favicon
Definition
A small icon that is used by some browsers to identify a bookmarked Web site.
Information
The display size of a favicon in the Favorites list is 16x16. Files are recognized by the ".ico" extension. Special applications are available
to create this type of file. (see below) Once created, the favicon.ico file is placed in the root folder of the Web site.
Internet Explorer is the most notable browser to use favicons. Without a favicon, Internet Explorer includes a default "IE" icon next
to all bookmarked sites. With a favicon, IE5+ will display a site's
unique icon next to a bookmark. The custom icon is also substituted for the standard IE icon in various places in the browser and on the desktop.
Favicons are most likely to be found at large, well-branded sites
such as portals and media companies. When only a few sites in a long bookmark list are using a custom image, the exceptions are very prominent.
Currently, Netscape Navigator does not support favicons.
Synonyms
favorites icon
Related Terms
bookmark
Sites
favicon.com
offers a java-based icon generator.
Articles
The Dastardly 'favicon.ico not found' Error
WDVL (August 3, 1999)
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