How to Show Labels, Add or Remove Icons in Finder Toolbar on Mac?

Finder app in Mac comes with sidebar, file/folder view area and a set of toolbar icons on top. Many Mac users do not know that they can add or remove toolbar icons in Finder app. This really helps to keep the frequently used icons and remove other unused items. In this article, we will see how to customize the toolbar icons so that you can make use of them to the most. Also, learn more on how to customize the sidebar in Mac Finder app.

Show Labels for Toolbar Icons

By default, Finder will only show icons in the toolbar section which may be confusing to understand the meaning of the icons. Right click on the toolbar section and select either “Icon and Text” or “Text Only” option.

Now, you can see the text which will help you to quickly use the toolbar like a navigation menu.

Add or Remove Icons in Toolbar

If you want to add additional items or remove the ones already showing in the toolbar, then right-click and select “Customize Toolbar…” option.

You will see a list of items and the icons in the toolbar will start joggling. Drag any item from the list and move in the toolbar area. When you see green ⊕ icon, simply drop it to add it in the toolbar. For example, creating new folder option is by default available under “Action > New Folder” menu. If you are frequently creating a new folder, then simply drag and add “New Folder” icon in the toolbar. This will help you to quickly create a folder without going to “Action” menu.

For removing an item, drag it from the toolbar and drop it in the list when you see Ⓧ mark. You can also drag and rearrange icons within toolbar area to keep them in desired order. From this customization screen also you can show the labels. For that, click on the “Show” dropdown and select whether you want to show the icons, text or both.

Below is how the customized Finder toolbar will look with icon and text.

Reset to Default Toolbar Icons

Do not worry, if you have messed up the icons order. Simply go back to “Customize Toolbar…” section and remove all the items from the toolbar area. Remember, this includes the “Back/Forward” navigational arrow icons that show left end of the toolbar area.

Now, drag and drop the default set of icons from the list to toolbar area and click “Done” button.

You will see the toolbar area is returned to default items.

Note: Resizing Finder will expand or collapse the toolbar icons to adjust them within the available width. Use “Option + Command + T” keyboard shortcuts to show or hide all the toolbar icons. Alternatively, go to “View” menu and select “Hide / Show Toolbar” to toggle the toolbar.