Online Text to Favicon Generator - Create Icons from Letters

Turn text into favicons and icons with our online generator using 1000+ fonts, gradients, and effects. Generate complete favicon packages for iOS, Android, Windows. Free browser-based favicon generator with live preview.

Style Settings

Auto
20%

Color Settings

Text Effects

Text Effects

Preview

16×16
32×32
48×48

Browser Tab Preview

Your Website Title×

Export

Package includes:

Favicon

ICO + PNG 16×16, 32×32

3

Apple

PNG 57, 60, 72, 76, 114, 120, 144, 152, 180

10

Android

PNG 36, 48, 72, 96, 144, 192, 256, 384, 512

9

MS Tiles

PNG 70, 144, 150, 310×310, 310×150

5

Config

JSON, XML, TXT

4

Total

31 files

Complete favicon package with all sizes for web, iOS, and Android

How to Create a Text Favicon with Our Online Generator

  1. Type 1-2 characters in the text box of our online favicon generator (letters, numbers, or symbols like 'F', 'AB', '中', '★'). Auto Fit mode adjusts the icon size automatically
  2. Pick a font from 1000+ Google Fonts in our favicon generator. Use the search bar to find specific fonts, or browse by category (Serif, Sans Serif, Monospace, Handwriting, Display)
  3. Customize colors and effects for your favicon and icon. Add gradients (6 presets available), text effects (shadow, stroke, glow), and adjust border radius (0-50%)
  4. Watch the live favicon preview at 16×16, 32×32, and 48×48 pixels. Your browser tab updates in real-time. Click Download to get all 31 favicon and icon files in a ZIP package

What You Can Do with This Tool

This generator gives you complete control over how text becomes a favicon. Here's what makes it different:

Text Style Controls

  • 1000+ Google Fonts: Search by name or browse by category. Popular fonts load first. Each font shows a live preview before you select it
  • Auto Fit or Manual Size: Auto Fit mode (recommended) adjusts size based on character count: 1 character fills 100% of the canvas, 2+ characters use 70%. Manual mode lets you set 10-200px
  • Font Weight (Light or Bold): Light (300) for elegant look, Bold (700) for better readability at 16×16 pixels. Not all fonts support both weights
  • Normal or Italic: Italic adds style but can reduce readability at small sizes. Check the preview to see if it works for your font
  • Text Alignment: Left, Center, or Right. Center works best for single characters. Left or Right useful for 2+ characters
  • Border Radius (0-50%): Square (0%), Rounded (20%), or Circle (50%) presets. Or use the slider for custom values. iOS adds its own rounding to home screen icons

Color and Gradient Options

  • Text Color (Solid or Gradient): Pick from 100 preset colors in a 10×10 grid, or enter a custom hex code. Switch to gradient mode for linear or radial effects
  • Text Gradients: Linear gradients go from top to bottom (adjustable angle). Radial gradients start from the center. Both support custom color stops
  • Background Color: Solid colors with full transparency support. Use transparent backgrounds for icons that blend with any website theme
  • Background Gradients: 6 preset gradients: Sunset (orange to pink), Ocean (blue to teal), Forest (green shades), Purple Dream, Fire (red to yellow), Night Sky (dark blue to purple). Or create your own
  • 100 Preset Colors: Organized in a 10×10 grid covering all common web colors. Click any color for instant application. Saves time compared to typing hex codes

How Gradients Work

  • Linear Gradients: Color transitions in a straight line. Default goes top to bottom. Adjust the angle slider (0-360°) to change direction. Works on both text and background
  • Radial Gradients: Color starts from the center and spreads outward. Creates a spotlight or circular effect. Great for making text pop against the background
  • 6 Ready-to-Use Presets: Sunset (warm orange to pink), Ocean (cool blue to teal), Forest (natural greens), Purple Dream (purple to pink), Fire (red to yellow), Night Sky (deep blue to purple). Click to apply instantly
  • Build Your Own Gradients: Choose linear or radial, pick start and end colors, adjust angle (linear only). Add multiple color stops for complex gradients. Preview updates in real-time

