Unlike iOS, there are no strict rules for app icons on Mac. Apple changed the behavior with the macOS Big Sur update, and the company is trying to bring uniformity among app icons on the Mac. However, even a year after Big Sur, we’ve seen some big names like WhatsApp, Spotify, Skype and others yet to introduce subtle changes to their app logos. On Mac, you can easily replace app icons and give the Mac Dock and Apps menu a visual refresh.
Customization options work differently on macOS compared to iOS. On iPhone, users have to choose between different app icons from the app. You cannot download an app icon from the web and apply it on iPhone.
However, this is not the case on Mac. With macOS, developers cannot provide different app icons to replace the logo. Instead, you have to use the web to download and apply the icons.
In no time, let’s find some good app icons for your favorite apps and apply a new avatar to the app.
Find App Icons from the Web
There are two scenarios here. The app developer designs different app icons and places them on the official website for downloading the icons. Few developers follow it. Therefore, you will have to rely on third-party icon packs.
Before you go ahead and change app icons on Mac, you need to download these app icons to your Mac. But where do you find them?
You can find different app icons, styles, colors and shapes for your preferred app on macOS using the web resources below.
The first source is our favorite and we mostly rely on it to download app icons for macOS.
macOS icons
As the name suggests, macOSicons is a specialized website designed to offer visitors different macOS app icons.
macOSicons has more than 7000 Mac app icons. Visit the website and search for any app icon using the top search bar.
Based on the database, the app will showcase the relevant suggestions from different designers. The most popular ones will be at the top with the specified number of downloads.
You can click an application icon and download the image to your Mac. No registration or paid subscription required.
Keep searching for app icons you want to change on Mac. Download your favorites from the search results and you’re set.
Other notable mentions include Icons8 and the Flaticons website, which are hugely popular among designers for using icons in their projects.
Change App Icons on Mac
Now that you have downloaded the required app icons on Mac, it’s time to replace them using the steps below.
Note: We also tried the following method on macOS 12.0 Monterey. And it works on the upcoming macOS without any issues.
Stage 1: Go to your Mac Dock and open the Finder menu.
Step 2: Select Applications.
Stage 3: Select the app you want to customize.
Step 4: Right-click on it and select Get Info.
Step 5: Keep the Get Info window open.
Step 6: Go to the downloaded app icons in the Finder menu.
Step 7: Select the application icon you want to apply and drag it to the original application icon of the Get Info menu. Drop the icon and you will see a new icon applied.
As soon as you open the app again, you will see the new icon applied in the Dock and Apps menu.
There is a limitation. When you update the app from the Mac App Store or the in-app menu, the app reverts to its original app icon. You will have to go through the steps again to apply a customized app icon.
You can create a local folder and save all custom app icons there.
How to Remove Custom App Icon on Mac
If for some reason you don’t like the changed app icon, you can remove it without any issues.
Open Finder > Application and find the application. Right-click on it and open the Get Info menu. Then click on the app icon and hit the Delete button to remove the custom app icon.
Change Mac Aesthetics
Those who are obsessed with small details on Mac machines will definitely appreciate the ability to change application icons on Mac. In addition, you can bring uniformity to the Mac Dock, which you may miss with the official app icons from the developers. What app icons are you planning to change on Mac? Share your picks in the comments below.
Next: Screen recording on Mac is pretty easy. Read the post below to learn how to view the recording on Mac.
