Google Chrome Logo History: Every Chrome Icon Since 2008
The Google Chrome logo has changed four times since the browser launched in 2008. In March 2011 we covered the switch from the shiny 3D icon to a flat, simpler design. The logo was simplified again in 2014 and refreshed in 2022. Here’s the full history of the Chrome icon, why Google keeps changing it and how to tell which Chrome version you’re running.
Quick answer: The Chrome logo has had four main versions: the glossy 3D icon (2008), a flat design (2011), a flatter version with no shading (2014) and the current 2022 logo, with brighter colours, no shadows and a slightly larger blue centre. Google changes it to keep the brand simple and to match each operating system’s style.
Table of Contents
Google Chrome logo history
2008: the 3D original
Chrome launched in September 2008 with a glossy, three-dimensional icon: a blue circle surrounded by red, yellow and green segments, often compared to a Simon game or a Poké Ball.
2011: going flat
In March 2011 Google introduced a flatter icon. Google’s Chrome blog explained that since Chrome is about making the web “quicker, lighter, and easier”, a simpler icon better fit the browser’s spirit, and that fans’ own reinterpretations had already moved the icon toward simplicity.
2014: even simpler
In 2014 the logo lost its remaining shading and gradients to match Google’s flat design style across products.
2022: the current logo
In February 2022 Chrome got its first logo change in eight years. The new version removed the shadows, used brighter colours and made the blue centre a little larger. Google also made versions tailored to each platform, for example a subtle gradient on macOS, and special colours for beta, dev and Canary builds.
Why Google changes the Chrome icon
- Simplicity: flatter icons look sharper at small sizes on phones and taskbars.
- Brand consistency: matching the style of Gmail, Maps and other Google apps.
- Platform fit: icons that feel native on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android and iOS.
How to check your Chrome version
- Click the three-dot menu at the top right of Chrome.
- Go to Help > About Google Chrome (on Android: Settings > About Chrome).
- Chrome shows your version and checks for updates automatically.
Keeping Chrome updated matters more than its looks: updates fix security holes. Also see our list of Chrome extensions for webmasters.
FAQ
When did the Chrome logo last change?
In February 2022, its first redesign in eight years.
Why is my Chrome icon a different colour?
Beta, Dev and Canary versions of Chrome use different icon colours so you can tell them apart from the stable version.
Can I change the Chrome icon?
On Windows you can change a shortcut’s icon in its Properties, but the app’s own icon updates with Chrome.
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old one was better
The old icon was great, cool, trendy, etc.
The new one is bland and has to respect cross-corporate values.
I remember when Microsoft lost their way too.
i can live with it, but it doesn’t antialias well at the default windows icon size.
That was 3D, this one is 2D. So it seems it is easier to use.
To be frank…I like the old icon ! It looks pretty cool with black borders
Nope… Old one was Better