How to Make Desktop Icons Smaller

Adjusting the Display Settings on Windows

Windows provides several options to adjust the size of desktop icons. Here are the steps to make icons smaller on Windows 10:

1. Right-click on an empty space on the desktop and select “Display settings.”
2. Under “Scale and layout,” you can choose a percentage to change the size of text, apps, and other items. You can try decreasing the percentage to make everything smaller.
3. If the icons are still too big, scroll down to the “Advanced scaling settings” section and toggle on “Let Windows try to fix apps so they’re not blurry.” This might make the icons smaller, but it could also affect the clarity of other items on the screen.
4. Another option is to right-click on the desktop, hover over “View,” and select “Small icons.” This will reduce the size of icons on the desktop and in File Explorer.

Note that changing the display settings can affect the overall appearance of your computer, so you may need to adjust other settings to make everything look right.

Changing Icon Size on Mac OS

If you’re using a Mac, you can adjust the size of icons on the desktop by following these steps:

1. Click on the desktop or open a Finder window.
2. From the top menu bar, select “View” and choose “Show View Options.” Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + J.
3. A window will appear with several options. To adjust the size of icons, use the “Icon size” slider. Move the slider to the left to make icons smaller, or to the right to make them larger.
4. You can also adjust the grid spacing and text size for icons in the same window.
5. Once you’ve set the icon size to your liking, click the “Use as Defaults” button to apply the changes to all folders with the same view settings.

Note that changing the size of icons on the desktop won’t affect the size of icons in the Dock. You’ll need to adjust those separately if you want them to be smaller or larger.

Customizing Desktop Icon Size on Linux

Linux provides several ways to customize the size of icons on the desktop. Here are some common methods:

1. Using the file manager: If you’re using a file manager like Nautilus or Thunar, you can right-click on an empty space on the desktop and select “Properties.” From there, you can adjust the icon size under the “Icons” tab.

2. Using the terminal: If you prefer using the terminal, you can use the gsettings command to change the desktop icon size. Open a terminal and enter the following command:

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gsettings set org.gnome.nautilus.icon-view default-zoom-level [size]

Replace “[size]” with a number to set the size of icons. The default value is “standard.” You can also use “small” or “large” to set the icon size.

3. Using a third-party app: There are several third-party apps available for Linux that allow you to customize the size of icons on the desktop. For example, the “MyUnity” app provides a graphical interface for changing desktop settings, including icon size.

Note that the methods for changing icon size may vary depending on the Linux distribution and desktop environment you’re using.

Using Third-Party Software to Resize Desktop Icons

If you’re not satisfied with the built-in options for resizing icons on your computer, you can try using third-party software. Here are some examples:

1. DesktopOK: This is a free program for Windows that allows you to save and restore the positions of desktop icons. It also lets you adjust the size of icons and change the font size of desktop text.

2. Winstep Nexus Dock: This is a popular app for Windows that provides a customizable dock for quick access to your favorite apps and files. It also includes options to resize icons and adjust other display settings.

3. LiteIcon: This is a free app for Mac that lets you customize the appearance of system icons, including the size of desktop icons. It also allows you to change icons for individual files and folders.

4. Ubuntu Tweak: This is a free app for Linux that provides a graphical interface for customizing desktop settings, including icon size. It works with several Linux distributions and desktop environments.

Note that third-party software may not be necessary for everyone, and it’s important to download from reputable sources to avoid malware and other security risks.

Tips for Organizing Your Desktop with Smaller Icons

Making icons smaller on your desktop can help you fit more items on the screen and create a more streamlined look. Here are some tips for organizing your desktop with smaller icons:

1. Use folders: Create folders for similar items and keep them organized on your desktop. This will help reduce clutter and make it easier to find what you need.

2. Name your icons: Give your icons clear and descriptive names so you can easily identify them at a glance. This will also help you remember what each icon is for and avoid confusion.

3. Use wallpapers with neutral colors: Bright and busy wallpapers can make it harder to see your icons clearly. Choose a wallpaper with a neutral color scheme to make your icons stand out.

4. Keep important items on the left: If you’re right-handed, it may be easier to click on items on the left side of the screen. Keep your most important icons on the left side of the desktop for easy access.

5. Regularly clean up your desktop: Set aside time each week to go through your desktop and remove any items you no longer need. This will help keep your desktop organized and make it easier to find what you need.