Site Icon

What Is a Site Icon in WordPress?

A site icon in WordPress is a small image that represents a website across browsers, bookmark lists, and mobile device home screens. It serves as a favicon for browser tabs and is also displayed when users save the site as a shortcut on their devices. WordPress allows site owners to set this icon through the Customizer, ensuring consistency in branding.

Site Icon Requirements

WordPress enforces specific requirements for site icons:

• Minimum size: 512×512 pixels
• File format: PNG, JPEG, or GIF
• Square dimensions for compatibility

When an image is uploaded, WordPress prompts users to crop it if necessary. This ensures the correct display across various platforms.

How to Set a Site Icon

Users can set a site icon through the WordPress dashboard:

1. Navigate to Appearance > Customize.
2. Click Site Identity.
3. Locate the Site Icon section and click Select Site Icon.
4. Upload an image or choose an existing one from the media library.
5. Crop the image if required and click Publish.

Once saved, the icon is applied across the site automatically.

How WordPress Handles Favicons

Before WordPress introduced built-in support for site icons in version 4.3, users had to manually upload a favicon file and reference it in the theme’s header using <link> tags. WordPress now handles this function without requiring theme modifications.

When an image is uploaded as a site icon, WordPress generates multiple versions in different sizes, storing them in the uploads directory. These variations are used for different display contexts, such as browser tabs and application shortcuts.

Effects on SEO and User Experience

A site icon helps users recognize a website in browser tabs and bookmark lists, improving usability. Search engines may also display the icon in search results on mobile devices. While site icons do not directly affect rankings, they contribute to a professional appearance.

To ensure optimal performance, site owners should use a clear, high-resolution image that remains distinguishable at small sizes.