Chromebooks work equally well whether you purchase the latest Chromebooks or an older model. However, that doesn't mean all Chromebooks have to look exactly the same. Chrome themes have been around for years. While they don't apply to the whole Chrome OS system, they do add theme to your Chrome browser. This is where we spend most of our time. You can choose a theme that will last years. I have been using the Blue/Green Cubes Theme for at least six years. Setting a new one is easy. Below, we'll show how to theme Chromebook.How to use a pre-made themeChrome themes can be found in the Chrome Web Store along with Chrome extensions and most defunct Chrome applications. Because they all reside on the same website, it is easy to test and apply new themes.In your Chrome browser, open the Themes section in the Chrome Web Store. You can either use the search bar, or scroll through the collection. Source: Ara Wagoner/Android Central Click on the theme that interests you. Source: Ara Wagoner/ Android Central Click to Add to Chrome. Source: Ara Wagoner/Android Central The theme will automatically download and apply. Click Undo to undo the theme. Source: Ara Wagoner / Android CentralHow to create a custom templateAre you not a fan of any of the themes available in the Chrome Web Store's pre-made themes? No worries. These days, you can create your own Chrome theme with no coding or outside help. This is how it works!In the Chrome Browser, open a new tab. Tap the pencil icon in the lower right corner of your new tab screen. Source: Ara Wagoner/ Android Central Tap Colors and themes. Source: Ara Wagoner/ Android Central Select the color scheme that you like. Tap the first option that has the eyedropper icon to choose a theme color. Source: Ara Wagoner/Android Central Choose the hex color that you like. Enter the code. Source: Ara Wagoner/Android Central To add your personal image to the New Tab page, tap Background. Tap Done if you don't want to do so. Source: Ara Wagoner/Android Central Select one of the pre-set photos or upload from your device. Source: Ara Wagoner/Android Central Choose the image that you wish to use. Tap Open. Source: Ara Wagoner / Android CentralTest your new Chrome themeChrome themes have been around since the beginning, but not all have been able to integrate well with the many design changes Chrome has made in recent years. Not all themes are created equal. Some are well-crafted and others are a waste of time. Before you abandon a theme and start your day, here are some things to consider:Readability: Many themes created by Google, such as this colorful collection from Chrome, are usable and easy to use. However, many themes are difficult to read. You should be able to read toolbar and tab names.These themes, which are Google-made, are easy to use. You should be able to read tab names as well as toolbar items. Chrome theme for New Tab page: Chrome themes can replace the New Tab window of the Chrome browser with their own layouts, graphics, and features. You can also use Ctrl+T to open a new tab.Some Chrome themes can replace the entire Chrome browser New Tab window. They have their own layouts, graphics, and features. Take a look at the new tab to see how it looks. This is not as problematic if you are using Chrome browser on a touch screen. However, touchscreen Chromebooks can cause touch targets to overlap or become distorted in strange ways. Before you go on, test a few. Tap the X on the first attempt to close a tab. Tap the extension you want to close. If the Bookmark bar is visible, tap a Bookmark folder then a bookmark.This is less noticeable if Chrome browser is used on a non-touch screen. However, touchscreen Chromebooks can have touch targets that overlap or become distorted in strange ways. Before you decide to move on, test a few. Stability: Not all Chrome themes are made for the latest version of Chrome. Some themes may not work well after years of use. While you won't be capable of testing stability in 5 minutes, it's worth paying attention to the behavior of your Chromebook for the next few days. Are you noticing strange bugs or hangs? You can go back to the original theme. If you find any bugs, the theme needs to be fixed before it can be used full-time. This has been done with multiple themes over the years, as well as themes from the Chrome team.Do you want to go even further?I wish Google Play icons packs and Android widgets would work with Chrome OS. You too! There are three ways you can go deeper with your themes until then.
