change SharePoint "document set" icon

Question

Feb-20-2026

Microsoft recently changed the icon for a document set which to end users would make no sense. Is there a way to modify the SharePoint "document set" icon for site collections or SharePoint Tenants without using json script?

Ideally Microsoft would create a feature or setting to select an icon more appropriate like a special type of folder or something obvious to end users.

Thanks, for your consideration,

Moderator note: personal info removed

Answer 1

Dear @Chartrand, Charles (MCCSS),

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft 365 community. I completely understand your frustration regarding the recent change to the Document Set icon. When users are accustomed to a specific visual cue, sudden changes can lead to confusion and a decrease in productivity. Currently, there is no built-in setting or "toggle" in the SharePoint UI to change the Document Set icon across a site collection or tenant without using JSON formatting or custom code.

Here is the current status and the best path forward for your organization: As of early 2026, SharePoint Modern UI handles Document Set icons as a system-level asset.

• No UI-based Picker: Unlike SharePoint "Site Icons" or "Microsoft Teams Icons," there is currently no menu to upload a custom image or select a different icon for the Document Set content type.
• The JSON Factor: While you mentioned avoiding JSON, it remains the only supported method for "Column Formatting" to change how a line item looks. Without it, the icon remains the Microsoft default. Since we cannot change the icon globally via a simple setting, I recommend these non-technical strategies to help your end users:
• Use "Type" Column Naming: Ensure the "Content Type" column is visible in your library views. Renaming the Content Type from "Document Set" to something more descriptive (e.g., "Project Folder" or "Case File") can provide the textual context users need.
• View Formatting (Non-Scripting): You can use the "Format current view" option in the library. While it uses JSON under the hood, Microsoft provides "Pill" styles and conditional formatting templates that are point-and-click and can highlight Document Sets in different colors to make them stand out.

Your point about creating a feature to select an appropriate icon is very valid. Microsoft frequently updates SharePoint based on "User Voice" and community feedback. I strongly encourage you to submit this specific request to the product team:

• Visit the Microsoft Feedback Portal: Microsoft Feedback · SharePoint
• Action: Click "Send Feedback" and describe the need for a "Document Set Icon Picker."
• Impact: Upvoting similar suggestions helps the engineering team prioritize these UI enhancements in future "Message Center" updates.

As community moderators, we cannot change the product design directly, but we can ensure your feedback reaches the right channels.

Thank you for helping us make the product better for all users. If we learn of any updates or workarounds, we’ll share them with you right away.

Answer 2

Currently, SharePoint does not provide a built-in feature or setting to change the icon for document sets directly through the user interface without using JSON scripts. The customization of icons for document sets typically involves using JSON to define the appearance and behavior of the document set within SharePoint.

If you are looking for a more user-friendly way to manage icons, you may consider providing feedback to Microsoft through their feedback channels, as they often take user suggestions into account for future updates.

For now, the options for customizing icons are limited to using JSON configurations, which can be complex for some users.

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References:

• Error when changing site logo on Microsoft 365 group SharePoint site