Text Effects (Shadow, Stroke, Glow)

  • Shadow Effect: Adds depth behind text. Control shadow color, blur amount (0-20px), and offset position (X and Y from -20 to +20px). Dark shadows work well on light backgrounds
  • Stroke (Outline) Effect: Draws an outline around text. Adjust stroke width (1-10px) and color. Useful for making text readable on busy backgrounds. Thick strokes can make small text hard to read
  • Glow Effect: Creates a soft glow around text using shadow blur with no offset. Control glow color and intensity (0-20). Works like a halo. Bright glows on dark backgrounds create neon effects
  • Mix Multiple Effects: Combine shadow, stroke, and gradients in one favicon. Example: gradient text + stroke outline + shadow depth. Check the 16×16 preview to avoid over-designing

Preview and Download

Live Preview (No Generate Button Needed): Every change updates instantly. See your favicon at 16×16, 32×32, and 48×48 pixels. Your browser tab shows how it looks in real use. No need to click Generate

Download 31 Files in One ZIP: Click Download to get all files: 3 browser favicons (ICO + PNG), 10 Apple Touch Icons (iOS), 9 Android Chrome icons, 5 Windows tiles, 4 config files (site.webmanifest, browserconfig.xml, HTML code, README)

Installing Your Text Favicon

After downloading the ZIP package, here's how to add it to your website:

1. Extract the ZIP file

Unzip the downloaded file. You'll see 31 files: PNG images in various sizes, one ICO file, and config files (site.webmanifest, browserconfig.xml, html-code.txt, README.txt)

2. Copy the HTML code

Open html-code.txt. Copy all the code inside. Paste it into the head section of your HTML (between the opening and closing head tags, not in body)

<link rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/favicon.ico">
<link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/favicon-32x32.png">
<link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/favicon-16x16.png">
<link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/apple-touch-icon.png">
<link rel="manifest" href="/site.webmanifest">

3. Upload files to your website

  • Next.js / React (CRA) / Vue: Next.js, React, Vue: Put all files in the public/ or static/ folder
  • WordPress: WordPress: Upload to your theme folder, or use FTP to put files in the root directory
  • HTML: Static HTML: Upload all files to your website's root directory (same level as index.html)

Common Questions

Why doesn't my favicon show up after uploading?

Browsers cache favicons heavily. Try these fixes:

  • Clear your browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete on Windows, Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac)
  • Hard refresh the page (Ctrl+F5 on Windows, Cmd+Shift+R on Mac)
  • Open your site in incognito or private browsing mode to bypass cache
  • Check that the HTML code is in the head section, not body
What's the difference between ICO and PNG formats?
ICO is the traditional format that works in older browsers like IE11. PNG is modern, supports transparency, and works in all current browsers. The ZIP includes both. Upload both files for maximum compatibility across all browsers and devices.
Why does the ZIP contain 31 files?

Different devices need different sizes for the best display:

  • Browser tabs: 16×16, 32×32 PNG + one ICO file (3 files total)
  • iOS home screen: 10 sizes from 57×57 to 180×180 for different iPhone and iPad models
  • Android home screen: 9 sizes from 36×36 to 512×512 for various Android devices
  • Windows tiles: 5 sizes from 70×70 to 310×310 for Start menu tiles
  • Config files: site.webmanifest, browserconfig.xml, html-code.txt, README.txt (4 files)
How does Auto Fit work?
Auto Fit adjusts font size based on how many characters you enter. 1 character uses 100% of the canvas (fills the space). 2 or more characters use 70% (leaves room so text doesn't get cut off). You can turn off Auto Fit and set a manual size from 10-200px if you want precise control.
Can I use emoji or special characters?
Yes, you can type any Unicode character including emoji, Chinese characters, symbols, etc. However, not all fonts support all characters. If you see a blank square, try a different font. For emoji specifically, use our dedicated Emoji to Favicon tool for better results.
Which fonts work best at small sizes?
Bold fonts with simple shapes work best at 16×16 pixels. Try Bebas Neue, Montserrat Bold, Roboto Bold, or Leckerli One. Avoid thin fonts (Light weight) and fonts with fine details. Always check the 16×16 preview before downloading.
Can I use gradients on both text and background?
Yes. You can apply gradients to text, background, or both at the same time. Text gradients work best with bold fonts. Background gradients look good with solid text colors. Try the 6 preset gradients (Sunset, Ocean, Forest, Purple Dream, Fire, Night Sky) for quick results.
Is this tool free for commercial use?

