A favicon is the small icon displayed in browser tabs, bookmarks, and search results that helps users identify your website at a glance. This free favicon generator lets you create custom favicons from text, emoji, or geometric shapes, preview them at all standard sizes, and download as PNG or copy the SVG data URI for instant use in your HTML.
Design Your Favicon
Enter a letter, initials, number, or emoji (1-4 characters)
Preview
Download & Code
How to Use the Favicon Generator
A favicon is the small icon that appears in browser tabs, bookmark bars, and search engine results next to your website's name. Despite its tiny size, a well-designed favicon builds brand recognition and helps users quickly find your site among dozens of open tabs. This free favicon generator lets you create professional-looking favicons in seconds without any design software.
Step 1: Enter Your Text or Emoji
Type a letter, initials, number, or emoji into the text field. Single characters like A or 🚀 work best at small sizes because they remain legible even at 16x16 pixels. You can also use two-letter initials for your brand, though keep in mind that more characters means each character will be smaller in the final icon.
Step 2: Choose Colors and Shape
Pick a background color that matches your brand using the color picker or by entering a hex code directly. Choose a contrasting text color for maximum readability. Then select your preferred shape: circle for a modern app-like look, rounded square for the popular iOS-style icon shape, or plain square for a classic favicon appearance. The live preview updates instantly so you can experiment freely.
Step 3: Adjust Font and Size
Select from three font families: sans-serif for clean modern text, serif for a more traditional or editorial look, and monospace for a developer or technical aesthetic. Use the font size slider to fine-tune how large the text appears within the icon. A size of around 60-70% works well for single characters, while initials may need a smaller setting.
Step 4: Preview at All Sizes
The preview section shows your favicon at five standard sizes: 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, 180x180, and 512x512 pixels. The smallest sizes (16 and 32) are what users see in browser tabs, so make sure your design remains clear and recognizable at those dimensions. The 180x180 size is used for Apple Touch icons on iOS devices, and 512x512 is used for PWA icons and Android home screens.
Step 5: Download or Copy the Code
Download your favicon as a PNG file at your preferred size using the download buttons. For modern browsers that support SVG favicons, copy the SVG data URI and use it directly in your HTML. The tool also generates a ready-to-paste <link> tag that you can drop into your page's <head> section for instant integration. All processing happens locally in your browser, so your favicon designs remain completely private.
FAQ
Is this favicon generator completely free?
Yes, the Favicon Generator is 100% free with no usage limits. You can generate as many favicons as you need without creating an account or paying anything. All processing runs locally in your browser.
Is my data safe when using this tool?
Absolutely. Everything happens entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript and HTML Canvas. No images or text are uploaded to any server. Your designs stay completely private on your device.
What sizes does the favicon generator create?
The generator previews your favicon at 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, 180x180, and 512x512 pixels. The 16x16 and 32x32 sizes are used by browsers for tab icons, 180x180 is for Apple Touch icons, and 512x512 is ideal for PWA manifest icons and high-DPI displays.
Can I use an emoji as a favicon?
Yes, you can type any emoji into the text input field and it will be rendered as your favicon. Emoji favicons are a popular choice because they are visually distinctive and require no design skills. The tool renders the emoji using your system fonts on an HTML Canvas.
What is the difference between PNG and SVG favicons?
PNG favicons are rasterized images with fixed pixel dimensions, supported by all browsers. SVG favicons are vector-based, scale to any size without losing quality, and have smaller file sizes. Modern browsers support SVG favicons, but PNG is needed as a fallback for older browsers.
How do I add the generated favicon to my website?
Download the PNG file and place it in your website's root directory. Then add the provided HTML link tag to your page's head section. For SVG favicons, copy the data URI output and paste it directly into a link tag. The tool generates the exact HTML snippet you need.
What shapes are available for favicon backgrounds?
The generator offers three background shapes: circle, rounded square, and square. Circle shapes create a modern, friendly look. Rounded squares match the style used by iOS and Android app icons. Plain squares offer a classic, traditional favicon appearance.