When setting up your website’s branding, one of the first details to polish is the favicon, that small but important icon that appears in browser tabs. A common question is:
"Can I use a .jpg file as a favicon?"
The Short Answer
Yes, modern browsers do support using a .jpg file as a favicon.
You can include it like this:
<link rel="icon" type="image/jpeg" href="/favicon.jpg">
But Here's the Catch
Just because you can doesn't mean you should. While .jpg files are technically supported, they come with a few limitations:
❌ No Transparency
JPEG images don’t support transparent backgrounds, which can make your favicon look awkward or out of place on dark browser tabs or system themes.
📆 File Size
JPEGs are often larger than .ico or .png files when it comes to simple graphics like icons.
🔄 Limited Compatibility
Some older browsers and systems expect a .ico file. Using anything else might result in the favicon not showing at all.
✅ Use .ico (The Gold Standard)
The .ico format has been the web standard for favicons for decades, and for good reason.
🔀 Multi-Resolution Support
A single .ico file can contain multiple sizes of the icon within one file (16x16, 32x32, 48x48, and more). This ensures crisp visuals on tabs, bookmarks, desktop shortcuts, and high-DPI screens.
💻 Maximum Compatibility
Older browsers (like Internet Explorer) and some operating systems still require .ico files to display favicons. Using an .ico ensures broadest support across all devices and environments.
⚖️ How to Create One
There are several tools available to generate .ico files from your image:
Once your .ico file is ready, you can add it with:
<link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon">
This method will work virtually everywhere and is still the most reliable choice.
✅ Or Use .png for Modern Simplicity
If you're targeting modern browsers only and want a bit more visual flexibility (like transparency), .png is a strong alternative:
<link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="/favicon.png">
Just keep in mind that .png lacks the multi-resolution capability of .ico, so you may need to generate different sizes for different use cases.
Conclusion
While .jpg works in a pinch, it’s rarely the best choice. For broad compatibility and clean results, stick with .ico, or use .png for modern simplicity.
Need help converting your favicon or setting one up properly? There are tools for that, or drop your image and we’ll make one together.