StyleFolder

One of the perks of Windows, although not targeting functionality is the possibility to personalize it by changing desktop background, icons and more. Besides default options, multiple themes and completely new styles can be found all over the Internet, with StyleFolder being a suitable example of what can be done to directories.

The application holds all of its features in a compact main window, fitted with a preview area that covers most of the workspace, as well as buttons to change different elements. As the name suggests, the main target are folders. Sadly, the only way to start tweaking is to use the open dialog, since drag and drop is not supported, but a context menu option is created for more comfort.

Only a few aspects of a folder can be managed, such as background, icon, text color and tooltip description. It all seems fun and games, but shortly after applying settings you notice not all goes as expected.

This is because the background image you select is nowhere to be found, while text color remains the same as the original. The tooltip indeed displays whatever text string you add, as well as the icon. However, the application doesn't come with any new icons, with the selection window only letting you choose from the default library.

You might turn to the included documentation for answers, with the only helpful info you stumble upon is that some settings don't apply to read-only folders, as well as optical drives. However, it seems that regardless of settings or folders you pick the custom background stubbornly refuses to show up.

Taking everything into consideration, we can say that StyleFolder promises to bring a lot of goodies, at least through the name, but it only lives up to expectations if you satisfy with a custom tooltip message and different icon. It would have been useful to see at least different icons from the system default, but with little to no other options that what Windows already lets you handle, practicality is highly questionable.