What is a favicon?

A favicon is the tiny icon that represents your website. You see it in browser tabs, in bookmarks, on a phone's home screen when someone saves your site, and next to your site's name in Google Search results.

What makes a good favicon

• Square. Google requires a 1:1 shape.
• Simple. It shows very small, so use a symbol, a monogram or the first letter of your name, not the full logo with words.
• Large enough. Google accepts as small as 8 by 8 pixels but recommends 48 by 48 pixels or larger. We make it from your vector logo so it stays sharp.
• Stable. Google asks that the favicon's web address not change often.

How long it takes to show in Google

After a new favicon goes live, Google has to recrawl your site. Google says this can take from several days to several weeks, and that a favicon is not guaranteed to appear even when every guideline is met.

We can do this for you. Open a request in your client portal and attach your logo. Our team will make and install the favicon.

Common problems

• If your browser tab still shows the old icon, clear your browser cache or open the site in a private window.
• If Google shows a generic globe icon, wait a few weeks after the change. If it persists, open a request and we will check the favicon setup.
• If the icon is unreadable, use a simpler mark or a single letter.

Related articles

• Which logo files should I have, and which do I send you?
• What is the difference between vector and raster images?
• What is a brand kit or style guide?