How to Change Folder Color on Mac (Tahoe/Sequoia/Sonoma)

Do all your Mac folders look the same? A sea of identical blue folders makes it hard to tell work folders from personal ones. You end up squinting at names just to find the right file.

Color-coding your folders can solve this problem. You can change folder color on Mac! Whether you’re on macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, or an older version, there’s a method that works for you. Keep reading to learn how.

How to Change Folder Color on macOS Tahoe

macOS 26 Tahoe makes it easy to customize your folders in Finder. You can pick colors, add icons, and even emojis.

Here's how:

1. Open Finder and locate the folder you want to recolor.
2. Right-click the folder and select Customize Folder.
   

   

3. Click + and pick your favorite color.
   

   

4. Optionally, add emojis or icons like animals, people, nature, or activities.

Editor’s Note:

This method is simple, requires no extra apps, and works great for macOS Tahoe or later. If you miss Launchpad after upgrading, BuhoLaunchpad restores the classic experience.

How to Change Folder Color on macOS Sequoia and Earlier

If you haven’t upgraded to macOS Tahoe, you can still make your folders colorful by replacing their icons.

Here's how:

1. Prepare a colored folder icon (PNG or ICNS format).

👉 Search online for “Mac folder icon pack” for free options.

2. Right-click the folder in Finder and choose Get Info.
   

   

3. Drag your custom icon onto the blue folder icon in the Info window.
   

   

Editor’s Note:

This works for macOS Sequoia and older versions and allows creative, personalized folder icons. You’ll need to prepare the icons ahead of time.

How to Change Folder Colors on Mac with a Third-Party App

Looking for the fastest, most flexible way to customize folder color on your Mac? You can use an app like Folder by Color to change folder colors directly in Finder.

Here's how:

1. Download Folder by Color for free and install it.
2. Open the app, drag in the folder you want to recolor, pick a color, and click Use.
   

   

3. Upgrade to Pro for batch recoloring and more icon options.

Editor’s Note:

This method is perfect for people managing multiple projects, such as marketers, designers, and students, who want organized, color-coded folders. Quick, fun, and practical.

Bonus Tip: How to Quickly Clean Up Unneeded Files and Folders on Mac

Color-coding looks nice, but if your Mac is cluttered, it can slow down performance.

BuhoCleaner is a simple Mac cleaning tool designed to help you quickly free up space. It offers features like one-click system cleanup, removal of large and duplicate files, app uninstallation, and real-time monitoring of your Mac’s system resources. All these features are designed to keep your Mac clean, fast, and optimized. Click the button below to try it for free!

Conclusion

Changing folder colors on Mac is more than a visual upgrade — it’s a productivity hack. Color-coded folders make it easy to find files at a glance.

No matter your macOS version, there’s a method that works for you. Pair it with a cleanup tool like BuhoCleaner to keep your Mac fast, organized, and clutter-free. Try it today!