If you want to extract an icon from a file or app on your Mac, you don't need any special tools. macOS lets you quickly and easily copy such icons and edit them in the Preview app. Whether you need an icon for a presentation, a website, or a creative project, you can create a high-resolution image of the icon with just a few clicks. Here's how.
Have you ever tried to copy a file icon, only to find that the file itself was pasted or the resulting screenshot was blurry? With the right method, you can extract the icon in perfect quality—complete with transparency if needed. The Preview app, which comes pre-installed on every Mac, makes this process quick and easy.
Copy icon in Finder
To copy the desired icon, first open Finder and locate the file or app whose icon you need. Then right-click (or hold down the Control key and click) the file. Select "Copy" from the context menu. This saves the file or app icon to your clipboard.
Use the Preview app
After copying the object, open the Preview app. You can find it in your Applications folder or by searching in Spotlight. In the Preview app, select "File" from the menu and then "New from Clipboard." If the copied object is an app or a file with a standard macOS icon, a new Preview window will open, displaying the icon in high resolution and with a transparent background layer.
Special case: PDF symbols
If you want to copy a PDF document's icon rather than the actual document itself, additional steps are necessary. By default, macOS creates a new copy of the document when copying PDFs and doesn't display the icon. To get the icon, click the PDF file, choose File, then Get Info (or press Command-I). In the Info window, single-click the icon in the top left corner. Then press Command-C to copy it to the clipboard. Open the Preview app and choose File -> New from Clipboard again to display the icon.
Alias files and symbols
This method also works for alias files (shortcuts). When you select an alias, macOS copies the icon of the object the alias refers to and displays it in the preview. This is especially useful if you need the icon of an original without editing it directly.
Save symbols
Once the icon appears in the Preview app, you can save it. To do so, choose File -> Save or Export. macOS offers several file formats, including PNG, JPEG, and—starting with macOS Sonoma—HEIF. If you want to preserve the icon's transparency, you should choose the PNG format. Transparent backgrounds are especially useful if you plan to use the icon for presentations or design projects.
Advantages of the method
This method has several advantages. You get the icon in maximum quality, including a transparent alpha layer, without the need for additional software. The process is fast and works with almost all files and apps. Compared to manual methods like screenshots or extracting .icns files from app packages, you save time and avoid quality loss.
macOS tip: Extract and save symbols
Copying and saving file and app icons with macOS is easier than it first seems. Using the Preview app and the steps above, you can achieve professional results in minutes. Whether you need icons for creative projects or professional purposes, this method is reliable, fast, and hassle-free. Try it out and discover how versatile your Mac can be. Looking for new accessories? Discover our Amazon Storefront nowThere you'll find a variety of products from top brands, ideal for HomeKit and more! (Photo by Yastremska / Bigstockphoto)
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