How to Change My Folder Icon in 3 Simple Steps

Yes, you can absolutely change your folder icons to help visually organize your files or personalize your workspace. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are using Windows or macOS, but both systems allow you to choose from pre-installed system icons or use your own custom images. How to Change Folder Icons in Windows (11 & 10)

Windows offers a built-in library of alternative icons, but you can also use custom images. If you want to use a personal picture, it must be converted into the .ico format first. You can download ready-made .ico files from free platforms like IconArchive or convert standard images using tools like RedKetchup. Step-by-Step Instructions:

Right-click on the folder you wish to modify and select Properties.

Click on the Customize tab at the top of the properties window. Click the Change Icon… button at the bottom.

Choose an icon from the Windows system list, or click Browse… to navigate to a custom .ico file you downloaded. Click OK, then click Apply, and finish by clicking OK.

Note: Once you apply a custom icon, Windows will stop showing the tiny preview of the files contained inside that folder. Keep your custom .ico files saved in a permanent directory (like a dedicated “Custom Icons” folder); moving or deleting the original .ico file will cause the folder to revert to its default look. How to Change Folder Icons on Mac (macOS)

Apple handles folder customization differently by utilizing the system clipboard to copy and paste artwork directly onto a folder’s information panel. Step-by-Step Instructions:

Open the image you want to use as your new icon in the Preview app.

Press Command + A to select the image, then Command + C to copy it to your clipboard.

Right-click (or Control-click) the folder you want to change and select Get Info.

In the Info window, click the small folder icon located at the very top-left corner (it will highlight with a blue border). Press Command + V to paste your image over the old icon.

Note: To revert back to the default blue folder design later, simply highlight that same small top-left icon in the “Get Info” window and press the Delete key.

For a clear visual walkthrough of the custom icon setup on Windows, watch this video tutorial: How to Make Custom Folder Icons in Windows 11 Like a Pro! Devity Works YouTube · 12 Nov 2025