folder icons in Windows 11

[beutelwolf]

I have a ton of model folders on my computer. To have a quick idea what lurks inside a folder I use that Windows trick to place a folder.jpg file inside it.

However, I have some grief with that since I moved my files onto a Windows 11 machine. In a nutshell, the problem is this:

Yep, the folder icon of Windows covers up so much of the image that it is nigh usseless. In Windows 10 and earlier this was much more palatable.

So, what I am looking for is an alternative icon for folders that is more transparent, such that this folder.jpg trick still works but with more of the underlying image left to see. Yes, I know (I have asked chatgpt) that there are several websites with tons of icons out there, but... which ones will work (if any)? Also, many are in png format, and if I do a standard conversion to icon format the additional worry is that transparency could be lost.

[Jazz67]

Found this, might be helpful?

https://www.neowin.net/amp/how-to-cu...ndows-11-22h2/

[Jazz67]

My first thought was to edit the yellow folder icon itself, and extend the transparent area so it covers more of the front. Should be doable in Photoshop or GIMP, not sure if MS-Paint can deal with transparent layers?

Can't believe Windows is still using the cardboard folder icon tbh

[Gruenspecht]

I too would be interested in the ability to have an image filling the whole folder icon, the half obscured type that is standard blows big time. It seems there's currently only one way to achieve this and it's by a third party application but that's not something i want. Surely there must be some tech-guy here on VEF to help with this matter in creating an icon in the shape of the folder but only has an outline of the folder and the rest is showing the image you want to be shown on the icon?

[cicciobuki]

Originally Posted by Gruenspecht

I too would be interested in the ability to have an image filling the whole folder icon, the half obscured type that is standard blows big time. It seems there's currently only one way to achieve this and it's by a third party application but that's not something i want. Surely there must be some tech-guy here on VEF to help with this matter in creating an icon in the shape of the folder but only has an outline of the folder and the rest is showing the image you want to be shown on the icon?

Personally i think the 2nd pic in jazz's example looks pretty good.

Don't know how it is in W11 but in W10 it's possible to replace the folder icon, by saving a pic as a .ico file, then customize the folder.

Downside is that the folder pic won't zoom in:

[Gruenspecht]

Found this link:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...7-08d7f284af3a

[beutelwolf]

Originally Posted by Gruenspecht

Found this link:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...7-08d7f284af3a

This is all the same stuff. Apparently the issue is that you cannot just select a single icon, it's a whole family of icons for different sizes. If you select a single one, the thing is just opaque. I did read a step-by-step discussion someone had with techies on a help forum and that eventually got it done. But, boy is this complicated (and a bit scary).

For now, I am inclined to sit this out until "they" have come up with an easier way to do this - or until an OS update simply replaces the current icon family with something more useful, because I very much doubt anyone likes the current state of affairs.