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Design

Icon Design Principles

Improve contrast, simplification, and size scaling so your icons survive real use at 16, 32, and 48 pixels.

Core concepts 10 min read
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Formats

ICO vs PNG

Understand when ICO is required, when PNG is enough, and how both formats fit into real web and desktop icon delivery.

Format strategy 6 min read
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Quick Size Reference

Common favicon assets

SizeTypical useRecommended format
16x16Browser tab faviconICO
32x32High-DPI browser and shortcut useICO or PNG
48x48Windows icon scenariosICO
180x180Apple touch iconPNG
192x192Android and PWA icon usePNG

Design Checklist

1

Reduce detail early

Small icons fail when the original illustration is too busy. Simplify shapes before export instead of hoping scaling will fix readability.

2

Test on light and dark surfaces

Favicon and app icon visibility changes with theme context. Check edge contrast before final export.

3

Export from a clean square source

Use a high-resolution square source asset so the smaller icon sizes are derived from something balanced and centered.

4

Match format to platform need

ICO is useful for favicon and Windows compatibility. PNG is better when you need sharp transparent assets for mobile and design workflows.