A favicon is a small icon that represents a website in browser tabs, bookmarks, and search results. If you’ve ever noticed a tiny image on a browser tab while surfing the internet, that’s a favicon. Using a PNG favicon in HTML ensures high-quality visuals with transparency support. In this post, you need to know about setting up a PNG favicon in HTML properly.

What is a Favicon in HTML?

A favicon (favorite icon) is a small image, typically 16×16 pixels or 32×32 pixels, that browsers display next to a website’s title in a tab. It improves brand identity and helps users recognize your site instantly.

Why Use a PNG Favicon?

Supports Transparency: Unlike JPEG, PNG files support transparent backgrounds.
High-Quality Graphics: Retains sharpness even in small sizes.
Compatible with Modern Browsers: Works with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and more.
Lightweight File Format: Optimized for web use.

How to Set a PNG Favicon in HTML?

Step 1: Create a PNG Favicon

First, ensure your PNG favicon meets the following requirements:

Size: 16×16, 32×32, or 48×48 pixels.
Format: .png
File Name: favicon.png
Location: Root directory (/favicon.png) or /images/

Step 2: Upload the Favicon to Your Website

Place the favicon.png file inside your website’s root folder or a designated /images/ directory.

Step 3: Add Favicon in HTML Head Section

To link the PNG favicon in HTML, add the following code inside the <head> tag:

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

If the favicon is in a subfolder like /images/, adjust the path:

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

Step 4: Alternative Way Using Shortcut Icon

Some browsers still recognize shortcut icon, so you can use this method as well:

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

Step 5: Verify the Favicon

After adding the PNG favicon, clear your browser cache and reload your site. You can also check if your favicon is set correctly using:

Favicon Checker: https://realfavicongenerator.net/
Inspect Element: Open Developer Tools (F12 > Elements > Head).

Setting a PNG Favicon in HTML with Different Methods

1. Using Absolute URL

If your favicon is hosted on a CDN or external URL, use:

<head>
    <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="https://example.com/favicon.png">
</head>

2. Using Multiple Icon Formats for Better Compatibility

Some browsers prefer .ico files, so you can add multiple favicons:

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

3. Setting PNG Favicon for WordPress

If you’re using WordPress, follow these steps:

Go to Appearance > Customize > Site Identity.
Upload your PNG favicon.
Click Publish.

4. Setting PNG Favicon in a React or Next.js App

For React applications, add the favicon inside the /public/ folder and update index.html:

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

For Next.js, place the favicon inside /public/ and modify _app.js:

import Head from 'next/head';

export default function MyApp({ Component, pageProps }) {
    return (
        <>
            <Head>
                <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="/favicon.png" />
            </Head>
            <Component {...pageProps} />
        </>
    );
}

Troubleshooting PNG Favicon Issues

If your favicon is not showing, try these fixes:

Clear Cache: Use Ctrl + Shift + R to refresh.
Check File Path: Ensure the path is correct.
Use Absolute URL: Works better in some cases.
Inspect Element: Look for errors in the browser console.
Use an .ICO file: Some older browsers prefer .ico over .png.

FAQs

1. Why is my favicon not showing in Chrome?

Your browser might have cached an old version. Try clearing your cache using Ctrl + Shift + R or opening the site in an incognito window.

2. What is the ideal PNG favicon size for HTML?

The recommended sizes are 16×16, 32×32, and 48×48 pixels.

3. Can I use a PNG favicon instead of an ICO file?

Yes, modern browsers support PNG favicons, but .ico files provide better compatibility with older browsers.

4. How do I update my website’s favicon?

Replace the old favicon.png with the new one and clear the cache (Ctrl + Shift + R).

5. Do favicons affect SEO?

Yes, a favicon improves branding and user experience, making your site more recognizable in search results.

How to Set PNG Favicon in HTML?