A method, display system, computer software product for controlling an icon appearance are disclosed. A display controller of the display system displays an icon control window on a display screen of the display system for changing an icon appearance of the display system conveniently. The control window includes at least one sample icon for a user's preview, and the sample icon's appearance is automatically updated upon receiving inputs for a new icon appearance from a user. When the user is satisfied with the updated sample icon's appearance and enters an execution command, the display controller finally changes the icon appearance of the display system by changing corresponding display properties according to the user inputs.