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favicons

Free Favicon and Icon Editors: Which Tools Still Fit?

For a quick favicon workflow, choose a focused editor to draw or convert artwork; use a broader design app when you still need to create the image.

By ThatPainter Team 4 min read

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If you need a website favicon, start with X-Icon Editor to draw or import artwork and export an ICO file, or use favicon.io to turn existing artwork into a package of website and device icons. For making the artwork itself, Adobe Express and Canva are broader design options; check that the export format and features you need are available in your current account and region.

The title “7 Handy, Free favicon and Icon Editors” comes from a SitePoint roundup first published in 2015 and updated in 2024. Its text names eight tools, not seven. That list is historical, and current availability is not established for most of its entries.

Choose a tool by what you already have

Tool Best starting point Documented output What to know
X-Icon Editor Draw a small icon or import existing artwork ICO Focused browser-based editor with preview and several icon sizes; no registration is required, according to its terms.
favicon.io Convert an existing image ICO, PNG variants, Apple touch icon, Android icons, and a web manifest Provides HTML tags and installation steps alongside the downloadable package.
Adobe Express Compose or refine artwork in a broader design editor ICO, ICNS, or PNG through its favicon add-on, according to Adobe Check current account, region, add-on, and export availability before starting.
Canva Build artwork from templates and design elements SVG, PNG, or JPG on the cited favicon page Do not assume ICO export; Brand Kit is identified as a Pro feature.

When you need to draw or import an icon

X-Icon Editor

X-Icon Editor describes itself as a free browser-based tool for drawing, importing, and exporting favicons and website icons. It supports work at 64×64, 32×32, 24×24, and 16×16 pixels, offers a preview, and exports ICO. Its FAQ lists PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF, and ICO as import formats. The terms say the service is free and requires no registration.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Wacom Intuos Small, Wired Graphic Drawing Tablet with Pen + Software
  • Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR, battery free technology that feels like pen on paper
  • Works With All Software: Wacom Intuos tablet can be used in any software program to explore new facets of digital creativity; draw, paint, edit photos/videos, create designs, and mark up documents
  • What the Professionals Use: Wacom's industry leading pen technology and pen to paper feeling makes it the preferred drawing tablet of professional graphic designers
  • Software and Training Included: Only Wacom gives you software with every purchase. Register your Intuos tablet and gain access to some of the best creative software and Wacom's online training
  • Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life

There is a privacy detail worth checking if you plan to import sensitive artwork. The FAQ says imported images are not stored and are used to generate the download; the current product page says drawing and imported images are sent for ICO generation and deleted afterward, while the drawing page says work runs locally. Those descriptions are not fully consistent. Review the service’s current privacy policy before using it for material you do not want sent to a server.

When you already have artwork to convert

favicon.io

Use favicon.io’s image converter if you have a logo or other image ready and want more than a single ICO. It accepts PNG, JPG, and BMP, then provides a package containing ICO and PNG variants, an Apple touch icon, Android icons, and a web manifest. The page also provides HTML tags and file-placement instructions, which can help if you are unsure how to add the files to a site.

Rank #2
Sale
HUION Inspiroy H640P 6x4 inch Drawing Tablet 8192 Pen Pressure
  • Customize Your Workflow: The 6 customizable press keys on Huion H640P drawing tablet for pc let you assign your most-used commands—like undo, zoom, brush switch, or save—so you can keep your hands on the tablet and your mind on the art. Whether you're a digital painter switching brushes, or a comic artist zooming in and out, these keys keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, the Huion driver lets you save different shortcut profiles for different apps, so you never have to reconfigure when switching software.
  • Professional Pen Performance: Huion H640P drawing pad for computer comes with the battery-free PW100 stylus that's always ready when inspiration strikes. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, every light sketch, or bold stroke responds naturally to your hand—just like a real pen. The 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS report rate deliver lag-free, precise strokes, so you can draw confidently without second-guessing your cursor. The pen side buttons help you switch between pen and eraser instantly.
  • Compact and Portable: Huion H640P computer graphics tablet features a compact, ultra-portable design at just 0.3 inches thin and 0.61 lbs light, so it slides easily into your backpack—perfect for sketching in coffee shops, taking notes in class, or editing on the go between home and studio. The 6x4 inch active area offers enough room for natural pen movements while fitting comfortably on crowded desks, or lecture hall seats.
  • Stable Compatibility: Huion H640P graphic drawing tablet works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, Linux PCs, and Android smartphones/tablets (OS version 6.0 or later). Left-handed friendly, and you just need to flip the tablet and adjust the settings in the driver. Please note: H640P does NOT support iPhone/iPad.
  • Move Beyond the Mouse: Huion Inspiroy H640P is a pen tablet that replaces your mouse for more natural, precise control. Freehand draw, take notes, or even play OSU—everything you do with a mouse, you can do better with a pen. The precise tip makes it ideal for detailed photo editing, graphic design, or signing PDF. Meanwhile, the ergonomic pen grip helps you avoid the strain that comes from hours of using a mouse.

