Favicon export needs more than one square icon
A favicon set has to work in browser tabs, bookmarks, pinned shortcuts and small mobile previews. Start from a simple, high-contrast mark and avoid text that disappears at 16 px. Export the expected icon sizes, then check whether the smallest version is still recognizable without relying on color alone. Keep a master icon separately, because the generated favicon files are delivery assets rather than a design source.
1
Use a simple shape with strong contrast.
2
Check 16 px and 32 px results before publishing.
3
Keep the source logo or icon separate from generated favicon files.
Design for 16 px before trusting the full pack
A favicon fails at the smallest size first. Before using the generated ZIP, open the 16 px and 32 px PNG files separately, not only the large 512 px icon. Thin text, detailed mascots and horizontal logos often disappear in a browser tab. A good source is usually a simplified mark with strong contrast and enough empty space around it. Keep the original brand artwork separately so the favicon pack can be regenerated with another crop or background.
1
Check 16 px and 32 px as real files.
2
Avoid text-heavy marks.
3
Keep a clean square master for future icon packs.