Like previous versions system, Windows 10 supports changing folder icons, but what if you just want to change the color of a folder instead? You can get this effect by editing system files, but it will still be better and more correct if for these purposes you use third party applications. WITH brief description Four such programs can be found below.

Folder Painter

A small portable utility that uses a set of icons from the built-in library to “color” folders. The program supports changing the color of a specific folder, as well as a group of folders. After launching, Folder Painter will offer to add itself to the Explorer context menu, which is what you should do. After this, you will be able to change the color of any directories directly from the Explorer menu, with the exception of the most important system ones.

Additionally, the utility supports displaying the color replacement option in the Explorer menu only when holding Shift, using your own name for the option, feeding sound signal when saving settings. There is also the option to restore the default folder view.

www.sordum.org/10124/folder-painter-v1-0

Folder Marker

Unlike Folder Painter, the Folder Marker utility has more functionality. In addition to “repainting,” the program supports setting labels for folders and adding custom icons to the library.

You can select a color for a folder or group of folders both from the utility window and from context menu Explorer into which the program is integrated during the installation process. Changing colors using it is supported for all folders, including system ones. Additionally, it is possible to undo all changes ( full reset) and updating icons in the system.

foldermarker.com/en/folder-marker-free

Folder Colorizer

Another program for changing the color of catalogs. During installation, it is integrated into the Explorer context menu; it differs from previous applications in the presence of a built-in editor, with which, using the palette, you can create your own color template and add it to the library.

Currently the program is available as a beta version, it only works with custom folders, during installation it is possible automatic change the size of shortcuts on the desktop, obviously due to the presence of a minor bug. Also, at the last stage of installation, the program asks you to donate to charity, which you can refuse.

softorino.com/foldercolorizer2

Rainbow Folders

Rainbow Folders is an old, but still working program for changing the color and style of directories. By style we mean the shape of the folder, so you can make the directories the way they were in XP and Vista. The application supports multi-window mode, adding your favorite colors to the library, enhancing contrast, selecting multiple folders at once, and resetting the icon cache.

The last option can be useful if the changes do not take effect immediately. There is a built-in palette. Rainbow Folders is also integrated into the Explorer context menu, but the actual change of folder color is done from the application window.

www.english.aionel.net

All presented in this small review The programs are free, Folder Painter and Folder Marker support the Russian language.

Key Features

• assigning the necessary icons for a file type, one or more folders;
• using a set of ready-made icons;
• extracting icons from system resources and saving them in a group or individually in ICO/ICL formats;
• using graphics that are included in system files as icons;
• change skins.

Advantages and disadvantages

• free;
• Russian-language interface;
• a large set of built-in icons;
• quick access to a list of system resources with images of standard icons;
• ability to change interface themes;
• a simple algorithm for working in a step-by-step mode with hints;
• managing the application from the Explorer context menu.

• lack of function batch change system icons.

Fences. A free program designed to organize and organize icons on your desktop. Groups files by direction, type, creates special zones on which icons are placed, allows you to change them appearance, makes it possible to hide and return icons to their place.

SP Shell icons. Free program that changes standard view icons in Windows OS. Contains a set of 70 different icons.

Work principles

First you need to specify the folders and files to replace:

Icon selection

For example, we need to change the image for the user's folder:

If you know the location of the icon, use the “Specify icon” command; if not, go to the “Favorites” and “Program” tabs of the main window. Each of them contains a list with available icons and libraries. To view available images, just click on an item in the list. After this, the icons will appear in the right column of the window. From them you need to select a suitable image, and then click “Set icon”. If folders or files need to be returned to their original appearance, add them to the program and use the “Remove icon from folder” button.

Icon editors allow you to change the file icon that is displayed when viewing a file, for example, in Explorer. A file with an ICO extension contains one or more small images different sizes and color depth. In addition to editing, the presented programs also allow you to create new icons (regular and system) for files, as well as site icons that are used on web resources (blog, website) for display in address bar browser or browser tabs/bookmarks, like this one.

The icon editor must either implement special algorithms for working with icons, or use built-in system functions, otherwise the created icons will be difficult to use.

Icons are typically 32 x 32 pixels with a depth of 256 colors, but sometimes 48 x 48 pixels, 64 x 64 pixels, and 128 x 128 pixels are used. Website icons should be saved in size 16 x 16 pixels with a palette of 256 colors. You can create icons in 32-bit color (and it's best to do so), but website icons used on the web should be saved in 256-bit color. You should not save website icons with a different resolution and color depth, as they may not be displayed correctly on some platforms.

Want to get a web page icon?

Google has created a simple service for extracting website icons in PNG format..

www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=site

Review of free programs for replacing and editing icons

Icon editing program Greenfish Icon Editor Pro integrated approach

Not everyone is professional software products are commercial. free program, complete with professional tools for creating, editing, opening and saving file icons. It allows you to extract and modify icons in executable files, or convert image files into icons and other graphic formats.

