Customizing your icons and folders not only gives your computer a little more flavah, but also makes getting around within folders quicker. Customizing your icons is easier than you may think. There are many icons available for free download and an excellent program called CandyBar makes it as easy as drag-n-drop.
The Icons
On my mac, I’m using a mix and match of my favorites from several different icon sets:
- Aqua Neue: An updated version of the standard Aqua that comes with OS X. I transfered almost all of these icons into my system. They are still consistant to the originals that I don’t have any trouble recognizing them, but still new.
- Aqua Blend: A variation of the standard Aqua. I’m using the folders from this set for some of my custom folders: including my “Temp” and “To Read” folders.
- Blend: A black and white version of the Aqua Blend. I’m using these icons for my drives and devices. See my HD icon above?
- Agua: Another set I took some folder icons from.
If these icons aren’t quite what you’re looking for there is a pluthera of icons (and more) available at The Icon Factory.
Custom Folder Icons
You can change the icon for any folder on your computer:
- Select the folder you want to change and hit CMD+I go get info.
- Now click on the icon that you want your folder to look like and hit CMD+I to get info for it.
- Select the image at the top of the info window of the new icon and copy
- Now select the image at the top of the info window of the folder your changing and paste
Candy Bar
A “Li’l App” from Panic Software, Candybar is about as easy, simple and cool as they get. You open up the folder of new icons you want to use and simply drag the icon you want into the box of the existing icon that CandyBar is showing.
It seriously could not be easier.
Candy Bar costs $12.95, but you can download a free trial from their website.
Tomorrow I’ll show you what widgets I use on my Dashboard and why.
Ben G. said:
Ya know, even though I don’t have a mac I’m still intrigued by these articles. Seriously. I think I’ll show my system in the same manner, it’s a good idea.
Posted on April 18, 2007 at 8:18 am
{Shawn} said:
@ Ben: I also enjoy reading other people’s articles on what they are doing to personalize and customize their computer. So that’s what made me want to do it.
I figure even though someone reading may not be an a mac (like your good self) they may get a few new ideas.
Posted on April 18, 2007 at 8:24 am
Ryan Couch said:
I too am an avid windows user who is tempted to the geekingdom of mac. These articles are interesting, but (mostly) I can find a suitable alternative to what Shawn is proposing on Windows. It’s never quite as easy, and I’m still jealous of this powerful Quicksilver thing, but all in all my Windows functionality is better because of TheFightSpot.com!
@Shawn: Curious, does your wife share your affinity for all things Mac?
Posted on April 18, 2007 at 10:29 am
loud said:
I’m using the I Love Autumn icon pack from interfacelift. They’re cute
And I’ve been a long time fan of Candybar 
Posted on April 18, 2007 at 11:59 am
Jo said:
Very fun… it’s been nice to go through old folders I haven’t looked at in a while and try to reorganize. If I didn’t remember them ever existing…. probably not a good sign.
Posted on April 18, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Caleb Vaughn said:
I use the Amora icon pack along with ShapeShifter to give my Mac a whole new look. Nearly everything on my Mac is changed, even the menu icons.
Posted on April 18, 2007 at 12:40 pm
ben said:
All this talk about Mac’s makes me want to get one. Shawn what happened to apostolic blogging? Now it’s just geekostolic blogging. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I just miss the post that made me want to love Jesus more not mac’s
Posted on April 18, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Robin said:
Hey, Hey. Even though I’m with Ben in missing the Jesus blogs AND in that I do not have a mac but also am starting to want one, I just have to say this. Shawn, I think you are amazing. You have a gift for being relevant, even when what you are saying is not relevant to me. I am blessed by your blog continually. So you just keep being used by God, you and your super-cool talents!!
Posted on April 18, 2007 at 2:15 pm
{Shawn} said:
@ Ryan Couch: My wife at first didn’t like my Mac because of the slight learning curve. But she quickly got used to it and is now an avid fan. She want’s a white MacBook.
Posted on April 18, 2007 at 2:36 pm
{Shawn} said:
@ Ben & Robin: Don’t think for one moment that I have turned from Christian posting on here. Christianity and the pursuit of wholeheartedness will always be the dominate topic on this site.
Posted on April 18, 2007 at 2:46 pm
jeff said:
These have been a great series of articles. I’ve been using Macs since 1988, and I’ve found them great for organization and ideas. Andy White also runs a series on Mondays about Mac stuff that’s awesome.
BTW, I’ve got a Macbook Core Duo (white) for sale that I got as a refurb from Apple if anyone is seriously in the market. (shameless sales plug)
Posted on April 19, 2007 at 8:51 am
Ben said:
Just so you know, Shawn. Now that I’ve got a Mac I found this article very helpful. Especially about how to replace icons.
Posted on January 20, 2008 at 10:14 am