OS X Tip #172
Usually it is best to have application icons that are unique, so they stand out from one another. Folder icons usually have a plain blue folder or display a little extra decor on the folder icons to help you identify what’s inside of them.

File icons generally display a document with an application logo that lets you know what application created it or can open it. But you can change these application icons to ones of your own choosing or creation.

Here’s how:
To change an item’s icon to another one. Select the volume, application, folder, or file whose icon you want to stamp onto another, just click the icon to select it.

From the File menu, choose Get Info or press Command-I to open the Info window.

Click the icon in the upper-left corner of the Info window to select it.
From the Edit menu, choose Copy or press Command-C.

Select the volume, application, folder, or file whose icon you want to replace. From the File menu, choose Get Info or press Command-I.

Click the icon in the upper-left corner.

From the Edit menu, choose Paste or press Command-V to replace the icon.

Get Icons
Looking for more icons? Try these sites.

• Pixelgirl Presents—This site houses over 350 Mac OS X icon sets that cover the graphics gamut from your basic designer looks to far-out funky. If you’re looking for something unique, check out their designs.
• The Iconfactory—This site contains one of the largest Mac icon archives, plus it features IconBuilder, which lets you create your own icons, and CandyBar, which changes icons anywhere on your Mac, including the Trash and toolbar items.
• InterfaceLIFT—This site offers over 775 icon sets in a wide range of subjects. You’re bound to find something you like here.

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