![How to Change Folder Icon Color on macOS Sequoia: A Step-by-Step Guide [Updated 2025]](/articles/how-to-change-folder-icon-color-on-mac.webp){kind=icon}
Bored of all the blue folder icons in your Finder? We are too. But don't worry, we've got you covered. We put together a comprehensive guide to customizing your folder colors on macOS Sequoia. Whether you want to color-code your project folders or just add some personality to your desktop, changing folder icon colors is a game-changer and it will truly make a difference in your day-to-day.
In this guide, we selected three ways to transform your folder icons on macOS Sequoia, depending on if you already have an icon ready, or if you want to change the color of the default Finder folder icon. Ready to make your Mac desktop beautiful? Let's dive in!
Changing Folder Icon If You Already Have an Icon Ready
If you already have an image file that you want to use as your folder icon, this method is for you. It's quick and straightforward, and it just requires a few clicks to change the icon. Here's how to do it:
Select the image you want to use as your folder icon.
Press Command + C to copy it.
Right-click on the folder you want to customize and select "Get Info" from the menu.
In the window that appears, find the small folder icon thumbnail in the top-left corner, and click once on it. You should see it highlighted.
Press Command + V to paste the image into your folder icon.
Note: Not all image formats are supported for folder icons on macOS. For best results, use PNG or ICNS files. JPEG images may work but could result in lower quality icons. Some other formats like WebP or SVG files aren't natively supported and may not work at all when trying to set them as folder icons.
Best Approach: Drag And Drap Your Icon Into Tintd
If, like us, you want to be able to easily make beautiful colored icons for your folders, then this section is for you. Make beautiful icons by following these simple steps:
Download Tintd, our folder colorization app for Mac
Drag and drop the folder(s) you want to modify into the app
Choose the color you want in our palettes or make your own easily
Choose between our library of 7500+ icons to put on top of your folder icon
Press Colorize. Done!
We may be biased, but we really think this is the best way to change your folder icon on Mac, as you can make beautiful icons in just a few seconds. If you don't want to download an app though, we understand, and we have a third method for you.
Manual Method: Changing Folder Icon Color Using Preview
If you to do it the good old way, you can change your folder icon color manually using the Mac’s native Preview app. Follow these steps:
Right-click on the folder you want to customize and select Get Info.
In the Info window, click on the small folder icon thumbnail. Then, press Command + C to copy it.
Launch the Preview app, and from the menu, choose File > New from Clipboard. This will open your folder icon as an image.
Go to Tools > Adjust Color. Here, you can modify the hue, saturation, and brightness until you achieve the perfect shade for your folder.
Once satisfied with your color adjustment, press Command + C to copy the updated image.
Return to the folder’s Info window, click on the original icon thumbnail to select it, and press Command + V to paste your new icon.
Close the Info window, and enjoy your new folder color!
This method is a bit tedious, but it gives you complete control over the color adjustments. Unfortunately though, this doesn't let you add an icon on top of your folder.
Reset The Folder Icon To The Default Finder Icon
If you want to revert back to the default blue folder icon, here's how to do it:
Right-click on the folder with the custom icon and select "Get Info".
Click once on the small folder icon in the top-left corner of the Info window to select it.
Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
Close the Info window, and your folder will now display the default Finder icon.
Note: This process cannot be undone, so make sure you want to remove the custom icon before proceeding. If you want to restore a custom icon later, you'll need to go through the customization process again.
Conclusion
Customizing folder icons on your Mac is a great way to organize your files visually and add a personal touch to your Finder windows. Whether you choose to use Tintd for quick and beautiful results, or prefer the manual method with Preview, you now have the tools to make your Mac's folders stand out.
Happy customizing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to change multiple folders icons at once on macOS Sequoia?
It's possible to change multiple folders icons at once using our app Tintd. With the manual approach described above, unfortunately, it's not possible to change multiple icons at once.
Does changing the folder color affect its contents?
No, modifying the folder icon is purely cosmetic and doesn't affect the files or subfolders inside in any way.
Can I restore the original folder color?
Yes, you can always revert to the default Finder folder icon, using the method outlined above.
Does this work on all macOS versions?
This method works on macOS Sequoia and on most recent versions. Some older versions might have slightly different steps in the Preview app.
Will my custom folder icons sync across devices?
Custom folder icons are stored locally on your Mac. If you use iCloud Drive or another cloud storage service, the custom icons won't automatically sync to other devices. You'll need to set up the custom icons separately on each Mac you use.