How to Change a Folder's Appearance in Windows

By eHow Computers Editor

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You can customize the appearance of many folders in Windows. You can specify the image to represent the thumbnail view of a folder and the icon for the folder itself.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Start Windows Explorer and locate the folder you wish to customize.

Step2

Click the right mouse button on a blank area in the folder to bring up the context menu. Select "Properties" to bring up the "Folder Properties" screen. Click on the "Customize" tab.

Step3

Select a template to use for this folder from the template drop-down list. This will apply certain features to your folder that are associated with that template, such as task links and viewing options.

Step4

Check the box that reads "Also apply this template to all subfolders" if you would also like the subfolders to use the same template.

Step5

Pick the "Choose Picture…" button to select the image file to identify a folder in Thumbnails view. If you select an image file, Windows Explorer will create a file called Folder.gif to use. Otherwise, Windows Explorer uses the default folder picture.

Step6

Choose "Change Icon" to select an icon which will remind you of the folder's contents in the "Details, Icons, List and Tiles" view. You can select a file that has an .ico file name extension, a file with an .exe file name extension that contains an icon or a program library file with a .dll file name extension that contains an icon.