What sizes should be included in favicon.ico?

For most websites, include at least 16x16, 32x32, and 48x48 in favicon.ico. Adding 256x256 is also useful for broader compatibility.

Do I still need PNG favicons if I have favicon.ico?

Usually yes. Modern websites often use PNG icons alongside favicon.ico for touch icons, app icons, and install prompts.

What is the best source image for a favicon?

A simple square PNG with strong contrast works best. Tiny text usually becomes unreadable at favicon sizes.

Guide

Best favicon sizes for websites

If you only create one favicon size, you will usually miss some devices or contexts. The best setup is a small multi-size favicon.ico for browsers plus a few PNG icons for modern devices and app shortcuts.

Recommended favicon setup

favicon.ico: include 16x16, 32x32, and 48x48
PNG favicon: 32x32
Large PNG icon: 192x192
App icon / PWA icon: 512x512
Apple touch icon: 180x180

What should go inside favicon.ico?

For most websites, a good favicon.ico file should include at least 16x16, 32x32, and 48x48. That gives browsers and desktop contexts multiple options to choose from. If you also want broader Windows compatibility, adding 64x64, 128x128, and 256x256 can help.

Best default ICO sizes

16x16, 32x32, 48x48, and 256x256 is a strong all-purpose set for most projects.

Why you still need PNG icons

Modern websites often use more than just favicon.ico. Browsers, pinned tabs, home-screen shortcuts, and progressive web apps may look for PNG icons too. That is why many sites ship both an ICO file and separate PNG files.

Size	Typical use
16x16	Browser tabs and small UI spots
32x32	Modern browser favicon fallback
48x48	Desktop and Windows contexts
180x180	Apple touch icon
192x192	Android and install prompts
512x512	Large app icon / PWA manifest icon

Tips for a sharp favicon

Start with a square PNG source image
Use a simple shape or mark, not tiny text
Test how the icon looks at 16x16 before exporting all sizes
Keep strong contrast so the icon is readable in tabs and bookmarks
Preserve transparency when possible

Need to create favicon.ico from PNG?

Use the PNG to ICO converter to generate a multi-size icon file directly in your browser.

Open PNG to ICO Converter