How To Customize Folder Icon on Mac [Updated 2025]

Do you want to give a fresh look to your Mac's desktop? You’ve come to the right place. Customizing folder icons in your Finder is a great way to keep your files organized while seeing each folder's purpose in one glance. In this guide, you’ll learn how to quickly change a folder icon by using pre-made images plus how to level up your customizations with our helper app.

Customize Folder Icons In One Click: Tintd ​

Before diving into manual methods, let’s talk about the simplest approach available: Tintd. If you want an immediate way to create or apply icons without fussing over image formats:

1. Head over to tintd.app to get the app. Once installed, just fire it up.

2. Drop one or multiple folders into the Tintd window.

3. Choose from a library of over 7500 icons and customizable palettes to make your folder truly unique.

4. Click “Colorize” and let it do the magic!

🤔 Why this method?

• No Tech Headaches: Tintd handles all technical details, including compatible file types.
• Batch Editing: Quickly update multiple folders at once.
• Huge Icon Library: 7500+ icons for endless possibilities.

If you prefer a manual, image-based approach instead, read on.

Selecting Your Icon ​

If you already have a design or simply want to explore the thousands of free icons available online, here’s how to pick an image that’ll work perfectly:

Find Free Icons or Images ​

• Icon Libraries: Websites like Icons8, Flaticon, and IconFinder have extensive collections of both free and paid icons.
• Your Own Graphics: Already have a personal brand or favorite artwork? Crop, resize, or export it as a PNG or ICNS for the cleanest result.

Keep Image Formats in Mind ​

• Recommended Formats: PNG and ICNS often yield sharp icons with transparent backgrounds.
• Avoid Low-Quality Files: JPEGs may look fuzzy when scaled, so keep quality in mind.
• No SVG or WebP: macOS typically doesn’t natively support these formats for folder icons.

💡 Pro Tip: If you can, test your image by opening it in Preview first. A quick glance will help you spot any issues—like unwanted backgrounds or poor resolution—before setting it as your folder icon.

Setting the Folder Icon ​

Now that you’ve got your icon, it’s time to replace the default Mac folder icon with something that reflects your style:

1. Copy Your Chosen Image

   • Open your downloaded or custom image in Finder.
   • Press Command + C to copy it.

2. Access the Folder Info

   • Right-click the folder you want to customize (or Control-click if you have a single-button mouse).
   • Select Get Info from the dropdown menu.

3. Paste the Icon

   • In the Info window, you’ll see a small preview of the folder icon at the top left. Click it once to highlight.
   • Press Command + V to paste your copied image onto the folder icon.

4. Check Your Work

   • Close the Info window. You should now see your shiny new folder icon in Finder.
   • If it doesn’t appear immediately, try refreshing your Finder window or relaunching Finder for good measure.

🙌 Heads Up: If your folder icon doesn’t update as expected, verify that your image format is compatible (PNG or ICNS work best). For troubleshooting, you can also try opening the image in Preview and re-saving it as a PNG.

Wrapping Up ​

Using custom icons, you can transform your desktop from a sea of identical blue folders into a vibrant, personalized hub. Whether you stick with the straightforward manual approach or take advantage of Tintd’s automation and design capabilities, you’ll find that a little visual change can go a long way in boosting both morale and efficiency.

Have fun experimenting with designs, colors, and themes to find a look that makes you smile every time you open Finder. Let your Mac reflect who you are and what you love—even before you open a single file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ​