Yes, you can change folder colors on Mac using the built-in color-coding system

macOS lets you assign one of seven colors to any folder directly from Finder, without installing extra software. The color appears as a small dot or label on the folder icon, making it straightforward to spot folders at a glance. This feature works on all recent versions of macOS and takes about five seconds per folder.

The color you choose stays with the folder even if you move it to a different location on your Mac. If you share the folder with someone else, they will see the same color on their Mac as long as they are using the same macOS version.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click any folder in Finder, select "Get Info", and choose a color from the label options at the top of the window.
  • macOS offers seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and gray.
  • You can also assign colors by right-clicking a folder and selecting the color directly from the context menu if you have enabled labels in Finder preferences.
  • Color labels sync across your Mac and iCloud Drive, so the same folder appears the same color on all your devices signed into the same Apple ID.
  • Removing a color is as straightforward as selecting the folder and choosing "None" from the label options.

Using Get Info to assign a folder color

The most reliable way to color a folder is through the Get Info window. Right-click the folder you want to color, then click "Get Info" from the menu that appears. A window will open showing details about the folder.

At the very top of the Get Info window, you will see a row of colored dots. Click the color you want to assign. The window will close automatically, and the folder will now display that color label in Finder. You can assign the same color to multiple folders or change a folder's color at any time by repeating these steps.

Assigning colors directly from the context menu

If you use labels frequently, you can skip the Get Info window and assign colors faster using the right-click menu. Right-click any folder and look for a "Color Label" or "Labels" option in the context menu. Click it, then select your color from the submenu.

If you do not see this option, you may need to enable it in Finder preferences. Open Finder, click "Finder" in the menu bar at the top, then select "Settings". Click the "Advanced" tab and check the box next to "Show color labels in icon view". Close the settings window and try right-clicking a folder again.

How folder colors appear in different Finder views

The way a colored folder looks depends on which view you are using in Finder. In Icon View, the color appears as a small dot or label beneath the folder name. In List View, the color shows as a thin line or dot next to the folder name. In Column View, the color is visible in the rightmost column when you select the folder.

Regardless of which view you use, the color remains the same and helps you identify the folder quickly. If you switch between views often, the color will follow the folder in all of them.

Syncing folder colors across your devices

If you use iCloud Drive or have multiple Macs signed into the same Apple ID, folder colors will sync automatically. A folder you color on your Mac will appear the same color on your iPad, iPhone, or another Mac, as long as the folder is stored in iCloud Drive or a location that syncs across devices.

Folders stored only on your local Mac will not sync their colors to other devices. If you want colors to appear everywhere, make sure the folder is in iCloud Drive or another cloud service that your devices share.

Removing or changing a folder color

To remove a color from a folder, right-click it and select "Get Info". At the top of the window, click the dot labeled "None" (usually on the far left). The color will disappear, and the folder will return to its default appearance.

To change a folder from one color to another, follow the same steps but click a different color instead of "None". There is no limit to how many times you can change a folder's color, so you can reorganize your color scheme whenever your needs change.

When folder colors are useful

Color-coding works best when you have a system. For example, you might use red for urgent projects, green for completed work, and blue for reference materials. This visual system helps you navigate your folders faster than reading names alone, especially when you have dozens of folders in one location.

Colors are also helpful for shared folders or folders you access frequently. A quick glance at your Desktop or Documents folder will when ready show you which folders need attention. If you work with multiple projects at once, assigning each project a different color makes switching between them much faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use custom colors instead of the seven built-in ones?

No, macOS only offers the seven standard colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and gray. You cannot create custom colors or use a color picker to choose your own shade. If you need more than seven color options, you would need to use third-party apps from the Mac App Store, though the built-in system works well for most people.

Will folder colors show up if I share the folder with someone on Windows?

No, Windows does not recognize macOS color labels. If you share a colored folder with a Windows user, they will see the folder without any color. The color remains on your Mac but does not transfer to other operating systems.

Do folder colors slow down my Mac?

No, assigning colors to folders has no impact on your Mac's performance. The color is just a label stored with the folder's metadata and does not affect how fast your Mac runs or how quickly files load.

Can I color folders on an external drive?

Yes, you can assign colors to folders on external drives, USB drives, and SD cards the same way you color folders on your Mac. However, the color will only appear when the drive is connected to your Mac. If you connect the drive to another Mac or a Windows computer, the color will not show up.

What happens to folder colors if I back up my Mac?

Folder colors are preserved in Time Machine backups and when you migrate to a new Mac using Migration Assistant. If you restore from a backup, all your colored folders will return with their original colors intact.