The program allows you to work with icon libraries. It supports the following image formats: ICO, CUR, ANI, PNG, XPM, BMP, JPG, GIF, as well as Vista compatible PNG icons.

In addition to working with icons, the program allows you to draw cursors, small pixel images, animations and various supported images. The program also has some useful features, such as applying shadows, creating visual light effect and setting the bevel width.

The program is easy to use. It weighs little and does not require installation. Simply download the zip file, unpack and run the executable file.

IcoFX icon replacement and editing program, alternative to Greenfish

As an alternative - good free editor icons that are worth trying. The program has a rich set of tools and includes the capabilities of more than 40 image modification effects typical of most graphic editors. It will take some time to understand all the tools.

The program allows you to create icons for your executable files, installation files, your website or blog. It also allows you to convert your favorite images into icons and vice versa. The program's capabilities also include converting Macintosh icons to Windows and vice versa.

Another feature of the program is that it works with Vista icons in PNG format, with support for maximum color depth, including alpha channel (transparency).

Another feature of the program is batch processing of icons.

IcoFX

		Many tools, more than 40 graphic effects, conversion between Macintosh and Windows icons, the ability batch processing etc.
		The process of extracting and fixing icons for some executable files does not work as well as Greenfish Icon Editor Pro.

18
Feb
2011

IconPackager 5.0 + RUS

Year of manufacture: 2009
Genre: Changing icons
Developer: Stardock Corporation
Developer's website: http://www.stardock.com/
Interface language: Russian + English
Platform: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7
System requirements: Processor: Pentium III 1 GHz Memory: 256 MB Video card: 16 bit, 1280x800 Free hard disk space: 50 MB
Description: IconPackager is one of the best programs to change Windows icons. It supports the ability to change both individual icons and the use of ready-made sets for global change of most icons operating system. With this program you can change any Windows icon! IconPackager uses its own file format, which allows you to compress icons in the best possible way.
IconPackager is one of the most versatile and powerful, but still convenient programs to customize the Windows shell available today. IconPackager will allow you to configure Windows features, which are inaccessible from standard interface user. Some of these features will improve your system's performance, and some will make your life with Windows a little easier. Several features of IconPackager allow it to stand head and shoulders above most similar programs.
IconPackager uses its own .IP file format, which allows you to compress icons in the best possible way.
Additional Information: Icon set

15
May
2011

AutoPlay Media Studio 8.0.5.0 + RUS

Year of manufacture: 2011
Genre: Creating a startup menu
Developer: Indigo Rose Software
Developer's website: http://www.indigorose.com/

Assembly Type: Standard
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Description: AutoPlay Media Studio - powerful program to create a CD/DVD startup menu. This program will create everything necessary files for autorun and its graphical shell. The user will only have to burn the finished project onto his CD/DVD. AutoPlay Media Studio does not require any special knowledge from the user and is very easy to learn, ...

22
but I
2014

AusLogics BoostSpeed ​​7.5.0.0 Premium + RUS

Year of manufacture: 2014
Genre: System optimization
Developer: Auslogics
Developer website: http://www.auslogics.com/
Interface language: English + Russian
Assembly Type: Standard
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1
System requirements: 60 MB available hard disk space 512 MB RAM
Description: Auslogics BoostSpeed ​​is a popular set of tools for optimizing and tuning your operating system. With this program you can significantly optimize the operation of your system, easily configure various Windows settings, clear HDD and system r...

13
Jan
2010

Network Magic Pro 5.5.9195.0 RUS

Year of manufacture: 2009
Genre: Network Administration
Developer: Cisco
Developer's website: http://www.purenetworks.com/
Interface language: Russian
Platform: Windows XP, Vista, 7 (Seven)
System requirements: *Processor: Intel® Pentium® III or equivalent *Memory: 256 megabytes (MB) RAM for Windows XP; 512 megabytes (MB) RAM Windows Vista*Network adapter: wired (Ethernet) or wireless, with Internet connection (router, gateway) *Disk space: 100 megabytes (MB) *Web browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5 or later
Description: Network Magic is a simple solution for many network problems! Network Magic...

14
Jan
2011

ImgBurn 2.5.5.0 + RUS

Year of manufacture: 2011
Genre: Disc recording
Developer: LIGHTNING UK!


Platform: Windows 2000, 2000 x64, XP, XP x64, 2003, 2003 x64, Vista, Vista x64, 7, 7 x64
Description: ImgBurn - An excellent program for burning images of CD/DVD/HD DVD/Blu-ray discs. Created by the author of the popular, but once closed project DVD Decrypter, designed for copying and removing protection from DVD discs. Main feature ImgBurn supports a large number of drives various manufacturers, supports all the latest ac...

