How to Change Your Desktop Icons

As an educational resource creator, I spend a lot of time working on my computer. I’ve been that person with 87 things sitting unorganized on my desktop. Every time I opened my laptop to get to work, I was overwhelmed by all of the disorganized icons staring back at me, and instead of being ready to get to work, I was immediately stressed out. As a result, I decided it was time to get my desktop under control. I wanted it to look organized and reflect my style, and I wanted to know where everything was. I wanted to open my laptop and feel inspired to work, instead of overwhelmed and stressed. To do this, I needed to change my desktop icons. I am going to walk you through a few easy steps to transform your desktop icons. This tutorial is specific to Mac users. 

Step 1: Organize everything into folders on your desktop.

I have 9 folders on my desktop, so that everything has a home. Most of my folders are related to product creation, but I also have a personal/misc. folder for things that don’t fit into any of the other categories. Your first step is to get every document a home (aka: a folder). Give each folder a clear name.

Step 2: Create your new and improved desktop icons in PowerPoint.

Next, create your icons! Give them a clean, clear look, and make sure they reflect your style. I created mine by making circle matching my brand colors and pairing two of my favorite fonts (PB Banana Nut Muffin and KG Sorry Not Sorry Chub).

Step 3: Group your shapes and text for your icon.

To do this, select all of the boxes on your slide and right click, then select “group.” This will group all of your boxes into one.

Step 4: Save your new desktop icon as a PNG.

The next step is to save your image as a PNG by right clicking and selecting “Save as Picture.” I save it to my desktop so that I can find it easily.

Step 5: Copy the new PNG image for your icon.

Next, you’ll open the image that you saved. I use Preview for this step. Use the rectangular box selection to make a box around your shape. (If you don’t line up your box with the edges, your shape will stretch when you create your icon.) Then, press control C to copy or click “Edit” and “Copy”.

Step 6: Open “Get Info” for your desktop folder.

Next, you will right click on your desktop folder and select “Get Info.”

Step 7: Paste to change your desktop icon.

Click on the small folder in the top left corner. In my example, it says “Test Folder” next to it. Press Control-V or click “edit” and “paste” to paste your new icon!

Step 8: Repeat to change the rest of your icons and ENJOY your transformed desktop!

You can advantage of this refresh as a time to get organized, as shown above. If you weren’t already in a habit of keeping your desktop clean, then now it the perfect time to form a new habit!

I chose a very simple white desktop background so that my icons would pop and the overall look would be clean and simple. There are tons of great options if you search “desktop wallpapers” in google images, and you can add descriptive words such as “simple,” “motivational,” “feminine,” etc. to narrow my search.

I hope this tutorial on how to change your desktop icons was helpful for you, and you are enjoying a new and improved desktop! I would love to see pictures of your work. You can tag me in them at @misscurleysclassroom on Instagram or email them to me at misscurleysclassroomtpt@gmail.com .