How Do Folders Work on Mac?
In any computer, a file is the most common storage unit for data, be it documents, pictures, music, or apps. To organize these files, macOS allows you to segregate them into folders. These folders can perform multiple operations based on how you find your data to be stored conveniently. To create a new folder, you can use the shortcut Shift-Command-N, select the files, and drag them into these folders. You use “Finder” on macOS to view and manage your folders. On Windows, this is called “File Explorer.” For folders, you have some default, pre-defined set of useful folders listed in Finder. These include Documents, Desktop, Applications, AirDrop, and your Mac’s HD. All in all, the core functionality for folders is similar to that of Windows. READ MORE: How to Make Files/Folders Undeletable in Windows? ➜
How to Change Folder Color on Mac
On a Mac, there isn’t a built-in way to directly change the color of folders. While you can’t modify the existing icon’s color, you can achieve a similar effect by replacing it entirely with one of a different color. This process involves editing the default folder image and applying it to the file. Alternatively, you can also use an existing image from the internet if you can access one that suits your needs. If you’re looking for a more efficient method that saves time, there’s a paid option available. An app named “Folder Color” on the App Store essentially does the same thing for you. READ MORE: How to Fix Mac Flashing Folder With A Question Mark? ➜
Method 1: Using the Preview App
In this method, the basic outline is to copy the image file of the folder icon into the Preview app and, from there, adjust its color settings. This will give you an image of the folder icon which, although seems identical on the outside, will have a different color applied. This image will then be set as the icon for the folder in question. To change the icon color for a folder using the Preview app, follow the steps down below:
Step 1: Access the Folder’s Properties
First off, you will need to identify the folder you want to edit, and access its properties. You can do this by control+click or right clicking the folder icon.
Step 2: Copy the Default Folder Icon
Once you’ve opened the folder properties, the next step is to copy the icon image to clipboard. This is the image that will be edited later. To do this,
Step 3: Open the Preview App
After your image has been copied, you will need to edit it inside the Preview app. This application comes pre-installed on all systems running macOS. To do this, you can either use Spotlight Search to quickly access the app (Command + Space), or go to Launchpad and search for “Preview.
Step 4: Paste the Image in Preview
In the Preview app, you’ll need to paste the image from your clipboard. You can do this using the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Step 5: Adjust the Image’s Color
This is the main part where you will need to change the color of the image. To do this, you will need to use the Markup tool built into the Preview app.
Step 6: Copy the New Folder Image
Once you have changed the color of the folder icon, copy the image from Preview.
Step 7: Apply the New Image as the Folder’s Icon
Now, go back to the directory where your folder was located and paste the new, edited image there. After you have pasted the image, the folder’s icon will change to the newly applied color, as shown below. READ MORE: How to See Clipboard History on Your Mac in 3 Easy Steps ➜
Method 2: Using Pre-Colored Icons
The other method for changing folder icons is essentially similar to the one detailed above. However, the key difference is that you don’t need to adjust the color manually. Instead, you can find an image with the desired color online and paste it in place of the original icon. READ MORE: How to Resize An Image on Mac in 4 Different Ways [2024] ➜
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
If you find the methods listed above too lengthy or want to automate the process of changing the colors of folders on your Mac, you can use third-party apps. Remember, though, that most apps on the App Store are paid applications, so you might need to spend some money out of your pocket to get the job done.
Bonus: Using Colored Tags to Organize Files
On macOS, you can use a predefined set of colored tags to segregate and organize files effectively. The process is not as lengthy as changing the entire color of the folder, but it essentially serves the same purpose. Tags add a small marker alongside the folder icon to easily identify the file. This way, you also have the option to individually view all files for a specific color in Finder.
Changing Folder Color: Mac vs. Windows
Changing folder colors on Mac is a relatively simpler process compared to Windows. For starters, you don’t need any external applications or services. On the other hand, Windows doesn’t have a built-in and definitive way to modify folder colors directly. The method for setting or changing folder colors on Windows is similar to Methods 2 and 3 listed above. It involves either using an icon image from the Internet or a third-party app that essentially does this for you. Either way, you’ll need outside assistance. READ MORE: The Best Terminal Commands to Get The Most Out of Your Mac ➜
Conclusion
The process of changing folder colors and making them distinctive is straightforward on Mac. If you can follow the steps correctly, it’s possible that you won’t need to rely on any external services and will most likely find the color that matches your requirements for the kind of folder you want on your system.
