Welcome to the world of Mac! Whether you have just recently switched to this platform or have been using it for a while, you might want to customize your desktop icons to fit your personal preferences. Fortunately, changing your Mac desktop icons is a simple process that anyone can do in just a few easy steps. In this article, we’re going to guide you through the process of how to change Mac desktop icons, so you can make your desktop look the way you want.
Steps
Step 1: Locate the folder or file you want to change the icon of
The first step is to find the folder or file you wish to change the icon for. This could be a folder or file on your desktop or one that you’ve stored in your documents folder. Once you’ve found the folder or file, right-click on it and choose “Get Info” from the menu.
Step 2: Find an image to use as the new icon
Now you need to find an image that you want to use as the new icon. This could be an image that you’ve created yourself or one that you’ve found online. Make sure the image is in a format that your Mac can read, such as PNG or JPG.
Step 3: Open the image in Preview
Double-click on the image to open it in Preview. You can find Preview in your Applications folder.
Step 4: Select the image
Use your mouse to select the entire image or just the part of the image that you want to use as the new icon.
Step 5: Copy the image
With the image selected, press “Command + C” or right-click on the image and choose “Copy.”
Step 6: Go back to the “Get Info” window
Return to the “Get Info” window that you opened in Step 1.
Step 7: Select the current icon
Click on the current icon to select it.
Step 8: Paste the new image
Press “Command + V” or right-click on the selected icon and choose “Paste.”
Step 9: Resize and position the new icon
Adjust the size and position of the new icon by clicking and dragging it.
Step 10: Close the “Get Info” window
Once you’ve finished positioning the new icon, close the “Get Info” window.
Step 11: Enjoy your new icon
Congratulations! You’ve successfully changed the icon of your folder or file. Repeat these steps for any additional folders or files that you want to change the icon for.
Step 12: Revert to the original icon
If you ever want to go back to the original icon, simply open the “Get Info” window for the folder or file again and click on the icon. Then press “Delete” on your keyboard.
Explanation
As you can see, changing a Mac desktop icon is a straightforward process that anyone can do. The key is to find an image that you like and make sure it is in a format that is compatible with your Mac. Once you’ve selected the image, you just need to copy and paste it into the “Get Info” window for the folder or file you want to change the icon for. You can then resize and position the image as needed.
Tips and Tricks
1. Use a high-resolution image
To ensure that your new icon looks great, use a high-resolution image. This will prevent the icon from appearing blurry or pixelated.
2. Make sure the image is the correct format
Be sure to use an image that is in a format that your Mac can read, such as PNG or JPG.
3. Create your own image
If you’re feeling creative, why not make your own image to use as the new icon? You can use a graphics program like Photoshop or even a free program like GIMP to create your own unique icon.
4. Use an icon pack
There are many icon packs available online that you can download and use to customize your Mac desktop icons.
5. Use a theme
If you want to customize your entire desktop, consider using a theme that includes new icons, wallpaper, and other design elements.
6. Organize your icons
Take the time to organize your desktop icons so that they are easy to find and use. You can group similar icons together or create folders to keep things tidy.
7. Use keyboard shortcuts
Learn keyboard shortcuts to quickly access your applications and files. This will save you time and make using your Mac more efficient.
8. Customize your dock
You can customize your dock by adding or removing applications, changing the size and position of the dock, and more.
9. Use widgets
Widgets are small applications that can run on your desktop and provide information or perform tasks. Consider using widgets to help you stay organized and productive.
10. Explore system preferences
Finally, don’t be afraid to explore the system preferences on your Mac. Here you can customize many aspects of your Mac, including desktop settings, security settings, and more.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Changing Mac Desktop Icons
Advantages:
1. Personalization: Changing Mac desktop icons allows you to customize your computer and make it reflect your personal style and preferences.
2. Easier Navigation: Changing desktop icons can make it easier for you to navigate through your files and folders by providing a visual cue.
3. Expressive: Desktop icons can be used to express your mood, feelings, and emotions. For example, you can use different icons for work-related folders and ones for recreational activities.
4. Increased Productivity: Customized desktop icons can help you to stay organized and focused on specific tasks or projects.
5. Improved Aesthetics: Changing desktop icons can also give your Mac a more visually appealing look and feel.
6. Enhanced Accessibility: Customizing icons can make the Mac more accessible and user-friendly for people with visual impairments or other disabilities.
7. Brand Representation: If you are using Mac for your business, changing desktop icons can represent your brand and create brand awareness.
8. Learning Opportunity: Changing desktop icons can be a fun and educational way to learn about design and the importance of good aesthetics.
