Add a Custom Favicon to Your Google Site
A favicon is that tiny icon that appears in browser tabs and bookmarks next to your site name. It's a simple way to make your Google Site look more professional and help people recognise your brand instantly.
TL;DR:
- Custom favicons make your Google Site look more professional
- Upload through Site Identity settings in the customisation menu
- Use at least 48×48 pixels in PNG, JPEG, or GIF format
- Changes take effect immediately after saving and publishing
- You can update your favicon anytime to refresh your branding
How to Upload Your Favicon
Getting your favicon live on Google Sites takes just a few steps.
Access Your Site Settings
Open your Google Site and click the three dots in the top-right corner. Select 'Customize' from the dropdown menu.
Find Site Identity
Look for 'Site Identity' in the left sidebar and click it. This is where you control your site's logo and favicon.
Upload Your Image
Click the pencil icon next to 'Logo'. Upload your favicon image here. Google Sites will automatically use this as your favicon once it's uploaded.
Make sure your image is at least 48×48 pixels and saved as PNG, JPEG, or GIF. Square images work best since favicons are displayed as small squares.
Save and Publish
Click 'Save' to apply your changes, then publish your site to make the favicon live. You should see it appear in your browser tab within a few moments.
Getting Your Favicon Right
Your favicon should match your brand colours and style. If you have a logo, try using a simplified version that's readable at small sizes. Avoid complex designs or tiny text that won't be visible when scaled down.
Keep it simple and recognisable. Think of how major brands handle their favicons – they use clean, bold symbols that work even at 16×16 pixels.
FAQs
How do I add a custom favicon to my Google Site?
Go to Customize > Site Identity in your site settings and upload your image in the Logo section. Google Sites automatically uses this as your favicon.
What size should my favicon be?
At least 48×48 pixels, though 512×512 pixels gives you the best quality across all devices. Use PNG, JPEG, or GIF format.
Can I change my favicon later?
Yes, follow the same steps to upload a new image whenever you want to update your branding.
Why isn't my favicon showing up?
Make sure you've published your site after saving changes. Browser caching can also delay updates, so try refreshing or clearing your browser cache.
Jargon Buster
Favicon: The small icon that appears in browser tabs, bookmarks, and search results next to your site name.
Site Identity: Google Sites' settings area where you control your logo, favicon, and other branding elements.
PNG: A high-quality image format that supports transparency, ideal for logos and favicons.
Wrap-up
Adding a favicon to your Google Site is one of those small touches that makes a big difference to how professional your site looks. It takes two minutes to set up and instantly improves your brand recognition. Don't overthink it – pick something simple and clean that represents your brand, and you can always update it later as your branding evolves.
Ready to level up your Google Sites skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more practical tutorials and design tips.