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Glossary of Terms

We have compiled this list of terms and definitions to help you better understand the terminology used within the web development community.

Favicon

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A Favicon is the small icon that appears in browser tabs, bookmarks, and some search results next to your site name. Missing or broken favicons make a site look unfinished and less trustworthy. Setting one up correctly improves brand recognition across all platforms.

Favicon

A favicon — short for "favorite icon" — is the tiny graphic that shows up in browser tabs, bookmark lists, history entries, and sometimes search results. It is one of the smallest assets on your site, but one of the most visible. A missing favicon leaves a generic globe or blank icon in its place, instantly making your site look unfinished.

Why It Matters

  • Brand recognition in the browser. When users have 15 tabs open, your favicon is the primary way they identify your site. A clear, recognizable icon helps users find your tab instantly.
  • It appears in bookmarks and history. Saved bookmarks and browser history show favicons alongside page titles. A missing or generic icon makes your site harder to spot in a long list.
  • Search engines may display it. Some search engines show favicons in mobile search results next to your page listing. A polished favicon adds visual credibility alongside your meta description.
  • It signals professionalism. A missing favicon generates a 404 error in server logs every time someone visits your site. It is a small detail, but it contributes to the overall impression of quality and attention to detail.

How to Set One Up

  1. Create multiple sizes. Different contexts need different sizes. At minimum, provide a 32×32 pixel .ico file for browser tabs, a 180×180 pixel PNG for Apple devices, and a 192×192 pixel PNG for Android home screens.
  2. Keep the design simple. At 16×16 or 32×32 pixels, fine details are invisible. Use bold shapes, high contrast, and minimal elements. A simplified version of your logo or a single letter often works best.
  3. Add the right <link> tags. Place favicon references in your <head>: <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="/favicon-32x32.png"> along with apple-touch-icon and other platform-specific variants.
  4. Include a site.webmanifest file. For progressive web app support and Android home screen icons, reference your icons in a web manifest file and link to it from your HTML head.
  5. Test across platforms. Check your favicon in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and on mobile devices. Different browsers render favicons slightly differently, and what looks great on one may need adjustments on another.

Common Mistakes

  • Only providing one size. A single 16×16 icon looks blurry on high-resolution displays and Apple devices. Provide multiple sizes to ensure clarity everywhere your favicon appears.
  • Using a full-size logo scaled down. Your full company logo at 16 pixels wide is an unrecognizable blob. Design a simplified version specifically for favicon use.
  • Forgetting the root /favicon.ico. Some browsers still look for /favicon.ico at the root of your domain regardless of <link> tags. Place one there to avoid 404 errors in server logs.
  • Using a transparent background that clashes. A favicon with a transparent background looks great on light browser chrome but may disappear on dark backgrounds. Test with both light and dark browser themes.
Bottom Line: Every site needs a favicon. Provide multiple sizes, keep the design simple and bold, and test across browsers and platforms. It is a tiny file that makes a big impression.
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Synonyms: Site Icon, Tab Icon, Bookmark Icon

What Does "Liquid Purple" mean?

noun | / LIK-wid PUR-pul /

  1. (biochemistry) Also known as visual purple or rhodopsin — a light-sensitive receptor protein found in the rods of the retina. It enables vision in dim light by transforming invisible darkness into visible form. Derived from the Greek rhódon (rose) and ópsis (sight), its name reflects its delicate pink hue and vital role in perception.

  2. (modern usage) Liquid Purple — a digital marketing agency specializing in uncovering unseen opportunities and illuminating brands hidden in the digital dark. Much like its biological namesake, Liquid Purple transforms faint signals into clear visibility — revealing what others overlook and bringing businesses into the light.

Origin: From the scientific term rhodopsin, discovered by Franz Christian Boll in 1876; adopted metaphorically by a marketing firm dedicated to visual clarity in the age of algorithms.

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For over 20 years, Liquid Purple has been headquartered in the heart of Southern California, serving clients across Irvine, Newport Beach, Anaheim, and the greater Los Angeles area. While we are proud of our local roots, our digital reach extends far beyond our local area. We support businesses in major hubs like Denver, Dallas, New York, and Miami, as well as international clients. Our ability to operate across time zones means you can often wake up to completed tasks and progress updates—keeping your business moving while you sleep.