To change a folder icon on a Mac, follow these steps:
- Choose and Copy the Image
Select the image you want to use as the new folder icon. It can be a JPEG, PNG, or other compatible formats. Open the image in Preview or any image viewer, then select the entire image (Command + A) and copy it (Command + C) to the clipboard
- Open Folder Info
Locate the folder whose icon you want to change. Right-click on the folder and select Get Info from the context menu
- Select the Current Folder Icon
In the Info window, click the small folder icon at the top left corner. It will highlight with a blue outline to indicate it is selected
- Paste the New Icon
Press Command + V to paste the copied image onto the folder icon slot. The folder icon will immediately update to the new image
Optional: Change Folder Icon Color
You can also customize the color of the folder icon by copying the folder icon, opening it in Preview, adjusting the color using the Adjust Color tool, copying the edited image, and pasting it back to the folder icon slot in the Get Info window
To Restore the Default Folder Icon
If you want to revert to the default folder icon, open the folder’s Get Info window, select the folder icon, and press Command + X to remove the custom icon
. This method works on all modern macOS versions and allows you to personalize your folders for easier organization and a customized look
