> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kouch.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kouch.dev/customize/themes.md).

# Themes

Pick a theme, add one from a folder, choose an accent colour, and make your own.

A theme changes how Kouch looks and sounds: colours, corners, backgrounds (still or moving, even one per system), the floating shapes behind the screens, sounds, menu music, fonts and the controller outlines on the Players screen. Themes are **data only**. A theme can't run anything, and Kouch checks every file in it before using it.

![Settings › Theme](https://3008865259-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiaV8VKDYJngjWWkPZx0Q%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c43c4a68eb40bb4cf849ef092730d336a268f055%2Fsettings-theme.png?alt=media)

## Pick a theme

On a wide screen the page has two columns: the themes and **Make your own** on the left, the accent colour and its preview on the right. **Left / Right** move between them.

Open **Settings › Theme**. Under **Active theme**, press **A** on a theme to use it straight away.

Each theme shows its author and version, and notes where they apply:

* **Black only** or **White only**, next to the author and version: the theme only changes one of the two looks. The other stays as Kouch draws it.
* **Includes controller or console imagery from its author:** some themes from other people show real devices. Kouch's own theme never does.
* A theme that can't be used is greyed out, with the reason. If a theme you're using breaks later, Kouch goes back to its built-in one.

## Add a theme from a folder

A theme is a folder with a `theme.json` file inside. To add one someone sent you, copy the whole folder into Kouch's themes folder:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Windows" %}

```
%APPDATA%\kouch\themes\
```

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Steam Deck / Linux" %}

```
~/.config/kouch/themes/
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

It shows up in **Settings › Theme** the next time you open it.

**Get more themes** browses the Workshop. It opens with Kouch's Steam release. See [Workshop](/steam/steam/workshop.md).

## Accent colour

The accent is the colour of the highlight, the focus ring and the main buttons.

* **Use system accent color** (on by default) takes your system's accent colour. If it's too hard to read against Kouch's background, Kouch says so and uses its own.
* Or pick one of the **12 swatches**.
* **Use default accent** goes back to Kouch's.

Your own choice always wins over a theme's accent. **Preview** shows the focus ring and a button in the colour you picked.

## Make your own

Under **Make your own**, **New theme** creates a theme folder for you to edit, starting from the theme you use now:

1. Choose **New theme**, type a name (see [Typing with a controller](/controllers/typing.md)) and choose **Create**. Kouch makes the folder and switches to the new theme.
2. Choose **Open theme folder**, and edit its `theme.json` and files on your PC.
3. Back in Kouch, choose **Reload theme** to see your changes.
4. Happy with it? **Publish to Workshop** (with Kouch's Steam release).

What you can put in a theme: [Make a theme](/for-creators/creators/themes.md).

## Black or White

The two built-in **looks** work under every theme. Change it from quick access (**Select › Look**) or **Settings › Display › Look**. See [Look and display](/customize/look-and-display.md).


---

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