As discussed in what is a favicon, a favicon is a small 16×16 pixel icon that represents your website. Now that you know the benefits of a favicon, it’s time to get cracking and become an A+ favicon generator.

Need a Favicon Generator? Grab Your Tools and Let’s Start

Understanding the Favicon File Format

To ensure favicons are compatible with all internet browsers, they are best created in a special icon file format (.ico). This is different to other standard image formats such as jpg and gif. Some standard graphic design packages don’t cater to this .ico format, so you won’t be able to use them as a favicon generator.

In the video below I’ll be showing how to create your own unique favicon

Click here to view the embedded video.

So just to recap the steps in the video:

1. Download the free Photoshop alternative: Paint Net

2. Crop an existing image, or create an image in a square format. This does not need to be on a 16×16 pixel canvas.

3. Once you are happy with the results, save as a gif or jpg and upload it to the free favicon generator website Dynamic Drive. This site will convert your picture to a favicon.

How to Install Your Favicon

Once you’ve used the favicon generator, you’re probably bursting with enthusiasm to upload the favicon to your website. The installation procedure needed will vary depending on your website’s content management system. To find out how to install your favicon, Google your content management system along with the term ‘install favicon’.

For compatibility, ensure you’ve named your favicon file favicon.ico

For WordPress users, the process is easy. Either download and install the plugin: Favicon Manager. This will give you the functionality to install your favicon directly from the administration panel of your website.

Alternatively, you can log into your FTP panel and directly replace the favicon.ico file. More instructions can be found in installing a favicon in WordPress

By following these steps, you’ll be able to add that extra layer of professionalism and trust to your website, helping you separate from your competitors. Let me know how you go.

Growing your small business,

David Moloney
SmallBusinessPlanned.com

To embrace the power of Photoshop or a Photoshop alternative (Paint Net) you need to understand and be using layers. Fortunately, layers are a simple concept to grasp. Layers allow you to independently edit and move separate elements items in your artwork.

Using layers is Recommended in Baking Cakes and Producing Artwork

In artwork terms, a layer is best described as a sheet which can house any number of image elements. All elements that rest on this sheet can be edited together, independent of elements that rest on any other sheet. By using layers, it really is simpler to create and edit your artwork.

It’s best practice to have each artwork element on a separate layer. This makes your image editing simple and targeted, and will not effect any of your surrounding image elements. Below is a video which explains the concept of layers and how to use them.

How to: Using Layers

Click here to view the embedded video.

After watching this video you will:

• Understand the benefits of layers
• Understand how to create layers
• Understand how to delete layers
• Understand how to arrange layers
• Understand how to merge layers

Growing Your Small Business,

David Moloney
SmallBusinessPlanned.com

It’s time to get stuck into a Paint Net how to tutorial. As discussed previously, Paint Net is a free Photoshop alternative. And a powerful one at that. Now that you’ve taken a minute to download Paint Net it’s time to get in the driving seat and gain an understanding of the fundamentals and the basics.

Welcome to the Paint Net How to Tutorial

Yes, I know the sound of a Paint Net how to tutorial sounds a bit boring, so I’ve tried to keep it as tight as possible. By taking a few minutes now, you’ll save yourself countless hours trying to grasp the basics by yourself. I think this is a pretty good exchange.

Paint Net Video Tutorial: Overview

Click here to view the embedded video.

After viewing this video tutorial you will be able to:

• Create a new artwork file and understand  which resolution to select
• Understand the Paint Net workspace
• Understand an overview of how to use the Paint Net tools
• Save your files correctly

In my next tutorial, you will see why using layers in your artwork is so important. Once mastered, you will be able to effortlessly adapt images to any size and situation.

Growing your small business,

David Moloney
SmallBusinessPlanned.com