An icon is a small, simple image used to represent an action, object, or idea at a glance — a magnifying glass for search, an envelope for email, or a cart for shopping.
Icons work well because they’re instantly recognizable, letting visitors understand a function quickly without needing to read a full label.
Where Icons Show Up in WordPress
You’ll spot icons throughout the WordPress dashboard itself — next to menu items, buttons, and settings. On the frontend, themes often use icons for social media links, navigation menus, and buttons.
Favicons: A Special Kind of Icon
A favicon is the small icon that appears in a browser tab next to your site’s title. You can set one in WordPress under Site Icon settings, usually found in the general settings or Site Editor, depending on your theme.
A clear, recognizable favicon might seem like a minor detail, but it helps visitors quickly spot your site among a row of open browser tabs.