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Have you ever gotten tired of the boring, generic folder icons on your Mac? Or maybe you just want to make your folders more personalized and visually appealing? Whatever the reason may be, changing the picture of your folders is a simple solution to sprucing up your desktop and improving your productivity. In this article, we will look at various methods to change the picture of your folder on Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change Picture of Folder on Mac
There are several reasons why you may want to change the picture of your folders on Mac. Firstly, it helps to make your desktop more visually appealing and unique. This can also help you to better organize your files and folders by creating visual cues that make it easier to locate certain folders. Additionally, it can help you to personalize your Mac and make it more reflective of your personality and style.
Method 1: Using Finder
One of the simplest ways to change the picture of your folder on Mac is by using Finder. Here’s how:
1. First, select the folder that you want to change the picture of.
2. Next, click on “File” in the top menu bar, and select “Get Info” or simply hit Command + i on your keyboard.
3. In the “Get Info” window that appears, you will see a thumbnail image of the folder icon in the top left corner. Simply click on this image to select it.
4. With the thumbnail image selected, click on “Edit” in the top menu bar and select “Copy” or hit Command + c on your keyboard.
5. Now, find an image that you want to use as the new folder icon. You can use any image file, including photos or graphics.
6. Once you have found an image, select it and click on “Edit” in the top menu bar, then select “Paste” or hit Command + v on your keyboard.
7. The image will now replace the original thumbnail image, and your folder icon will be changed.
Pros:
– This method is quick and easy, and can be done without any additional software or tools.
– It allows you to use any image file as your new folder icon.
Cons:
– The new folder icon will only be seen in Finder and cannot be applied to other applications or folders.
Method 2: Using Folder Icons
Another simple method for changing the picture of your folder on Mac is by using third-party software, such as Folder Icons. This software allows you to easily customize your folder icons with a wide variety of options. Here’s how:
1. First, download and install Folder Icons from the developer’s website.
2. Open Folder Icons and select the folder that you want to customize by clicking on “Select Folder”.
3. Next, choose an icon from the software’s extensive library of options. You can also use your own images by selecting “Custom” and uploading your own image.
4. Once you have selected an icon, click on “Apply” to confirm your changes.
5. The new folder icon will now be applied to the folder.
Pros:
– Folder Icons offers a vast selection of icons to choose from.
– You can apply the new icon to multiple folders at once.
Cons:
– Folder Icons requires a separate download and installation process.
Method 3: Using Preview
If you want to change the picture of your folder icon but don’t want to use any third-party software, you can also use the built-in Preview app on your Mac. Here’s how:
1. First, select the image that you want to use as your new folder icon.
2. Right-click on the image and select “Open With” and then “Preview”.
3. In Preview, click on “Edit” in the top menu bar and then select “Copy”.
4. Next, select the folder that you want to change the picture of, and click on “File”, then “Get Info” or hit Command + i on your keyboard.
5. In the “Get Info” window, click on the thumbnail image in the top left corner and then select “Edit” and “Paste” or hit Command + v on your keyboard.
6. The image will now replace the original thumbnail image and your folder icon will be changed.
Pros:
– This method is easy and can be done without any additional software or tools.
– You can use any image file as your new folder icon.
Cons:
– The new folder icon will only be seen in Finder and cannot be applied to other applications or folders.
What to Do If You Can’t Change Picture of Folder on Mac
In some cases, you may not be able to change the picture of your folder on Mac. This could be due to various reasons, such as file permissions or system issues. If you experience any difficulty changing the picture of your folder using the above methods, there are a few things that you can try:
– Ensure that you have the necessary administrator privileges.
– Make sure that your Mac is up to date with the latest software updates.
– Try restarting your Mac and attempting the process again.
– Consider using third-party software or tools that may be better suited for your needs.
Bonus Tip
If you want to restore the original folder icon, simply follow the same steps as before and click on “Delete” or hit the delete button on your keyboard while the thumbnail image is selected.
FAQs
Q. Can I change the picture of multiple folders at once?
A. Yes, you can use the same methods listed above to change the picture of multiple folders at once.
Q. What image file formats are supported?
A. You can use a wide variety of formats, including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and more.
Q. Can I use animated GIFs as my folder icon?
A. No, folder icons do not support animated images or videos.
Q. Will changing the picture of my folder affect the contents of the folder?
A. No, changing the picture of your folder will not affect the contents of the folder in any way.
Q. Can I use images saved from the internet as my folder icon?
A. Yes, you can use any image file, including those downloaded from the internet.
Final Thoughts
Changing the picture of your folder on Mac is a simple way to personalize your desktop and improve your productivity. Whether you choose to use built-in tools or third-party software, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily customize your folder icons and make your Mac more reflective of your personal style and preferences.