macOS 26 Tahoe: How to Change Folder Icons Using Emojis, Symbols, or Colors

With macOS 26 Tahoe, Apple has introduced a faster and more intuitive way to change folder icons using emojis, symbols, or built-in color packs. Whether you want to make a folder pop with a bright emoji or give it a minimal, professional symbol, the process is now seamless and doesn’t require third-party apps.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to customize folder icons on your Mac running macOS 26 Tahoe, with step-by-step instructions. I’ll also cover how to do it on older versions, such as macOS Sequoia, share best practices, and troubleshoot common issues.

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Why Customize Folder Icons on Mac?

Customizing folder icons isn’t just for aesthetic appeal—it boosts productivity too. Here’s how:

• Spot folders faster: A red folder for urgent projects or a plane emoji for travel plans helps you locate them instantly.
• Better organization: Emojis and color codes can visually group folders by theme, such as work, personal, hobbies, and more.
• Express yourself: Add a creative or professional touch that reflects your personality or workflow.

macOS 26 Tahoe makes all of this easier with built-in tools—no external software needed.

What’s New in macOS 26 Tahoe for Folder Customization?

Apple has redesigned the folder customization experience in macOS 26. Here’s what’s new:

• Control-click a folder to quickly access color tags and built-in icon packs with emojis or symbols.
• You can find the emoji by describing it in the search bar.
• Choose from built-in icon packs that blend with Tahoe’s Liquid Glass UI.
• Sync folder icons across devices via the Files app on iOS and iPadOS 26.
• One-click reset lets you revert to the default macOS blue folder icon.

How to Change Folder Icons on macOS 26 Tahoe

You can use emojis, symbols, or color tags to give your folders a unique look.

Method 1: Use Emojis for Folder Icons

Perfect for a fun and bold design, emojis act like stickers on your folders.

1. Open Finder and navigate to the folder you want to customize.
2. Control-click the folder to open the context menu.
3. In the menu, select Customize Folder (below the color tag options). A customization window will pop up with options for colors, symbols, and emojis.
   
   
4. Click the Emoji button at the bottom right of the customization window.
   
   
5. A panel with emojis will appear with a search bar at the top.
6. Click the emoji you want, and it will appear as a colorful sticker on the folder.
   
   
7. Click anywhere to close the window and save the emoji. Your folder now shows the new icon!

To modify it later, just repeat the steps and choose another emoji.

Related: How to Find Out What Emojis Mean on iPhone

Method 2: Use Symbols for a Sleek Look

Symbols appear etched or embossed into the folder, creating a more refined and professional appearance.

1. In Finder, Control-click the folder you want to change and select Customize Folder from the menu.
   
   
   
2. In the customization window, you’ll see a list of built-in icon packs.
3. Scroll through the list to pick one. Unlike emojis, there’s no search bar, so take your time to browse.
4. Click a symbol to preview it in the folder. It will appear carved into the surface of the folder.
   
   
   
5. Click outside anywhere to apply the symbol. Your folder now has a tidy’ embossed icon.

Method 3: Apply Built-in Color Packs

Quick and efficient, color tags help visually distinguish folders without adding icons.

1. Control-click the folder in Finder.
2. In the context menu, you’ll see colored dots (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Gray).
   
   
   
3. Click a color to apply it instantly. The folder changes to that shade.

You can’t set custom colors here, but combining a color tag with an emoji or symbol gives even more visibility.

How to Reset Folder Icons on macOS 26 Tahoe

Need to revert a folder to its original look? Here’s how:

1. Control-click the folder and select Customize Folder.
2. Click the Clear button at the bottom left of the customization window.
   
   
   
3. The folder reverts to its standard look.
4. If you have assigned a color tag, click on it again to remove it.

How to Change Folder Icons on macOS Sequoia or Earlier

Older versions don’t offer built-in customization like Tahoe. But you can still change folder icons using Preview or third-party apps.

Method 1: Use Preview to Change Folder Colors

1. Launch the Finder app → right-click on the folder.
2. Select Get Info.
   
   
3. Click the folder icon on the top left of the [folder name].
   
   
4. Press Cmd (⌘) + C to copy the icon.
   
   
5. Launch Preview using Spotlight (Cmd (⌘) + spacebar).
   
   
6. From the menu bar, select File → pick New from Clipboard.
   
   
7. Click the Markup tool (the pencil icon).
   
   
8. Navigate to the Adjust Color (the settings icon).
   
   
9. Alter the color by adjusting the tint sliders until you find your desired shade.
   
   
10. Click the X icon to close the dialogue box.
    
    
11. Select the colored folder and copy it by pressing Cmd (⌘) + C → Click the X icon.
12. Choose Delete from the dialogue box.
    
    
13. Head back to the Info window from the start. If you’ve closed it, return to the folder → right-click → select Get Info.
14. Select the folder icon in the Info window and press Cmd (⌘) + V.
    
    

Method 2: Use Third-party Folder Customization Apps

Third-party apps are a good choice if you’re considering altering your folder color on your Mac. I’ve curated a list of some of the most popular options below.

1. Folder Color: This software allows you to modify the color of individual folders and create custom folder icons.
2. Folder Colorizer: You can easily change the color by dragging and dropping a folder over the Folder Colorizer window.
3. Folder Icons: You can easily change the look of your folders by adding color, textures, and unique icons with this app.

Can You Use Custom Images or Icons on Mac Folders?

Yes, you can. But instead of pasting directly on the folder, you need to follow a detailed process. Check out our guide to changing app and folder icons on Mac for full instructions.

Best Practices for macOS Folder Customization

Keep things organized with these helpful tips:

• Customize only key folders to make them stand out.
• Group folders by theme, like travel (plane emoji, blue color) or finances (money symbol, green color).
• Too many unique icons can confuse you. Stick to a few colors or emojis for clarity.
• Ensure icons are clear in both Light and Dark modes, as Tahoe’s Liquid Glass look can affect appearance.
• Use emojis or symbols for folders you access on other Apple devices, as custom images won’t sync.

Can’t Change Folder Icon Colors on Mac? Try These Fixes

• If you’ve used the new Customize Folder option, clear it first to use the Get Info method for custom images.
• Customize Folder not showing? Ensure you’re running macOS 26 Tahoe and have a stable internet connection for emoji loading.
• Colors not applying? Only color-based tags work for folders. Non-color tags (e.g., Work) won’t change the icon.
• Icons look blurry? For custom images, use high-resolution PNGs for sharp results.

Find Folders Quickly with Colors and Emoji Icons

With the new folder customization tools in macOS 26 Tahoe, personalizing your Mac has never been easier. Whether you add playful emojis, sharp symbols, or bold colors, each folder becomes more than just storage—it becomes part of your workflow and expression.

So go ahead—revamp your folders and give your Mac a visual makeover that works and wows.

Related articles worth reading:

• How to Use Emojis on Mac
• How to Password Protect a Folder on Mac
• How to bookmark a folder in Finder on Mac
• Everything New in macOS 26 Beta 2: Features and Changes