Save your preferred wallpaper as a .png or .jpg (match your monitor's resolution, e.g., 1920x1080). Go to > User Interface > Appearance . Select Background or Menu Wallpaper . Browse your local storage and select your image.
If your theme looks broken or text becomes unreadable after an install, use these quick fixes.
If you downloaded a custom Menu Driver (a .dll on Windows or .so on Linux): retroarch custom themes download
The Ultimate Guide to RetroArch Custom Themes: Download, Install, and Personalize Your Setup
RetroArch actually has an official repository built right into the software. You can access thousands of official assets directly. Go to > Online Updater . Save your preferred wallpaper as a
Replacing the default menu icons with custom packs (e.g., arcade-style icons, console-specific branding). Where to Find RetroArch Custom Themes (Download Sources)
What you are running RetroArch on (PC, Steam Deck, Android, Raspberry Pi, etc.)? Which menu driver (XMB or Ozone) you prefer to use? Browse your local storage and select your image
| Pack | Menu Driver | Source | |------|-------------|--------| | RetroActive | XMB | Libretro forums | | Monochrome | XMB | GitHub | | Switch Style | Ozone | Reddit | | PS3 XMB | XMB | Fan-made |
Custom themes usually download as .zip or .7z archives. Extract these files on your computer or device. Step 3: Transfer the Files
Before we jump into where to find custom themes, it’s crucial to understand that "themes" in RetroArch are closely tied to what is known as a . This is the "engine" that determines how the interface is laid out and navigated. The assets you download (fonts, icons, wallpapers) must be compatible with the specific Menu Driver you are using. Here are the four main drivers:
This guide shows how to locate, download, and install custom themes (also called playlists/skins/UI themes) for RetroArch on desktop platforms. Assumes RetroArch is already installed. Steps focus on the most common theme types (Desktop GL, XMB, Ozone, and MaterialUI skins).