Adding a Favicon to Your Next.js App Router Application
A favicon, short for "favorites icon," is a small image associated with your website that appears in the browser tab, bookmarks, and other places. It's a crucial element in branding and enhancing the user experience. This article will guide you through adding a favicon to your Next.js App Router application.
Understanding the Challenge
Adding a favicon to a Next.js App Router application might seem simple, but it can be tricky if you're unfamiliar with how Next.js handles public assets. You can't simply place the icon file in your public directory and expect it to work automatically.
Setting Up the Favicon
First, you need a favicon. You can create one yourself or find a suitable one online. Many free tools and websites allow you to create favicons from images or even generate them from text. Once you have your favicon, save it as a .ico file.
Example:
Let's assume your favicon is named favicon.ico and you've placed it in the public directory of your Next.js project.
Original Code (Incorrect):
// pages/_app.js
import '../styles/globals.css'
function MyApp({ Component, pageProps }) {
return <Component {...pageProps} />
}
export default MyApp
This code doesn't include any favicon configuration.
Explanation:
The public folder in Next.js is a special directory for static assets like images, fonts, and yes, your favicon. However, Next.js needs a little nudge to tell it how to use this file.
The Right Approach
The correct way to add a favicon in Next.js is to use the next.config.js file. This file allows you to customize Next.js behavior.
Updated Code:
// next.config.js
/** @type {import('next').NextConfig} */
const nextConfig = {
reactStrictMode: true,
swcMinify: true,
images: {
domains: ['example.com'], // Add domains if needed
},
experimental: {
appDir: true,
},
// Add the following section for favicon configuration
publicRuntimeConfig: {
favicon: '/favicon.ico',
},
}
module.exports = nextConfig
Explanation:
publicRuntimeConfig: This section allows you to define public variables that can be accessed by both the client and server.favicon: We specify the path to our favicon file relative to thepublicdirectory.
Using the Favicon
Now, when you run your Next.js application, your browser should automatically pick up the favicon. You can verify this by inspecting the browser tab or bookmarks.
Additional Tips:
- Other Favicon Formats: While
.icois the standard format, you can also use other image formats like.pngor.svg. Just make sure you specify the correct file extension in yourpublicRuntimeConfig. - Multiple Favicons: You can provide multiple favicons for different screen sizes and devices. Refer to the Next.js documentation for details.
- Icons for Different Purposes: You can also use favicons for different purposes, like Apple Touch icons or Windows 8 tiles.
Conclusion
Adding a favicon to your Next.js App Router application is a straightforward process once you understand how Next.js handles static assets. By following these steps and understanding the use of publicRuntimeConfig, you can easily customize your website's branding and enhance the user experience.
