limbo - 2:11 pm on Mar 31, 2009 (gmt 0)

Hi Edzillion.

.ico files allow multiple sized icons in one file - 16x16, 32x32 and 48x48 pixels images can be contained inside - for use in applications, as tiles and on the desktop, for example. The OS/App decides the right file to use.

Icon designers tend to design a different icon for each size. All using a similar palette and graphic style, simplifying it to only the defining characteristics for each reduction. The Yahoo Y! for example.

Icon design is not as easy as it might sound. Complex graphics, especially for 16x16 have to be replaced with very simplified versions - 1 pixel out of place, can make it look awkward.

I suggest you look at your logo - decide on the characteristics that define it, and use those to design a simple favicon.