macOS Big Sur marked a major visual shift for Apple’s desktop operating system. Rounded corners, translucent menus, softer gradients, and redesigned system icons gave the Mac a cleaner and more modern look. If you recently upgraded to macOS Big Sur or bought a Mac powered by Apple silicon, the new interface likely stood out right away.
While the system icons follow a unified design language, many third-party app icons do not. Some look flat. Others feel outdated. A few clash badly with the Big Sur aesthetic. The result can feel messy, especially if you care about visual consistency or keep your Dock tidy.
The good news is simple. macOS Big Sur allows full control over app icons without extra software. You can swap icons, test new styles, and restore defaults in seconds. Folder icons also remain fully customizable, and modern tools make the process easier than ever.
This guide covers everything you need to know. You will learn how to change app icons, revert them, customize folder icons, and use advanced tools to personalize your Mac in a clean and practical way.
How to Change App Icons in macOS Big Sur
Changing an app icon in macOS Big Sur uses a built-in feature. Apple has supported this workflow for years, and Big Sur keeps the same process. No Terminal commands. No system tweaks. No third-party utilities.
You only need an image file and a few clicks.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open Finder.
- Navigate to the Applications folder.
- Select the app you want to customize.
- Press Command + I to open the Get Info window.
- Download or prepare an image to use as the new icon. PNG works best. JPG also works.
- Drag the image file directly onto the small icon in the top-left corner of the Get Info window.
Once dropped, the icon updates instantly. Finder, Launchpad, and the Dock refresh after the app restarts. In some cases, you may need to quit and reopen the app to see the new icon everywhere.
For best results, use square images at high resolution. Icons sized at 512 × 512 pixels or higher scale cleanly across macOS views.
Where to Find App Icons
You can design icons yourself or download pre-made packs. Many designers publish Big Sur–style icons online. Look for icons labeled as macOS Big Sur or macOS Monterey compatible, since they follow Apple’s modern rounded-square format.
Always preview the icon before applying it. Some icons look good in Finder but feel off in the Dock.
How to Revert App Icons to the Original Version
If you want the default icon back, macOS makes that easy.
- Open the app’s Get Info window using Command + I.
- Click once on the custom icon in the top-left corner.
- Press the Delete key.
The system icon returns immediately. No restart required.
This also works if you copied an icon from another app or pasted one accidentally. macOS always stores the original icon safely.
Why Customize Folder Icons in macOS Big Sur
Apps are only part of the story. Folder icons play a huge role in how organized your Mac feels. Default blue folders look clean, but they all look the same. When you manage work projects, school files, photos, or creative assets, visual separation saves time.
Custom folder icons help you:
- Identify folders faster
- Reduce visual clutter
- Create structure across Finder and iCloud
- Add personality without breaking usability
macOS supports manual folder icon changes, but advanced customization takes more effort. This is where dedicated tools help.
Video Tutorial: How to Change Folder Color on Mac Big Sur
If you prefer video instructions, the tutorial below walks through folder customization visually.How to Change Folder Icons in macOS Big Sur
Folder Colorizer for Mac offers a focused solution for folder customization. The app builds on the Windows version and adapts the workflow to macOS. The interface stays simple while offering deep control over folder appearance.
Instead of swapping icons manually, Folder Colorizer lets you modify colors, add emojis, place decals, and apply image backgrounds in a few clicks.
Key Features of Folder Colorizer for Mac
- Batch customization for multiple folders
- Cross-system compatibility for shared drives
- iCloud folder support
- Revert to original icons at any time
- Smart search for colors, emojis, and decals
- Full history tracking for every change
- Over one trillion possible icon combinations
The app suits users who want structure without spending time on manual design work.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Folder Icons in macOS Big Sur
Step 1: Download and Install Folder Colorizer for Mac
Folder Colorizer for Mac installs like any standard macOS app. After installation, you can activate a free trial by entering your email address. All features unlock during the trial period.
Step 2: Add a Folder to Folder Colorizer
Launch Folder Colorizer and drag a folder into the app window. You can also use the plus button in the sidebar to browse and select folders manually.
Step 3: Customize the Folder Icon
Select a folder and open the Colors Gallery from the toolbar. Choose from preset colors or open the color picker to define a custom shade.
Once the base color is set, move on to additional layers.
Adding Emojis, Decals, and Images
Open the Emoji Gallery to add context or visual cues. Emojis work well for categories like work, finance, travel, or media.
Decals add structured symbols, while image backgrounds work well for photo collections or creative projects.
All changes preview in real time. The original folder remains untouched until you apply the final icon.
Automatic Folder Customization Using AI
Folder Colorizer includes an AI-powered option for users who prefer speed. The Magic Algorithm analyzes folder contents and selects a color, emoji, decal, and background automatically.
Click Perform Magic Algorithm in the toolbar and let the app handle the design.
This feature works well for large file libraries or quick organization sessions.
Final Thoughts
macOS Big Sur gives you more visual freedom than many users realize. App icons and folder icons stay fully customizable, and the process stays fast and reversible.
Changing app icons takes seconds and requires no extra tools. Folder customization benefits from dedicated apps that save time and add consistency across your system.
A clean desktop helps focus. A clear Finder saves time. Small visual tweaks add up.
Take control of your Mac. Make it look the way you want.
