may need to purchase the graphic separately. Prices can range from $10 to $75.
You can also generate favicons online:
They may not be as custom or high quality as you’d like, but they are free!
Tags: branding • favicon • favorites • icon • identity • logo • web • website