Change Folder Icons

A newer version of Change Folder Icons is available.

• 4.0 stars

  "Changes & Manages Standard And "System" Icons"

  February 20, 2006  |   By mistert

  Pros

  Anyone who uses CNET knows how to change a standard folder or shortcut icon without need of a 3rd party application. That said, CFI 7.5 goes a few steps beyond by allowing users the ability to change and manage "system" icons (such as those displayed in Windows Explorer and My Computer) which would otherwise require editing the Windows registry.

  The UI is fairly intuitive (albeit a bit "busy") and should easily be mastered by intermediate PC users without difficulty. Changing icons is a simple matter. First, use the program's search function to find and display thousands of icons already in your computer or load the included (expandable) icon library. Next, use the program's explorer-like system tree to locate the folder, application, drive, or program icon to be changed. Select the "new" icon, click the "change" button and you're done! The program also has the ability to change the color of your existing folders. To confirm the changes, select "refresh" from the Windows "view" menu and you'll see that your old icons have indeed been replaced.

  Any icons you've found on your computer (or those found elsewhere) can be saved to a "favorites" folder or set to load automatically when CFI is launched. Another great feature is the program's ability to recall your changes and if desired, restore back to the original.

  As previously mentioned, the current UI is somewhat congested however the beta version (8.0) available on the publisher's site sports a totally redesigned interface. Although it has a few minor bugs, I found the beta UI to be much more intuitive and streamlined versus the current 7.5 version. One especially nice beta feature is a pair of "before and after" preview windows which display the current and new icon.

  Those who want to completely overhaul the look of their entire system might be happier with programs such as WindowBlinds or DesktopX however for most users, a lite, non-invasive application like Change Folder Icons is probably more than enough.

  Cons

  While fairly intuitive the UI is overly busy. The 8.0 beta (available on the developer's web site) offers a much improved interface but with a few minor bugs.

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