The service recommends simple, square artwork because fine detail is lost at small sizes. Before converting, crop or compose the image so the important shape fills a square canvas; after conversion, inspect the smallest icon rather than judging it only at full size.

When you need to create the artwork first

Adobe Express

Adobe Express is a broader design editor rather than a dedicated pixel-level favicon tool. Adobe describes an icon maker and a favicon add-on workflow that can export ICO, ICNS, or PNG. It can suit a reader who needs to assemble or refine the graphic before exporting, but confirm that the add-on and desired format are available in the current account and region.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
XPPen Deco 01 V3 10x6 Drawing Tablet, 16K Battery-Free Stylus, 8 Keys
  • Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
  • Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
  • Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
  • Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
  • Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey

Canva

Canva’s favicon page focuses on template-based artwork and lists SVG, PNG, and JPG downloads. It is a design route, not a verified ICO converter in the available product information, so check the export options before choosing it if your workflow specifically requires ICO. Canva identifies Brand Kit as a Pro feature.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What to do with the original roundup’s other names

The 2015 SitePoint inventory also names Free Icon Maker, Junior Icon Editor, IcoFX Portable, KIconedit, OS X Icon Editor, Icon Maker for Mac, and Logaster. Their current status is not established here, so treat those names as historical leads rather than current free recommendations. In particular, the historic claim that IcoFX Portable was free should not be taken as current: its present product page describes a professional product and trial, not a verified free portable edition.

Best Value
Drawing Tablet XPPen G430S OSU, Graphic Drawing Tablet with 8192 Levels Pressure Battery-Free Stylus, 4 x 3 inch Ultrathin, for OSU Game, Online Teaching Compatible with Window/Mac Black
  • Ultra thin tablet: Active Area 4 x 3 inches. Fully utilizing our 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity―Providing you with groundbreaking control and fluidity to expand your creative output. Please note: The 4 x 3 inches is very small, please confirm that it will meet your needs before you purchase it
  • OSU game: Designed for OSU! gameplay, drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures etc. No need to install drivers for OSU! It's also designed for both right and left hand users
  • Accurate Pen Performance: StarG430S computer graphics tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
  • Compact and Portable: The G430S art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it’s as slim as all primary level graphic tablets,Ultra-thin and portable, allowing you hold it in one hand and carry it on the go. This graphic drawing tablet supports Mac. However, since the product interface is micro USB to USB-A, if your computer is a Mac and does not have a USB-A port, you will need to purchase an OTG transfer adapter to ensure compatibility with your Mac. So please confirm your computer port before you purchase it
  • PLEASE NOTE: The XPPen StarG 430 is compatible with the Windows system 11/10/8/7(32/64 bit), and the Mac OS X version 10.10 or later, but it is incompatible with iOS and iPad OS. If your computer is a Mac, you need to grant permission to the Mac preferences first. Please go to our official website, and according to the guide: XPPen>Support>FAQ, find out the Star G430 and click, then click the question according to your Mac system. There are detailed guidelines for installing the driver so your tablet will work correctly. It's possible incompatible with the customer's own EMR system or other signature system. Please feel free to contact us to confirm the compatibility before your purchase
Rank #4
Sale
Drawing Tablet XPPen StarG640 Digital Graphic Tablet 6x4 Inch Art Tablet with Battery-Free Stylus Pen Tablet for Mac, Windows and Chromebook (Drawing/E-Learning/Remote-Working)
  • Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
  • Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
  • Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
  • Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
  • Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse

Install and check the result

  1. Pick the formats for the surfaces you support. A single ICO may suit a browser favicon workflow; mobile or app surfaces may need separate image files. Use the converter’s package and the platform’s current requirements rather than assuming every site needs every format.
  2. Use the tool’s installation guidance. favicon.io supplies file-placement steps and HTML tags for its generated package. Follow the instructions for the files you actually intend to use.
  3. Preview at target sizes. Check whether the silhouette, contrast, and key detail remain legible at 16×16 and other intended sizes. If the image becomes muddy, simplify it or use a bolder crop.
  4. Check the deployed page. After placing the files and markup, load the live page and verify the browser is showing the intended icon. A successful export alone does not confirm that the site references the right file.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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