How to set up the tool window buttons on the side bars in IntelliJ IDE?

Question

How to set up the left/right tool window stripes (also named side bars, side panes) in the IntelliJ IDE so they show the same icons in new projects?

Answer

1. Set up the tool window bars in the way you want them to appear in Project 1
2. Go to the main menu "Window | Layouts | Save current layout as New..."
3. Save it with a name "My preferred layout"
4. Open Project 2
5. Go to Window | Layouts | My preferred layout | Apply

Note:

Upvote the related ticket An option to have window states reused across projects if you miss the default setup