9. Creativity: Creating custom desktop icons can unleash your creativity and inspire new ideas.
10. Consistency: Changing desktop icons can ensure consistency across your computer and other Apple devices, making it easier to navigate and locate specific files.
Disadvantages:
1. Time-Consuming: Changing desktop icons can be a time-consuming task, especially if you have a lot of files and folders to personalize.
2. Limited Options: Mac offers limited inbuilt icon options which may limit your creativity and personalization abilities.
3. Compatibility Issues: Changing desktop icons may lead to compatibility issues with the software or applications installed on your computer.
4. Technical Knowledge: Some users may have issues changing desktop icons due to the lack of technical knowledge or experience.
5. Risk of Errors: A mistake while changing desktop icons can lead to loss of files and data, which could cause a lot of trouble.
6. Over Customization: Desktop icons can be over-customized, causing visual clutter and confusion for some users.
7. Distraction: Personalized desktop icons can be a distraction for some users and hamper their work productivity.
8. Security Risk: Changing desktop icons could lead to security risks if proper care is not taken, and unrecognized files are opened.
9. Inconsistencies: Inconsistent icon sizes or designs can cause confusion and affect the productivity of some users.
10. Inappropriate Icons: Customized desktop icons may be inappropriate for professional settings, causing a negative impact on your work image.
FAQ
1. How do I change the icons on my Mac desktop?
To change the icons on your Mac desktop, simply click on the icon you want to change and press Command + I. This will display the information window. From here, you can click on the current icon and then choose a new icon from your computer or the internet.
2. Can I change the size of my icons?
Yes, you can change the size of your icons. Simply right-click on your desktop and choose Show View Options. From here, you can adjust the size of your icons by using the slider.
3. How do I organize my icons on my desktop?
You can organize your icons on your desktop by simply dragging and dropping them into the position you want. You can also right-click on your desktop and select Sort By to arrange your icons by name, date modified, type, and more.
4. Can I create folders on my desktop?
Yes, you can create folders on your desktop to help organize your icons. Simply right-click on your desktop and select New Folder. You can then drag and drop your icons into the new folder.
5. How do I delete icons from my desktop?
To delete icons from your desktop, simply click on the icon you want to delete and drag it to the trash bin in your dock. You can also right-click on the icon and select Move to Trash.
6. Can I change the background image on my desktop?
Yes, you can change the background image on your desktop. Simply go to System Preferences, click on Desktop & Screen Saver, and then choose a new image from your computer or the internet.
7. How do I change the sidebar icons in Finder?
To change the sidebar icons in Finder, simply open Finder and click on the Preferences option in the menu bar. From here, select the Sidebar tab and then drag and drop new icons into the Favorites section.
8. Can I change the color and font of my desktop icons?
No, you cannot change the color and font of your desktop icons in the default Mac settings. However, there are third-party apps that can allow you to customize your icons.
9. How do I restore default icons on my desktop?
To restore default icons on your desktop, simply go to Finder and select Go > Go to Folder from the menu bar. Type in /System/Library/CoreServices/DefaultDesktop.jpg and press Enter. This will reset your desktop image and icons to the default settings.
10. Can I create shortcuts on my desktop?
Yes, you can create shortcuts on your desktop by dragging and dropping apps from your Applications folder onto your desktop. You can then double-click on the shortcut to open the app.
11. How do I change the name of my desktop icons?
To change the name of your desktop icons, simply click on the icon and press Enter. This will allow you to edit the name of the icon. You can also right-click on the icon and select Get Info to change the name and other properties.
12. Can I change the default icon for a specific file type?
Yes, you can change the default icon for a specific file type by right-clicking on the file and selecting Get Info. From here, click on the current icon and then choose a new icon from your computer or the internet.
13. How do I bring back missing icons on my desktop?
To bring back missing icons on your desktop, simply go to Finder and select Preferences from the menu bar. From here, click on the General tab and then check the box next to Hard disks and External disks. This will display the missing icons on your desktop.
How to Change Mac Desktop Icons
Mac desktop icons are one way to personalize your computer and make it feel more like yours. While the default icons are fine, sometimes you want to change things up. Changing desktop icons on a Mac is actually a pretty simple process. Here is how you can do it.
Conclusion
The process of changing Mac desktop icons is very easy, and it’s a fun and simple way to personalize your computer. Whether you want to use pre-made icons or create your own, there are many options available to you. With the steps outlined above, you can quickly and easily change your desktop icons to suit your needs and preferences. So go ahead and give it a try!
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. We hope that you found the information helpful and informative. If you have any other questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us. Until next time, happy icon changing!