How To Use Emojis as Folder Icons on Mac [Updated 2025]

How To Use Emojis as Folder Icons on Mac [Updated 2025]

March 9, 2025

Want to add some personality to your Mac's folders? Using emojis as folder icons is a fun and creative way to make your desktop more expressive and organized. In this guide, you'll learn how to quickly turn any emoji into a folder icon using both automated and manual methods.

The Quick Method to Use Emojis as Folder Icons: Tintd

We may be biased, but we truly think the fastest way to create emoji folder icons is using our app Tintd. Here's how it works:

  1. Download Tintd on your Mac from the Mac App Store.

  2. Drop your folders into the app.

  3. Browse through the emoji collection or use the search to find your perfect emoji.

  4. Click "Colorize" and watch your folders transform instantly!

🤔 Why use Tintd?

  • Instant Results: No need to deal with image editing or file formats
  • Bulk Updates: Change multiple folder icons at once
  • High Quality: Crisp, clear emoji icons that look great at any size
  • High Customization: Customize the emoji size, the color of the folder, and more

If you prefer to do it manually, keep reading for the step-by-step approach.

Manual Method: Creating Emoji Folder Icons

You can also create emoji folder icons without any additional software. Here's how:

  1. Get Your Emoji Ready: Get your emoji in an image format like PNG.You can use tools like this one.

  2. Copy The Emoji: Open the emoji in Preview, and press Command + C to copy it, or right-click on it and select Copy Image.

  3. Apply to Your Folder: Right-click the target folder and select "Get Info", or press Command + I to open it. Past your emoji (Command + V).

  4. Verify the Change: Your folder should now display the emoji icon! If needed, refresh Finder (Command + R) to see the change.

💡 Pro Tip: Use PNG files with a transparent background for better results.

Wrapping Up

Whether you choose the quick and easy method with Tintd or the manual approach, using emojis for your folder icons will make your desktop more jun and joyful. They can also help you locate files faster and navigate in your Finder more easily.

Experiment with different emojis and combinations to find what works best for your workflow. There are more than 3500+ emojis to choose from!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will emoji folder icons work everywhere on my Mac?

Emoji folder icons will display properly throughout macOS, including Finder, Desktop, and Quick Look. However, they will not appear in the sidebar of the Finder window.

How do I remove the emoji and restore the default folder icon?

To revert to the default folder icon:

  1. Right-click the folder and select "Get Info"
  2. Click the emoji icon in the top-left corner
  3. Press the Delete key
  4. Close the Info window to see the default folder icon return
Can I use multiple emojis for one folder icon?

It is currently not possible to use multiple emojis for one icon, using either methods. If that's something you would need, feel write to write us a suggestion!

Why do my emoji folder icons sometimes look blurry?

Blurry emoji icons usually occur when the emoji image is too small. To avoid this, make sure to get an emoji image of at last 128x128 pixels.

Do emoji folder icons work in Dark Mode?

Yes, emoji folder icons work well in both Light and Dark Mode on macOS. The emojis maintain their colors and visibility regardless of your system appearance settings.

Ready to make your folders beautiful?

Colorize your folder icons in just a few clicks.

Download on Mac App Store