How do I make an icon/favicon? (preferably using free software?)

First you need one of the software applaications to build the graphic.

And after you made the icon, there are two options:
-Store it as 'favicon.ico' in the root of your domain
-use special html tag <link rel="shortcut icon" href="./favicon.icon">. That works even if you don't have access to / on your domain for whatever reason.

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Relevant threads:

Icon addicts and pixel pushers, look here!

Please recommend Icon Creation tool

Large wet slapping fish at the ready...

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Relevant links:

Favicon.com - the main site for favicon information and resources.

How to Create a Favicon

Favicon Creation with GraphicConverter - favicons for Mac OS X (GC is free with some OS X installations)

Icon Builder - a photoshop plugn in to make Icons

Donationware Photoshop Plugin - outputs .ICO format, download and drop the plugin (.8bi) intoyour photoshop/plugins/file formats directory to be able to save files as ICOs

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Relevant notes:

At the time of writing this FAQ was ranked number 2 at Google for the terms make, an, icon.

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Emperor

(Edited by: Tyberius Prime on Tue 04-Feb-2003)

(Edited by: hyperbole on Tue 15-Jul-2003)

(Edited by: JKMabry on Wed 05-Nov-2003)

(Edited by: Emperor on Fri 28-Nov-2003)