ie8 fix

How to create custom themes in Gmail

If you've always wanted to use a custom photo as your Gmail background, you now can.

by
Custom Gmail theme (Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

Themes in Gmail are a good way to quickly differentiate between multiple Gmail accounts, as well as adding a little flair to your account. Until now, you were limited to the selection of themes provided by Google. Within the next few days, Google will have completed rolling out the capability to create custom Gmail themes, using your own background photos.

To check if the new themes have been pushed out to your account, go to your Gmail settings and select themes. If the feature's been pushed to your account, you'll see the Light and Dark themes in a new section called Custom Themes.

Gmail custom themes (Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

To use your own background image, select the light or dark custom theme. You can choose a background from Google's featured images, your Picasa Web album, your phone (via the Google+ app), upload an image, or paste a URL. For best results, Google recommends using an image larger than 2,560 x 1,920 pixels.

Select background photo (Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET)

That's it. Keep in mind that Google Apps users may not have theme support, if it hasn't been enabled by the Apps administrator.

Don't Miss

How to

Make your old iPhone run like new

Want to make your iPhone 4 run like an iPhone 5? Donald Bell has some easy tips.

Play Video

How to

Set up the ultimate home theater PC

From configuring your PC to choosing the right accessories, Sharon Vaknin shows you what you need to turn your PC into the ultimate TV companion.

Play Video

How to

Maximize your Galaxy S4's battery life

Stretch your S4's battery life with a few built-in features and lesser-known tricks that keep your phone from draining quickly. Sharon Vaknin shows you how.

Play Video

How to

Let guests DJ your party

CNET's Donald Bell shows you how to turn your iPhone into a shared jukebox that guests can access and control using a free app.

Play Video

How to

Take creative photos with the HTC One

The camera on the HTC One is capable of some pretty cool tricks. CNET's Donald Bell highlights some of this smartphone camera's slick features.

Play Video

 

Member Comments