Yes, the tool is free. But check these two things:

  • Font license: Most Google Fonts are open source and allow commercial use. Check the font's license page on Google Fonts to be sure
  • Text content: Make sure the letters or symbols you use don't infringe on trademarks or copyrights

What's in the ZIP File?

The download includes 31 files organized for different platforms. Here's what each file does:

Browser Favicons (3 files)

  • favicon.ico - favicon.ico — Traditional multi-size icon for IE11 and older browsers (contains 16×16, 32×32, 48×48 in one file)
  • favicon-16x16.png - favicon-16x16.png — Modern browsers, standard tab size
  • favicon-32x32.png - favicon-32x32.png — Modern browsers, high-DPI displays (Retina screens)

Apple Touch Icons (10 files)

apple-touch-icon-57x57.png through apple-touch-icon-180x180.png — iOS home screen icons for different iPhone and iPad models. iOS automatically adds rounded corners and shine effect

Android Chrome Icons (9 files)

android-chrome-36x36.png through android-chrome-512x512.png — Android home screen icons for various device densities (LDPI to XXXHDPI). The 512×512 size is used in the Google Play Store

Windows Tiles (5 files)

mstile-70x70.png through mstile-310x310.png — Windows Start menu tiles for different tile sizes (small, medium, wide, large)

Configuration Files (4 files)

  • site.webmanifest - site.webmanifest — PWA manifest file that tells Android and modern browsers where to find icons. Contains icon paths, sizes, and app metadata
  • browserconfig.xml - browserconfig.xml — Windows tile configuration. Tells Windows which images to use for Start menu tiles
  • html-code.txt - html-code.txt — Ready-to-paste HTML code for your website's head section. Copy this into your HTML between the opening and closing head tags
  • README.txt - README.txt — Installation instructions and troubleshooting tips. Read this if you're not sure how to install the favicon

Tips for Better Text Favicons

Keep Text Short (1-2 Characters)

Single letters like 'F' or 'M' work best. Two characters like 'AB' or 'JS' are readable. Three or more characters get too small at 16×16 pixels. Numbers work well too: '1', '24', etc.

Choose Bold Fonts for Clarity

Bold fonts (weight 700) stay readable at 16×16 pixels. Try Bebas Neue, Montserrat Bold, Roboto Bold, or Leckerli One. Avoid thin fonts (weight 300) unless you're using a single character. Script fonts can blur at small sizes.

Use High Contrast Colors

Dark background + light text works well (example: #0066FF background + #FFFFFF text). Light background + dark text also works (#FFFFFF background + #000000 text). Avoid low contrast like light gray on white (#CCCCCC on #FFFFFF) — it's invisible at 16×16.

Border Radius: 20-30% for Modern Look

20% (Rounded preset) works for most modern websites. 50% (Circle preset) creates a circular icon. 0% (Square preset) looks traditional. Note: iOS adds its own rounding to home screen icons, so your square icon becomes rounded on iPhones.

Avoid Complex Effects at Small Sizes

Text effects (shadow, stroke, glow) look great at 48×48 but can blur at 16×16. Always check the 16×16 preview. If the text is hard to read, simplify the effect or remove it. Simple is better for favicons.

Use Gradients Carefully

Background gradients work well at all sizes. Text gradients look best on bold fonts with 1-2 characters. Avoid gradients on thin fonts or long text. The 6 preset gradients (Sunset, Ocean, Forest, Purple Dream, Fire, Night Sky) are tested to work at small sizes.

