How to Use Square Face Icon Generator: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Published on January 12, 2026 · 8 min read

So you've seen those adorable square face avatars everywhere and you're ready to make your own. Perfect timing. This complete guide will walk you through every feature of the Square Face Generator — from your first click to saving your masterpiece.

Getting Started (The Basics)

Step 1: Access the Generator

Head to squarefacegenerator.app in your browser. The tool loads using Ruffle (a Flash emulator), so give it 10-20 seconds to initialize. You'll know it's ready when you see the full interface with customization options.

Best browsers: Chrome, Firefox, or Edge No downloads needed: Everything runs in your browser 100% free: No sign-up, no payments, no limits

Step 2: Understand the Interface

The generator has a simple layout:

Left sidebar: Category buttons (Hair, Eyes, Nose, etc.)
Center canvas: Your avatar preview (256x256 pixels)
Element thumbnails: Visual options for each category
Control buttons: Undo, Redo, Clear, Random, Save

Customization Options (All 537 Elements)

Let's break down each category and how to use it effectively.

1. Skin Tone

Location: Usually the first category Options: Multiple skin tones from light to dark Pro tip: Choose your base skin tone first — it's easier to visualize other features once your base is set

2. Face Shape & Background

What it does: Sets the basic square face outline and background color Options: Different square styles, sometimes with rounded corners or decorative borders Pro tip: Solid color backgrounds work best for profile pictures

3. Hair Styles

This is where it gets fun.

Options include:

Short hair (pixie cuts, bobs, crew cuts)
Long hair (straight, wavy, flowing)
Styled hair (ponytails, buns, braids)
Bangs (straight-cut, side-swept, curtain bangs)
Special styles (afro, dreadlocks, mohawk)

Pro tip: Layer multiple hair elements to create unique styles. Try combining a base hairstyle with bangs or hair accessories.

4. Eyes

The most expressive feature.

Options:

Eye shapes (round, almond, narrow, wide)
Eye colors (brown, blue, green, hazel, fantasy colors)
Expressions (happy, neutral, surprised, closed)
Special effects (sparkles, hearts, stars)

Pro tip: Eyes have the biggest impact on personality. Experiment with different expressions to match your vibe.

5. Eyebrows

Don't skip this!

Options:

Thick vs. thin
Arched vs. straight
Natural vs. stylized
Different angles (raised, furrowed, neutral)

Pro tip: Eyebrows change the entire mood. Raised eyebrows = surprised, furrowed = serious, arched = confident.

6. Nose

Subtle but important.

Options:

Different shapes (small, medium, large)
Different styles (button, straight, wide)
Sometimes includes nose piercings

Pro tip: The nose is one of the subtler features — choose what feels proportional to your face.

7. Mouth

Express yourself.

Options:

Smiles (closed, open, big grin)
Neutral expressions
Different lip shapes
Special expressions (tongue out, kissy face)

Pro tip: Match your mouth to your eyes for a cohesive expression, or mix them for quirky effects.

8. Facial Hair (Optional)

For those who want it:

Options:

Beards (full, goatee, stubble)
Mustaches (classic, handlebar, thin)
Sideburns

Pro tip: Facial hair can add character or maturity to your avatar.

9. Accessories

This is where you add personality.

Options include:

Glasses (round, square, sunglasses, reading glasses)
Earrings (studs, hoops, dangly)
Headbands and hair accessories
Hats (beanies, caps, crowns)
Face masks or bandanas
Jewelry (necklaces, sometimes nose rings)

Pro tip: Don't overdo it. 1-2 accessories usually look better than 5. Less is more.

10. Clothing/Outfit

The finishing touch.

Options:

T-shirts
Hoodies
Formal wear
Dresses
Sometimes with patterns or logos

Pro tip: Choose clothing that matches your personal style or the context where you'll use the avatar.

Advanced Techniques

Layering Elements

Some elements can be layered to create unique combinations:

Hair + Hat: Add a beanie over short hair
Multiple accessories: Glasses + earrings
Hair layers: Base hair + bangs + hair tie

How to layer:

Add your base element (e.g., hair)
Select the category again
Add another element that complements it

Using the Random Button

Location: Usually in the control panel What it does: Generates a completely random avatar

Best use cases:

When you're stuck and need inspiration
Creating NPCs or background characters
Just having fun exploring possibilities

Pro tip: Hit Random a few times, then customize the one you like most.

Undo/Redo

Keyboard shortcuts (if supported):

Undo: Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Cmd+Z (Mac)
Redo: Ctrl+Y (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Z (Mac)

What it does: Steps backward or forward through your changes

Pro tip: Don't be afraid to experiment — you can always undo.

Clear All

What it does: Resets to a blank canvas When to use: Starting fresh or creating multiple avatars

Saving Your Avatar

Step 1: Finalize Your Design

Make sure you're happy with every element. Zoom out mentally and check:

Does the expression match what you want?
Are accessories balanced?
Is the color palette cohesive?

Step 2: Click Save/Download

Location: Usually a "Save" or "Download" button in the control panel File format: PNG (256x256 pixels) File size: Usually under 50 KB

Step 3: Name Your File

Give it a descriptive name like:

my-avatar.png
oc-character-name.png
pfp-2026.png

Pro tip: If you're creating multiple characters, use a naming system so you can find them later.

Sharing on Social Media

Perfect Platforms

Profile pictures:

Twitter/X ✅
Discord ✅
Reddit ✅
Twitch ✅

Posts and content:

Instagram ✅
TikTok ✅
Tumblr ✅

Sizing Tips

The 256x256 pixel size is perfect for most profile pictures, but some platforms prefer larger images:

Twitter/X: 400x400 (will resize automatically)
Instagram: 320x320 (works great)
Discord: 256x256 (perfect fit)

Pro tip: Upload the PNG directly — don't screenshot it, or you'll lose quality.

Adding Context

When posting your creation, consider adding:

Character name (if it's an OC)
Inspiration or mood
Hashtags: #SquareFaceGenerator #AvatarArt
Link back to squarefacegenerator.app

Common Questions

"Can I create multiple avatars?"

Yes! Create as many as you want. Just save each one before starting a new one.

"Can I edit an avatar I already saved?"

Not directly — you'll need to recreate it. Pro tip: take notes on which elements you used.

"Can I use these commercially?"

Check the tool's terms of use, but generally, these are free for personal use. For commercial projects, verify usage rights.

"Why does my avatar look different after saving?"

Make sure you're viewing the saved PNG file, not a screenshot. Screenshots can compress or alter colors.

Pro Tips for Amazing Avatars

Start with a reference — Use a photo or description of yourself/character
Keep it simple — Don't use every accessory available
Match the expression to the personality — Happy characters need happy eyes AND mouth
Use complementary colors — Hair, eyes, and outfit should work together
Test different styles — Create 2-3 versions before committing
Save progress ideas — If you find a good base, save it before adding accessories

Ready to Create?

Now that you know every feature and technique, head to squarefacegenerator.app and start creating. Remember:

Take your time exploring options
Use Undo freely
Hit Random for inspiration
Save your favorites

The Square Face Generator has 537 elements waiting for you to combine them into something uniquely yours. Have fun, and don't forget to share your creations with the community!

Want more tips? Check out our other guides on creating ships and selfships or mastering different aesthetics.

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