Mac's default desktop gets boring after a while. If you want to keep things interesting, try changing your app icons, favorite files and folders. These are the two most popular methods of changing icons on Mac.
Change application icons, files and folders with PNG images
When it comes to icons of any kind, PNG, with its transparent background, it is the most popular format that exists. You can find any PNG icon online (as long as it is square and high resolution) and turn it into an icon for any application, file or folder on your Mac.
After downloading the PNG icon, double click the image to open it in the Preview app.
Use the Command keyboard shortcut + A to choose all the asset, then use the Command shortcut + C to copy PNG icon to clipboard. Alternatively, you can go to the menu bar and select the option Edit> Copy.
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Next, navigate to the app, the file or folder where you want to change the icon. Right-click on the item and choose the “Get information”.
This will open the information panel. You will find the icon in the upper left corner. You just have to click on the image to select it. Subsequently, use the Command keyboard shortcut + V to paste the PNG here.
The icon will update instantly.
You may want to backup the original icon because there is no simple way to restore the icon.. To do this, select the Get Info panel icon and use the Command shortcut + C to copy it.
Subsequently, open the Preview app and use the keyboard shortcut Command + N to create a new document from the clipboard. You can also go to the menu bar and use the File> New from clipboard option.
Now, all you have to do is give the PNG file a name and a destination.
You can return to it at any time to replace the icon.
Change application icons, files and folders via ICNS images
Did you know that macOS has its own icon format? It's called ICNS, and even when it is not widely supported, you will find many exquisitely designed Mac icons in the format. Many DeviantArt designers offer Mac icons in ICNS format. If you have an icon in ICNS format, changing it is as simple as drag and drop.
In this example, we will use the Bondi macOS set by designer Vidit Bhargava. It is a custom design icon inspired by the OS X Aqua design language of recent years.
First, download an icon you want to use and then open the folder with ICNS icons.
Subsequently, navigate to the app, the file or folder where you want to change the icon and right-click. Here, choose option “Get information”.
Now, just drag the ICNS icon from the folder to the top of the current icon in the Get Info panel.
Once you release the cursor, the icon will update.
That is all. You can repeat the procedure to change the icon of so many applications!, files or folders as you like!
Next stop? Customize and adjust your Mac Dock!
RELATED: How to customize and adjust your Mac's dock
