How to Customize App Icons in iOS 17

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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With the release of iOS 17, Apple has introduced several new features and enhancements that give users more control over the look and customization of their device. One of the exciting features is the ability to customize app icons. This lets users personalize their iPhone or iPad, making them truly unique with a look and feel that reflects their style and preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we'll go deep into the process of customizing app icons on iOS 17, exploring step-by-step instructions, tips, and examples to ensure you get a seamless experience.

Introduction to app icon customization

App icon customization allows users to change the default icons of applications on their home screen. This feature was previously limited, but with iOS 17, Apple has allowed more extensive customization, giving users the ability to create a personalized and attractive interface. Users can access this feature by creating custom shortcuts or using third-party apps that support icon customization. In this guide, we will explore how you can take advantage of built-in tools and third-party apps to modify your app icons.

Understanding the basics

Before we dive into the customization process, it's important to understand some basics. App icons can be changed either using the Shortcuts app provided by Apple or through third-party apps that let you modify the home screen layout and theme. Each approach has its own advantages and specific steps, which we'll cover in detail in this guide. Additionally, it's important to know that custom app icons may not have the same interactive notifications and app badges that are typically found on default icons.

Using the Shortcuts app to customize app icons

The Shortcuts app is Apple's designed solution that helps users automate tasks and creates a way to customize app icons through its functionality. You can follow the following steps to leverage the Shortcuts app to customize app icons in iOS 17:

1. Open the Shortcuts app: Start by launching the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad. You'll see the main interface showing your existing shortcuts, if you have any.
2. Create a new shortcut: Tap the "+" button in the upper-right corner of the screen to create a new shortcut. This will take you to a new window where you can set up the automation process.
3. Add an action to open the app:
   • Select “Add action” to begin configuring your shortcut.
   • Type “open app” in the search bar and select it from the available options.
   • Tap “App” highlighted in blue and select the application you want to customize the icon for.
4. Select a custom icon:
   • After setting up the desired app, tap the Settings icon (it may look like three vertical dots or other icons on different versions).
   • Select "Add to Home Screen."
   • Next, tap on the default app icon shown to bring up the options to choose a new image or icon. Here, you can choose a photo from your gallery, take a new photo using the camera, or select a file that you've downloaded.
5. Name and add:
   • Under "Home screen name and icon," enter a name for your new shortcut if you want to change it (this isn't mandatory).
   • Tap “Add” in the top right to place the customized app icon on your home screen.
6. Test the new icon: Go back to your home screen to find your newly customized app icon. Tap it to make sure it properly opens the desired app.

Congratulations, you have successfully customized app icons using the Shortcuts app. Remember, this process needs to be repeated for each app you want to customize. Now, let's take a look at some more personalization options.

Using third-party apps for icon customization

While the Shortcuts app provides a basic way to customize app icons, third-party applications offer more advanced features such as themes, icon packs, and home screen widgets that can be integrated together for a more synchronized look. Some popular third-party apps include “Widgetsmith,” “Icon Themer,” and “Aesthetic Kit.” Here, we will focus on using one such example:

Widgetsmith example

Widgetsmith is a versatile tool that allows the implementation of custom widgets and icons. Here's how you can use it:

1. Download and install: Download Widgetsmith from the App Store and install it on your device.
2. Create a custom icon:
   • Open Widgetsmith and go to the section that allows icon customization.
   • Select “Add New” to create a new set of icons or use existing templates to modify them to your liking.
   • Use editing tools to adjust colors, background images, stylized text, and more. Save your designs once they're ready.
3. Apply icons: Switching back to the shortcut method, use these custom designs to replace the standard app icons as described earlier.

Guidelines for creating attractive icons

When creating custom app icons, it's important to consider aesthetics and functionality for seamless integration with your device's interface. Here are some guidelines:

• Consistency: Make sure all your app icons follow a consistent theme or color scheme for a more coherent and visually pleasing experience.
• Readability: If your icon includes text, make sure it's readable. Avoid overly complex fonts or distracting backgrounds.
• Size and resolution: Use high quality and appropriate resolution images to avoid pixelation, ensuring they render well on the device's display.

Understanding the limitations

There are a few limitations to keep in mind when customizing app icons in these ways. Custom icons created via Shortcuts don't display live notifications or badges, which can reduce my intuitive interaction with native app icons. Also, because these are essentially shortcuts, launching apps via customized icons can sometimes introduce a slight delay or extra steps compared to using the default icon.

Conclusion

Customizing app icons in iOS 17 can significantly enhance the user experience by allowing for deeper personalization of your device's aesthetics. Whether using the Shortcuts app for a more straightforward approach or using third-party apps for advanced customization, there are many possibilities to explore. This guide aims to provide everything you need to start customizing your icons effectively. Continue experimenting with different styles and configurations to find the setup that best suits your personality and tastes.

With your new knowledge and skills, enjoy the freedom to craft a unique digital environment on iOS 17.

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