Favicon FAQ
Is a favicon a PNG or JPEG?
A favicon can use several image formats. PNG is usually a better raster choice than JPEG, while ICO remains a useful compatibility fallback.
PNG is usually the better choice
A favicon can be a PNG or JPEG when the browser supports the declared image type. For most favicon artwork, choose PNG. It preserves transparent backgrounds and sharp edges without the compression artifacts JPEG can add around letters and simple shapes.
| Format | Useful for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| PNG | Transparent, crisp raster icons | Needs explicit sizes for the sharpest result |
| JPEG | Photographic artwork with a solid background | No transparency and can blur hard edges |
| ICO | Compatibility fallback and multiple sizes in one file | Requires an ICO-aware editor or converter |
What should you publish?
A practical baseline is a multi-size favicon.ico plus 16x16 and 32x32 PNG files. Add an Apple touch icon and Web App Manifest icons when you want home-screen and install coverage.
<link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" />
<link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/favicon-32.png" />The HTML standard shows PNG, ICO, and SVG icon declarations, and allows browsers to select an icon by its type and size. See the WHATWG icon link definition for the platform rules.
When is JPEG acceptable?
JPEG can work when the favicon is a photograph on an opaque background. It is still a weak default for most logos because favicon artwork usually depends on transparency, clean color blocks, and sharp edges.
If your source is JPEG, you do not need to redesign it first. Upload it to the Favicon Generator and export the site-ready favicon files from that source.
Ready to make your favicon?
Generate the common files and a ready-to-paste HTML snippet.