How to Change an App Icon on Mac

The fastest way to change an app icon

You can change an app icon on Mac by copying a new image into the app's file, then telling Mac to refresh what it displays. The process takes about two minutes and requires no special software—just the app you want to change, an image file, and the built-in Get Info window. Mac stores the icon inside the app's package, which you can open and edit like a folder.

The icon change stays permanent until you update the app or manually revert it. If you make a mistake, you can always restore the original icon by dragging the app to Trash and reinstalling it from the App Store or its developer's website.

Key Takeaways

You need a new image file (PNG, ICNS, or JPG work best) and access to the app's package contents through Get Info.
The original icon file is usually named AppIcon.icns or similar and lives inside the app package at Contents/Resources.
After replacing the icon file, you must force Mac to refresh by removing the app from Spotlight cache or restarting the Finder.
Icon changes survive app updates only if you back up the new icon file separately before updating.

Find and prepare your new icon image

Start by choosing the image you want to use as your new icon. The image should be square (512×512 pixels or larger works best) and saved as a PNG, JPG, or ICNS file. If you have a rectangular image, crop it to a square first—Mac will stretch a non-square image, which looks distorted.

You can find icon images on sites like Flaticon, IconFinder, or Noun Project. read the image to your Downloads folder or Desktop so you can find it easily in the next steps. If you want to use a photo or screenshot, open it in Preview, crop it to a square, and export it as PNG.

Open the app package and locate the current icon

Right-click the app you want to change (for example, Safari or Slack) and select Get Info from the menu. A window will open showing the app's details. At the top left, you will see the current icon displayed as a small square.

Now you need to see the files inside the app. In Finder, right-click the same app again and select Show Package Contents. A new Finder window opens showing a folder called Contents. Double-click Contents, then open the Resources folder. Inside Resources, look for a file named something like AppIcon.icns, app.icns, or the app's name followed by .icns. This is the icon file you will replace.

Replace the icon file with your new image

Before you make any changes, make a backup of the original icon file. Right-click the .icns file, select Duplicate, and rename the copy to something like "AppIcon-original.icns". Keep this copy in the same folder. If something goes wrong, you can always drag the original back.

Now open the Get Info window again (right-click the app, select Get Info). Click the small icon in the top left corner of the Get Info window—it will highlight with a blue border. Drag your new image file directly onto this highlighted icon. Mac will ask if you want to replace the icon; click Use. The icon in the Get Info window should change when ready to your new image.

Force Mac to display the new icon

Sometimes Mac caches the old icon and does not show the new one right away. To force a refresh, open Terminal (search for Terminal in Spotlight) and paste this command, then press Enter:

touch ~/Library/Metadata/CoreSpotlight/.indexing

Close Terminal. The new icon should appear on your desktop and in the Dock within a few seconds. If it does not, try restarting the Finder: hold Option and click the Finder icon in the Dock, then select Relaunch.

Restore the original icon if needed

If you want to undo the change, open the app package again (right-click the app, select Show Package Contents, then open Contents and Resources). Find your backup copy of the original icon file (the one you named "AppIcon-original.icns"). Rename it back to the original name (for example, "AppIcon.icns"), replacing the modified version when Mac asks.

Open Get Info again, click the icon in the top left, and drag the restored icon file onto it. Use the Terminal command above to refresh the display. The original icon will return.

Avoid these common mistakes

The most common error is forgetting to back up the original icon before replacing it. If you skip this step and something goes wrong, you will need to reinstall the app to get the original icon back. Always duplicate the .icns file first.

Another mistake is using an image that is too small or the wrong shape. Icons smaller than 256×256 pixels look blurry, and non-square images stretch oddly. If your new icon looks distorted, go back to the Get Info window, click the icon, and drag a larger, square image onto it.

Some apps (especially those from the App Store) may revert the icon change when you update them. If this happens, you will need to repeat the process after the update. To prevent this, keep your new icon image file saved somewhere safe so you can reapply it quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the icon of an app in the Applications folder?

Yes. The process is the same whether the app is in Applications, Downloads, or your Desktop. Right-click it, select Get Info and Show Package Contents, and follow the steps above. Apps in the Applications folder are no different from apps elsewhere.

What image format works best for Mac app icons?

ICNS (Apple's native icon format) works best, but PNG and JPG also work. If you have a PNG or JPG, Mac will convert it when you drag it onto the Get Info icon. ICNS files are ideal because they are already in the format Mac expects, but you do not need to convert your image first.

Will the new icon stay if I update the app?

Not always. Some apps overwrite their entire package during updates, which restores the original icon. If this happens, you can reapply your custom icon after the update. Keep your new icon image file saved so you can repeat the process quickly.

Can I change the icon of a built-in Mac app like Mail or Calendar?

Yes, the process is identical. Right-click the app, select Show Package Contents, and replace the icon file in the Resources folder. Built-in apps are protected by Mac's security system, but changing the icon does not require administrator permission.

What do I do if the new icon does not appear after I replace it?

Open Terminal and run the touch command listed above to refresh Spotlight's cache. If that does not work, restart the Finder by holding Option, clicking the Finder icon in the Dock, and selecting Relaunch. Restart your Mac as a last resort.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.