A favicon, short for “favorite icon,” is a small icon that appears in a browser tab next to the page title. It helps in brand recognition and gives your site a professional look. Changing your favicon in WordPress is a straightforward process. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
Before you begin, ensure your favicon meets the following requirements:
WordPress makes it easy to change your favicon using the Customizer. Follow these steps:
1. Access the Customizer: Go to your WordPress dashboard > Navigate to Appearance > Customize
2. Select Site Identity: In the Customizer, click on Site Identity.
3. Add or Change: Look for the Site Icon section > Click on Select Site Icon.
4. Upload: If you don’t have a one yet, click on Upload Files to upload a new image. If you already have a favicon in your media library, select it.
5. Crop Image (if necessary): WordPress will give you the option to crop the image to the required size. Adjust the selection as needed and click Crop Image.
6. Publish Changes: Click on Publish to save your changes. Your new favicon should now be visible in the browser tab.
If you prefer using a plugin, there are several plugins available that simplify the process. Here’s how to use one of the popular plugins, All in One Favicon:
1. Install the Plugin: Go to your WordPress dashboard > Navigate to Plugins > Add New > Search for All in One Favicon > Click Install Now and then Activate.
2. Configure the Plugin: After activation, go to Settings > All in One Favicon.
You will see options to upload different types of files (.ico, .png, .gif).
3. Upload: Click on the Browse button next to each file type to upload. Once uploaded, click Save Changes.
4. Check Your Favicon: Open your site in a new browser tab to verify that the new one is displayed.
For those comfortable with editing theme files, you can add a favicon manually. This method involves adding code to your theme’s header.php file.
1. Prepare Your File: Ensure your file (favicon.ico) is ready and uploaded to your site’s root directory (typically via FTP).
2. Edit the Header File: Go to your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor. Select the header.php file from the list of theme files.
3. Insert the Code: Add the following code within the `<head>` section of your header.php file:
“`html <link rel=”icon” href=”<?php echo get_site_url(); ?>/favicon.ico” type=”image/x-icon”> <link rel=”shortcut icon” href=”<?php echo get_site_url(); ?>/favicon.ico” type=”image/x-icon”> “`
4. Save Changes: Click Update File to save your changes.
5. Verify: Open your site in a new browser tab to ensure the new favicon is displayed.
Favicon Not Updating: Clear your browser cache or use a different browser to check if it has updated.
Multiple Favicons: Ensure you don’t have conflicting settings in your theme, plugin, or manual code.
Incorrect Size or Format: Verify that it meets the recommended size and format.
Keep It Simple: A simple and recognizable design works best for small sizes.
Use Transparent Backgrounds: PNG format with a transparent background often looks better.
Test Across Devices: Ensure it looks good on various devices and browsers.
Changing your favicon in WordPress is a simple process that can enhance your site’s branding and professionalism. Whether you use the built-in WordPress Customizer, a plugin, or manually add it via theme files, following these steps will help you achieve the desired result. Regularly updating your favicon to match your current branding can also keep your site looking fresh and consistent.
