favicon.ico?

[Shotgun Ninja]

Okay. I think it's time someone addressed this issue, or at least unified it into a single post. Correct me if I'm wrong.

A "favicon" is the little image that appears next to the URL of a site in the browser bar of newer internet browsers. It also appears over the Bookmark image on a Firefox bookmark leading to a site. It is a relatively new technology, correct me if I'm wrong, so I am led to believe that it would merit some FAQ discussion. Here are some questions I have come across about favicons (not of my own, but they should still be addressed) :

- How are they used?
- Where would I put the favicon file on my site?
- Is there a piece of code I must use to implement a favicon?
- What is the maximum width/height?
- How can I create a .ico file?
- How can I convert an image file to .ico in (insert graphics program name here)?
- Does the file have to be named favicon.ico?
- Why is my previous attempt at making a favicon not working?
- Can anyone make me a favicon for a site generalizing in (insert genre here)? (On second thought, never mind that one)

If you would like to address these, or if you have other questions, please post them here.

[BLiZZaRD]

this is common on this forum and has been covered a few times. but to answer your questions:

- How are they used? They aren't "used" per say, they are just displayed, like any other image on your page, only it is displayed in the address bar.
- Where would I put the favicon file on my site?you place them inside the root folder.
- Is there a piece of code I must use to implement a favicon?You don't *have* to, but it does help ensure it will be displayed. Use:

<link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico">

- What is the maximum width/height?the defacto is 16px X 16px, anything other than square or 16x16 will be reduced to that.
- How can I create a .ico file? take any image resize to 16X16 and rename to favicon.ico. Alternatively you can use the favicon generator here at dynamic drive
- How can I convert an image file to .ico in (insert graphics program name here)?right click, choose rename, and rename it
- Does the file have to be named favicon.ico?yes
- Why is my previous attempt at making a favicon not working?Mythical space beings prevent your address bar from properly displaying a favicon. Seriously, could be a number of reasons. IE, for example can take up to 72 hours to show a favicon.
- Can anyone make me a favicon for a site generalizing in (insert genre here)? (On second thought, never mind that one)Never minding