User level: Level 1 (5 points)27.2 Folder Color Bug on M1 Mac
The custom folder color setting is glitchy, it can no longer achieve the color I had it set to on previous OS releases. The slider for tint/shade does not work properly and eventually freezes the settings panel while using it. Other users have reported it on Reddit but I don't see anything in Apple Community.
Posted on Oct 29, 2026 6:24 AM
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)Oct 29, 2026 6:35 AM in response to tjlbjm
What does 'not work properly' mean? Adjusting the color and/or the tint should change the folder color based on the setting.
Default:
Tint adjusted with the slider:
Color and tint adjusted with the sliders:
Color picker used to click on one of the red tail hawk feathers from my wallpaper:
More info on the Appearance settings pane from Apple: Change Appearance settings on Mac - Apple Support
If the above is not working as expected, that is not normal behavior and I cannot replicate it on my M4 Pro MBP running macOS 27.2.
Have you rebooted your Mac? If not, that's the first step. If that does not help, then see if the problem is present when you boot in safe mode. That process performs some system cleanup and clears caches, and also disables 3rd party extensions that may cause problems.
Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support
If that does not correct the issue, test in a new user account. A newly-created user account will have all settings at default, and if the issue does not occur in that new account then it provides guidance on what may need to be changed to correct the issue.
Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support
Once the testing is complete, the new account can easily be deleted.
Delete a user or group on Mac – Apple Support
Those steps will help to isolate the problem.
It might help to download and run EtreCheck, written by a long-time forum member. The free version is fine. Post the full report using the Additional Text button. No personal information is revealed.
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)Oct 29, 2026 7:18 AM in response to tjlbjm
I can replicate the issue shown in the Reddit clip, where in Dark icon mode, selecting Graphite then Red then back to Graphite, then the Choose Color option and exiting that, then clicking on Folder Color drop-down menu results in no action. Quitting and re-launchign System Settings fixes that.
Bugs should be reported to Apple here:
User level: Level 1 (5 points)Oct 29, 2026 6:56 AM in response to tjlbjm
Here's a screen video of it, as well as a link to reddit from another user reporting the exact same issue, so I know it's not just me.
Folder color Settings panel freezes when color picker is used. Tint/shade slider doesn't change the tint/shade as it should.
I've safe-booted and it still has the same behavior. Thank you for looking into it.
User level: Level 6 (17,937 points)Oct 29, 2026 6:31 AM in response to tjlbjm
Not sure what the issue is. I cannot duplicate what you are seeing on my Mac mini M4 pro.
User level: Level 1 (5 points)Oct 29, 2026 7:14 AM in response to neuroanatomist
Thank you. I was trying to find the bug report page, but could not find it, google led me here. Thanks again.
User level: Level 7 (28,946 points)Oct 29, 2026 1:47 PM in response to tjlbjm
Not able to replicate this on my M1 Studio Max and 27.2 Sorry
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256385281