PNG vs ICO Favicon: Which Format Should You Use?

What Is a Favicon?

A favicon is a small icon associated with a website. It gives browsers and users a visual way to identify a website and can make your site easier to recognize when multiple browser tabs are open.

Favicons are usually designed as square images and are commonly created in small dimensions such as 16×16, 32×32, or larger sizes for different devices and use cases.

What Is a PNG Favicon?

Advantages of PNG Favicons

• Supports transparent backgrounds
• Provides good image quality
• Widely supported by modern browsers
• Easy to create and edit
• Works well with modern HTML implementations
• Convenient for designers and website owners

What Is an ICO Favicon?

Advantages of ICO Favicons

• Designed specifically as an icon format
• Can contain multiple image sizes in one file
• Well established for website favicons
• Useful when supporting older browser environments
• Can provide several resolutions within a single file

PNG vs ICO Favicon: Main Differences

Which Favicon Format Is Better?

There isn't one format that is always better. The right choice depends on your website, browser requirements, and how you want to manage your favicon files.

For a modern website, PNG is often a convenient choice because it is simple, high-quality, and supports transparency.

ICO can be useful when you want to provide a traditional favicon file containing multiple resolutions or when maintaining compatibility with older environments is important.

When Should You Use a PNG Favicon?

PNG is a good option when:

• You are building a modern website
• You want a transparent favicon
• You prefer a simple image file
• You want easy control over the favicon image
• Your target browsers support PNG favicons

When Should You Use an ICO Favicon?

ICO may be useful when:

• You want several icon sizes inside one file
• You need a traditional favicon.ico file
• You want broad compatibility with older website setups
• You are working with software or platforms that specifically request ICO

Can You Use Both PNG and ICO?

Yes. A website can provide different favicon formats and sizes. This can give browsers more options when selecting the most appropriate icon.

A simple HTML implementation could look like this:

<link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="/favicon.png">
<link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico">

Your exact favicon setup can vary depending on your website platform and the browsers you need to support.

What Favicon Size Should You Use?

Different devices and browser contexts can use different icon dimensions. Instead of relying on only one image size, it can be useful to generate several versions of your favicon.

Common favicon sizes include:

• 16×16: Traditional small browser icon
• 32×32: Common browser and desktop size
• 48×48: Useful for larger icon contexts
• 180×180: Commonly used for Apple touch icons
• 192×192: Useful for some web-app contexts
• 512×512: Useful for larger application icons

How to Convert PNG to ICO

If your logo or favicon is already available as a PNG image, you don't necessarily need to recreate the design. You can use a favicon maker or image conversion tool to generate an ICO version.

1. Choose your PNG logo or favicon image.
2. Open an online favicon maker.
3. Upload your image.
4. Choose the required favicon sizes.
5. Generate the favicon.
6. Download the ICO file if available.
7. Add the favicon to your website.

How to Create a Favicon From Your Logo

Your existing logo can be an excellent starting point for a favicon. However, remember that a favicon is much smaller than a normal logo.

For better results, use a recognizable symbol, letter, or simple part of your logo. Avoid trying to fit a long wordmark or too many small details into a tiny icon.

A simple online favicon maker can automatically resize and prepare your image for different favicon requirements.

PNG or ICO: Which One Should You Choose?

If you are creating a new website and want a straightforward modern solution, PNG is an excellent choice. It is easy to work with, supports transparency, and is widely supported by modern browsers.

If you specifically need a traditional favicon.ico file or want multiple icon sizes contained within one file, ICO can be a better fit.

For some websites, using both formats can also be a practical approach. The important thing is to configure the HTML correctly and test the favicon after publishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Both PNG and ICO can be useful favicon formats. PNG is a simple and modern option for many websites, while ICO remains valuable when you need a traditional favicon file or multiple resolutions in a single file.

Rather than focusing only on the file extension, pay attention to the quality and simplicity of your icon. A recognizable favicon should remain clear even when it is displayed at a very small size.

If you already have a logo, an online favicon maker can make the process much easier. You can prepare the image, generate the required sizes, and add the finished favicon to your website in just a few steps.