If you use Firefox or an updated version of Internet Explorer, you might notice a little icon in the address bar, to the left of http:// . . . .  These are called favicons.

Gmail’s favicon is an M over an envelope, Craiglist’s favicon is a peace sign, Ebay’s favicon is “ebay”.  If a website has not customized a favicon, the icon looks like a blank page (see blue arrow in above image).  Boring.  I noticed these favicons a few months ago and decided I wanted one.  So, I chose a Gerber Daisy (see red arrow in above picture).  They’re my favorite.  Hint hint.

Anyway, if you don’t have a favicon yet, here’s how you can get one . . .

1. favicon.cc- On this site, you can “paint” your own favicon (16 x 16 pixels).  You can upload an image, use animation, adjust the color, or paint it.
2. FavIcon from Pics- On this site, you can upload any image, and the site will make your favicon to the right size.  You can animate it or add color or words.
3. favicon generator- This site gives you a cleaner looking image because you must upload an image that is the correct size (100 x 100 pixels).  So, you can only use this site if you can scale an image to be 100 pixels square on your own.  I chose to use this site.  I made the image with Microsoft Picture It, but I’m sure that any photo editing software you have can also resize an image to the correct proportions.

Did you use another site to make a favicon?  Are you going to make one now?  Let me know if you have questions.