Change can be stimulating, and in Gmail, you can make the interface almost as interesting as the emails it holds — or stand back in noble utility. You can re-arrange the furniture and colors easily whenever you like.
Change Your Gmail Theme
To dress Gmail in different colors or apply an image-rich theme:
- Click the Settings gear in your Gmail's toolbar.
- Follow the Settings link in the menu that shows up.
- Go to the Themes category.
- Click the desired Gmail theme.
Use a Custom Picture Background in Gmail
To combine a light or dark theme for Gmail's interface colors with an image chosen by you:
- Click the Settings gear in your Gmail's toolbar.
- Follow the Settings link in the menu that shows up.
- Go to the Themes category.
- Pick Light or Dark under Custom Themes.
- Select a photo from your Picasa Web Albums or Gmail's featured images, specify an image's address (under Paste a URL)or upload an image (under Upload photos).
- Click Change your background image if the image selector does not appear automatically.
- Click Select.
Choose Your Own Gmail Interface Colors
To apply your own color combination to Gmail (not available with the latest Gmail interface):
- Click the gear in Gmail's top right corner.
- Follow the Mail settings (or Settings) link.
- Go to the Themes tab.
- Click Choose your own colors.
- For each interface element:
- Hover over the area to be colored with the mouse.
- Click the down arrow button.
- Select the desired color or colors.
- Click Save.
(Updated November 2011)
