Whenever you download a file, you may come across the default cover that your Mac provides. This generic cover may not be visually appealing, and sometimes it may be challenging to identify the file that you are looking for compared to other files that you have saved. In this blog, we are going to provide you with insights on how to change the file cover on your Mac. A Mac is a versatile machine that gives you the freedom to choose how you want your files to look like; this includes the file cover. By the end of this article, you will be able to change your file cover to something more personal and unique.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we start, here are the tools you will need:
- A Mac running macOS.
- The file whose cover you want to change must be saved on your device.
- The cover image you want to use should be saved on your device or the internet.
What Requires Your Focus?
Changing a file cover on your Mac requires attention and focus to detail. You need to choose a picture that is visually appealing, related to the file, and easy to identify. Your focus should be on finding the right picture, resizing it, and aligning it to fit perfectly.
Different Methods to Change File Cover on Mac
Now let us look at various methods of changing a file cover on your Mac.
Method 1: Using Preview
Preview is a default Mac app that allows you to view and edit photos and PDFs. Here’s how to use Preview to change your file cover:
- Open the file with the cover that you want to change using Preview.
- Click on the "File" menu and select "Duplicate."
- In the duplicated file, click on the "Tools" menu and select "Adjust Size."
- Adjust the size of the image to the dimensions that you desire.
- Click on the "File" menu and select "Save As."
- Enter the name of the new file and select "JPEG" as the format.
- Click on "Save."
- Select the file whose cover you want to change, click on "File," and select "Get Info."
- Click on the image on the top left of the info window.
- Click on the "Edit" menu and select "Paste."
- Close the "Get Info" window, and you are done.
Pros:
- Preview is a default app on your Mac, free, and easy to use.
- You can adjust the size of the image to fit any dimensions that you may require.
Cons:
- The process may be long and tedious for people who are not familiar with using Preview.
Method 2: Using Finder
Finder is a default and integral part of your Mac operating system. Here’s how to use Finder to change your file cover:
- Choose the image you want to use as your file cover.
- Open Finder and locate the file whose cover you want to change.
- Click on "File" on the upper left-hand corner of the screen, then select "Get Info."
- Select the image that you want to use as your cover, drag it in the "Preview" column in the "Get Info" window.
- The new image will be set as the cover of the file.
Pros:
- This method is easy to use, and you don’t need to download additional software.
- The new image loads quicker than the old one, and you can easily identify your file.
Cons:
- You cannot resize the image to fit your taste on Finder.
Method 3: Using Graphic Convertor
Graphic Convertor is a paid app available on the Mac App Store that allows you to view, convert and edit photos. Here’s how to use Graphic Convertor to change your file cover:
- Download and install Graphic Converter from the App Store.
- Open the Graphic Converter application.
- Click on "File" and select "Open."
- Select the image that you want to use as your file cover and click on "Open."
- Click on "File," select "Export," and save file as the same format that you already had your file as.
- Locate your file and click "Get Info."
- Drag your cover image onto your document icon in the "Get Info" window.
Pros:
- You can easily convert your files to various formats.
- You can edit and resize your image on Graphic Convertor before setting it as your file cover.
Cons:
- You have to buy Graphic Convertor to use some of its features.
- The process may be complicated for novice users.
Why Can’t I Change the File Cover on My Mac?
There are different reasons why you may not be able to change the file cover on your Mac. Some of them include:
1. The file is a system-generated file
A system-generated file’s cover cannot be changed. You may have to create your file to be able to change its cover.
2. The file is locked, and you have no permission
Some files are locked on your Mac. If the file is locked, changing the file cover will be impossible.
3. The file is part of a folder
If the file that you want to change the cover for is part of a folder, you can choose to change the folder icon instead.
How to Fix:
- Create a new file and save it on your device.
- Unlock the file if it is locked and you have no permission to change its cover.
- Select the folder whose cover you want to change.
Implications and Recommendations
Changing your file cover gives you a personalized feel and makes it easy to identify your files. You can use different methods to change your file cover, and we recommend using Finder for easy and quick editing. Remember to use good quality pictures that are visually appealing and related to your files. If you are having trouble changing your file cover, make sure your file is not locked, or if it’s a system-generated file, create a new one.
5 FAQs about Changing a File Cover on Mac
Q1: How do I resize my image on Finder?
A: You cannot resize your image on Finder. Use Preview or Graphic Convertor to resize your image.
Q2: Can I change an image on a locked file?
A: No. You must unlock the file for you to change its cover.
Q3: Can I change all file covers at once?
A: No. You have to change the cover of each file individually.
Q4: Does Graphic Convertor require payment?
A: Graphic Convertor is a paid app and requires payment to use some of its features.
Q5: Can I set a GIF or video as my file cover?
A: No. You can only set a picture format (JPEG, PNG, etc.) as your file cover on your Mac.
In Conclusion
Changing a file cover on your Mac is straightforward and gives you the freedom to personalize your files. You can choose to use Preview, Finder or Graphic Convertor to change your file cover. We recommend using Finder over the other methods for easy and quick editing. Finally, remember to use a good quality picture that is visually appealing and related to your file.