Can't change alias icon

Question

Level 1

33 points

Can't change alias icon

I've created an alias to a file on my Yosemite desktop. I want to change the icon, so I've found a PNG file I want to use.

When I open the Get Info window for the alias, click the little icon and copy/paste or drag the PNG file there, all I get for an icon is the generic PNG one.

I've tried opening the PNG in Preview and doing Cmd + A then Cmd + C to copy it that way, same result.

I've also tried with a JPG file and an ICNS file, same result (generic icon for each)

I've tried Relaunching Finder and doing killall Finder, didn't fix it,

Late-2013 rMBP with Yosemite 10.10.2.

Posted on Mar 26, 2015 5:20 AM

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Answer 1

markmc78 Author

Level 1

33 points

Mar 26, 2015 9:42 AM in response to markmc78

I noticed my alias had a space in the name (it was called Mac Mini).

I took the space out, so the alias was now called MacMini, and low and behold, changing the icon works fine!

Interestingly, if I rename the alias to add the space back in, the icon reverts back to a generic one! If I then rename to take the space out again, it jumps back to the new icon!

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Answer 2

Mar 26, 2015 9:50 AM in response to markmc78

Thanks for the heads up. Most of my folders are custom icons. However, I have never changed an "alias folder." I've always changed the original folder/icon. If I make an alias of it, the alias is of the custom icon.

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Answer 3

bjork007

Level 1

6 points

May 27, 2015 7:17 AM in response to Baby-Boomer-USofA

Hey gang. This thread was really helpful. THANK YOU Here's my add on:

I removed the spaces from the alias folder name (command i the folder and do the change in the dialogue box) and suddenly the folder icon or customer folder image is what it should be. But WAIT THERE IS MORE. Once you've done this, you can put the spaces back in the folder name and the custom folder icon image will remain. CRAZY but true for me. (i'm using MAC OS 10.10.3 on a 2013 iMac).

TAG: custom folder icon or image won't change in Yosemite folder icons can't be changed in Yosemite

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Answer 4

May 27, 2015 11:05 AM in response to bjork007

bjork007 wrote:

But WAIT THERE IS MORE.

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