favicon-cheat-sheet is a reference guide that documents favicon sizes, types, and implementation approaches for web projects.
The guide addresses the problem of favicon complexity by providing a curated set of recommendations for modern browsers alongside historical context for legacy support. It distinguishes between the minimal viable approach for contemporary projects—which relies on SVG favicons with dark mode support and PWA manifest icons—and the fuller set of specifications needed for comprehensive browser and platform coverage. The tool explains how SVG favicons leverage media queries to automatically adapt to user preferences without JavaScript, and documents the specific requirements for different platforms such as Safari pinned tabs, iOS touch icons, and Windows tiles.
Developers building new projects should focus on the modern minimum section, which covers the majority of real-world use cases with just SVG and manifest configuration. The guide is most useful for those who need to understand why certain favicon sizes and formats exist, rather than blindly following outdated practices. It suits projects where design consistency across light and dark modes matters, and where supporting older browsers is either unnecessary or explicitly required. The resource provides enough detail to implement favicons correctly without over-engineering for obsolete platforms, while remaining comprehensive enough for teams that must maintain legacy browser support.
Development activity shows consistent maintenance focused on keeping recommendations current with browser capabilities. The project receives updates to reflect changes in browser support, particularly around SVG favicon adoption and dark mode preferences. Contributions address both the core reference material and clarifications to existing guidance. The maintainer actively refines the modern minimum guidance as browser landscape shifts, ensuring the resource remains practical rather than becoming a historical archive.
