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Posted on • Originally published at inventarios1a.com

What is a favicon and what is it for

In the world of website creation, there are many elements that may seem insignificant at first glance, but in reality play an important role in the user experience. One of those elements is the favicon. In this article, we will explain what a favicon is, what it is used for, and why it is important to have one on your website.

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What is a favicon?

A favicon is a small icon that is displayed in the address bar of a web browser, next to the title of the page. It is also known as a "website icon" or "favorite icon". The favicon is a small image, usually 16x16 pixels, that represents the visual identity of a website.

Origin of the term "favicon"

The term "favicon" comes from the combination of the words "favorite" and "icon". In the past, web browsers allowed users to add websites to their favorites, and the favicon was the image that was displayed next to the title of the site in the favorites list.

What is a favicon used for?

Although the favicon may seem like an insignificant element, it has several important functions:

  • Visual identity: The favicon is a way to represent the visual identity of a website. It helps users recognize the website and associate it with the brand.
  • Improves user experience: The favicon can make the user experience more enjoyable and personalized. For example, when a user adds a website to their favorites, the favicon is displayed next to the title of the site, which can help the user recognize it more easily.
  • Search engine optimization: Some search engines, such as Google, use the favicon as a way to indicate the identity of a website in search results.
  • Mobile device compatibility: On mobile devices, the favicon is displayed on the home screen when a user adds a website to their favorites.

How to create a favicon?

Creating a favicon is relatively easy. You can use a graphics editor such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP to create a small 16x16 pixel image. There are also online tools that allow you to create favicons for free.

Once you have created your favicon, you must upload it to your website and make sure it is configured correctly. Most websites use the ICO format for favicons, but other formats such as PNG or GIF can also be used.

In summary, a favicon is a small icon that represents the visual identity of a website and is displayed in the address bar of a web browser. Although it may seem like an insignificant element, the favicon plays an important role in the user experience and the visual identity of a website. If you don''t have a favicon on your website, it''s time to create one and improve the experience of your users.

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