12
Mar
2010

ImTOO DVD Ripper Ultimate 5.0.64.0304 + Rus 5.0.64.0304

Year of manufacture: 2010
Genre: DVD Converter
Developer: imtooSoftware Studio
Developer website: http://www.imtoo.com
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Platform: Windows® 2000,XP,Vista,7
System requirements: minimum
Description: ImTOO DVD Ripper Ultimate is one of the best programs today for converting DVDs and creating rips directly from DVD disc(joint development of ImTOO Software Studio and Xilisoft Corporation). Converts DVD to any video and audio files playable on many digital mobile devices(PSP, PS3, iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, Archos, ...

11
Jan
2011

MOBILEdit! 5.0.1.988 + RUS

Year of manufacture: 2010
Genre: Mobile phone management program
Developer: COMPELSON Laboratories
Developer website: http://www.mobiledit.com
Interface language: Russian + English

Description: MOBILedit! - a unique modular program that allows you to manage your mobile phone With personal computer via Bluetooth, infrared or cable. You can easily copy photos from your phone or load your favorite ringtones, logos, MP...

30
May
2013

ImgBurn 2.5.7.0 + RUS

Year of manufacture: 2012
Genre: Disc recording
Developer: LIGHTNING UK!
Developer's website: http://www.imgburn.com

Assembly Type: Standard
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, Vista, 7
Description: ImgBurn is a utility for burning disk images. This small program has all the necessary functions for burning almost any CD/DVD disc images. ImgBurn has a number of other functions that allow you to open/close the drive tray, search the Internet for new firmware versions for of this device recordings, change the ISO label...

03
Feb
2012

Dynamic Photo HDR 5.2.0 + RUS

Year of manufacture: 2011
Genre: Graphic editor
Developer: Mediachance
Developer's website: http://www.mediachance.com/
Interface language: English + Russian
Assembly Type: Standard
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7
System requirements: - 1 GHz processor - 2 GB random access memory- 1 GB free space - 1024 x 768 screen resolution (above recommended)
Description: Dynamic Photo HDR is a program for creating and editing dynamic HDR photos. Easy to use, allows you to create HDR from one photo, add various effects, which is especially...

11
Apr
2011

Quintessential Media Player 5.0 + RUS + Skins

Year of manufacture: 2011
Genre: Multimedia player
Developer: Quinnware
Developer website: http://www.quinnware.com/
Interface language: Russian + English
Platform: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7
Description: Quintessential Player - audio/video player. QMP is not demanding on system resources, it produces good sound, supports plugins and skins, has good visualizers. The program plays all major audio formats: MP3, CD Audio, Ogg Vorbis, WAV, VQF, MP+, Windows Media. You can also listen to Internet radio, watch videos (the appropriate codecs must be installed on the system) and rob discs...

01
Jul
2011

Foxit Reader 5.0.1.0523 + RUS

Year of manufacture: 2011
Genre: Working with PDF
Developer: Foxit Corporation
Developer website: http://www.foxitsoftware.com/
Interface language: English + Russian
Assembly Type: Standard
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, Vista, 7
System requirements: 1.3 GHz or faster processor. 64 MB RAM (Recommended: 128 MB RAM or greater). 52 MB of available hard drive space. 800x600 screen resolution.
Description: Foxit Reader - professional program For PDF reader files. The special feature of Foxit Reader is comparatively small size distribution and fast speed work, which is undoubtedly...

20
Apr
2011

MOBILedit! 5.0.2.1015 Final + RUS

Year of manufacture: 2011
Genre: Mobile phone management
Developer: COMPELSON Labs
Developer website: http://www.mobiledit.com/
Interface language: English + Russian
Platform: Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7
System requirements: CPU: Pentium 300 MHz or higher RAM: 128 MB or more HDD: 59 MB or more
Description: MOBILedit! - a unique modular program that allows you to control your mobile phone from a personal computer via Bluetooth, infrared or cable. You can easily copy photos from your phone or load your favorite ringtones, logos, MP3s, and view...

16
Jan
2013

Free FLV Player V.4.5.0.0 4.5.0.0 Portable

Year of manufacture: 2011
Genre: Media Player
Developer: Sakysoft s.r.lt
Developer's website: http://www.flvplayer4free.com/
Interface language: Russian
Build Type: Portable
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, Vista, 7
Description: FLVPlayer4Free - free video player FLV format. This format used by such popular services as YouTube, Google Video, Vkontakte, RuTube and many others. The player allows you to view both saved files on your computer disk and directly from the Internet, without the need to install additional flash components...

USB Disk Security 5.4.0.12 + RUS

Year of manufacture: 2010
Genre: Antivirus for flash cards
Developer: Zbshareware Lab
Developer website: www.zbshareware.com
Interface language: English + Russian
Platform: Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7
Description: USB Disk Security - innovative software, which provides you with 100% protection from malware and viruses spread through removable media (USB flash drives, memory cards, external hard disks and other media connected via USB port). The program is easy to use, undemanding of system resources and belongs to the “set it and forget it” category. The program is complete...