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How to Change the Color of Folder Icons in Ubuntu 18.04

Last updated: April 16, 2018

Change Folder Color

This quick tip shows you how to set custom color or emblem of a folder in Ubuntu 18.04 Nautilus file browser.

For those who want to have a different look and feel on folder icons, folder-color extension allows to change the color or emblem of selected folder in the default Nautilus file browser.

1. Open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to install the folder-color extension.

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install folder-color

Input your password (no visual feedback while typing due to security reason) when it prompts and hit Enter.

2. Then re-open Nautilus (Files) file browser, and right-click on a folder. You’ll be able to choose a color or emblem, or set a custom color of the folder.

Note that if you don’t see the context menu “Folder’s color”, quit Nautilus via command nautilus -q and open the Files again.

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    10 responses to How to Change the Color of Folder Icons in Ubuntu 18.04

    1. J G K May 25, 2018 at 7:32 pm

      Ji, Very simple and easy process. Not so sure I’m really bothered with folder colours, but at least I now have the option to choose. Cheers!

    2. murasakii June 18, 2018 at 11:47 am

      Works like a charm :-) Thanks for that description.

    3. Ferdaus June 26, 2018 at 6:01 am

      Nice suggestion, thanks

    4. Joachim September 26, 2018 at 3:02 pm

      Awesome, works like a charm!

    5. Michael Shepanski October 2, 2018 at 1:53 am

      Is there a way to do this from the command line? More specifically I want to automate the folder-color from a script.

    6. Ed October 28, 2018 at 9:30 pm

      In Ubuntu 18.10 there is no apparent way to change the default colors for folders. That is almost as stupid as the default Orange color.

    7. Asif November 13, 2018 at 3:21 pm

      HI , is there any way in UBUNTU where I can get back to default folder color (orange), I tried some installation , now I dont see the default folder color. it has turned to file icon and very diffcult to differentiate a file from folder.

      • Ji m November 13, 2018 at 4:07 pm

        Did you try installing Gnome Tweaks (via Ubuntu Software) and changing the icon theme in Appearances tab.

    8. Meta Self December 31, 2018 at 3:06 pm

      Does not work. Says something about it being insecure and not allowed. Why is it so complicated merely to change a folder color? We thought Linux was supposed to be easy.