Let Auto Fit Do the Work

Auto Fit mode automatically adjusts font size based on character count. 1 character fills the canvas. 2+ characters shrink to 70% to prevent cutoff. This saves time and prevents text from getting cut off at the edges. Only use manual size if you need precise control.

Always Check the 16×16 Preview

The 16×16 preview shows exactly how your favicon looks in browser tabs. If you can't read the text at 16×16, it won't work as a favicon. Simplify the design until it's clear at the smallest size. The 32×32 and 48×48 previews show how it looks on high-DPI displays.

When to Use Text Favicons

Personal Blogs and Portfolios

Use your name's initials (example: 'J' for John's Blog, 'SM' for Sarah Miller). Pick a color that matches your site theme. Simple and personal.

Company Websites

Use your company's abbreviation (example: 'AB' for AB Company, 'TM' for Tech Media). Use your brand colors. Creates instant recognition in browser tabs.

Web Apps and SaaS Products

Use your app's initials (example: 'T' for Todo App, 'PM' for Project Manager). Helps users find your app tab quickly when they have many tabs open.

Development and Testing

Generate temporary favicons for dev environments. Use 'D' for dev, 'S' for staging, 'L' for local. Different colors help you tell environments apart.

Brand Identity Projects

Create consistent branding across all touchpoints. Use brand colors and letters. Works well with logo design projects. Favicon matches your brand guidelines.

Multi-language Sites

Use language-specific characters (example: '中' for Chinese site, 'あ' for Japanese site, 'ع' for Arabic site). Helps users identify language versions in bookmarks.

Browser and Device Support

This tool generates favicons that work across all modern browsers and devices:

  • Chrome 4+ — Full support for PNG and ICO formats. Supports all sizes
  • Firefox 3.5+ — Full support. Displays 16×16 in tabs, 32×32 on high-DPI screens
  • Safari 4+ — Full support on Mac and iOS. iOS uses apple-touch-icon for home screen
  • Microsoft Edge — Full support for all formats and sizes
  • Internet Explorer 11 — Requires ICO format (included in the ZIP)
  • iOS Safari — Uses apple-touch-icon files for home screen. Automatically adds rounded corners and shine effect
  • Android Chrome — Uses android-chrome files for home screen. Supports adaptive icons on Android 8+
  • Windows 10/11 — Uses mstile files for Start menu tiles. Supports live tiles
  • Progressive Web Apps — Uses site.webmanifest for app icons. Works on all platforms that support PWA

How This Tool Works (Technical Details)

  • Rendering Engine: HTML5 Canvas API with high-quality text rendering. Uses antialiasing for smooth edges at all sizes
  • Font Library: 1000+ Google Fonts loaded dynamically via Google Fonts API. Fonts are cached for 1 hour to improve performance. Supports weights 400 (normal) and 700 (bold)
  • Auto Fit Algorithm: Font size = canvas_size × 0.6 × (text.length <= 1 ? 1 : 0.7). This means 1 character uses 100% of available space, 2+ characters use 70% to prevent cutoff
  • Text Effects Rendering: Shadow uses ctx.shadowColor/shadowBlur/shadowOffset. Stroke uses ctx.strokeStyle/lineWidth/strokeText(). Glow uses multiple shadow layers with increasing blur and no offset
  • Gradient Implementation: Linear gradients use ctx.createLinearGradient() with angle calculation. Radial gradients use ctx.createRadialGradient() from center. Both support custom color stops
  • Live Preview: Every change triggers instant re-render. No Generate button needed. Preview updates in under 50ms on modern browsers
  • Privacy: 100% client-side processing. No images or text uploaded to servers. All rendering happens in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device
  • Export Formats: ICO (multi-layer containing 16×16, 32×32, 48×48), PNG (transparent background support), site.webmanifest (JSON), browserconfig.xml, html-code.txt, README.txt
  • ZIP Packaging: Uses JSZip library for client-side ZIP creation. All 31 files packaged in browser memory. No server-side processing

Related Tools and Guides