A favicon, or "favorites icon," is a small icon associated with a particular website or web page, typically displayed in the browser's address bar, tabs, bookmarks, and on the device's home screen when added as a web app. The '.png' extension refers to the file format used for the favicon, which stands for Portable Network Graphics, a format known for its lossless compression and support for transparency.
The concept of favicons was introduced by Microsoft in Internet Explorer 5 in 1999[1]. Initially, these icons were restricted to 16x16 pixels and were in the ICO format. Over time, the use of favicons expanded to include various sizes and formats due to the needs of modern web design and the proliferation of different devices and browsers:
Here are some technical specifics regarding 'favicon.png':
<link>
element. For example:
<link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="favicon.png">
Favicons have become an essential part of a website's branding and user experience:
The 'favicon.png' is more than just a small image; it's a fundamental element of modern web design, enhancing usability and brand recognition. As web technologies evolve, the importance of favicons continues to grow, adapting to new devices and display technologies.