Change your Chrome background through the Customize button

When you open a new tab in Chrome, you see a blank page with the Google search box. You can replace that blank background with a photo, pattern, or theme in about one minute. The Customize button sits in the bottom right corner of any new tab — click it, then choose a background image from Chrome's built-in collection or upload your own photo.

This changes only what you see when you open a new tab. It does not change the background of websites you visit or the color of Chrome's toolbar and menus — those are controlled by Chrome themes, which work differently.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the Customize button in the bottom right of a new tab to open the background settings.
  • You can choose from Chrome's ready-made collections (nature, art, patterns) or upload a photo from your computer.
  • Uploading your own image requires a JPG, PNG, or WebP file smaller than 10 MB.
  • Your background choice syncs across all your devices if you are signed into the same Google account.

Step 1: Open a new tab and find the Customize button

Open Chrome and create a new tab by pressing Ctrl+T (Windows) or Command+T (Mac), or by clicking the plus sign next to any open tab. You will see the Google search box in the center of the page and a row of your most-visited websites below it.

Look at the bottom right corner of the page. You will see a small icon that looks like a palette or a pencil — this is the Customize button. Click it once. A panel will slide in from the right side showing your current background and options to change it.

Step 2: Choose a background from Chrome's collection or upload your own

The Customize panel shows several sections. Look for the section labeled "Background" or "Backgrounds" — it displays thumbnail images of available options. Chrome organizes these into categories like Nature, Art, Patterns, and Cityscapes. Click any thumbnail to preview it on your new tab page, then click it again to apply it.

If you want to use a photo from your computer instead, look for an "Upload from device" or "Upload an image" option in the Backgrounds section. Click it, then select a JPG, PNG, or WebP file from your computer. The file must be smaller than 10 MB. Once you select it, Chrome will apply it immediately to your new tab background.

Step 3: Close the Customize panel and confirm your choice

After you select a background, the Customize panel remains open so you can make other changes — like adjusting the search bar color or managing shortcuts. To close it, click the X button in the top right corner of the panel, or simply click anywhere on the new tab page outside the panel.

Your background is now set. Every time you open a new tab, you will see your chosen image. If you are signed into Chrome with a Google account, this background will appear on all devices where you use that account — your phone, tablet, and any other computer.

How to remove or change your background later

To switch to a different background, open a new tab and click the Customize button again. The Backgrounds section will show your current choice highlighted. Click any other thumbnail to replace it, or click "Upload from device" to use a new photo from your computer.

To return to Chrome's default blank background, open the Customize panel and look for a "Default" or "None" option in the Backgrounds section. Click it to remove your custom background.

Troubleshooting: Background not showing or not syncing

If you upload a photo and it does not appear, check that the file is in JPG, PNG, or WebP format and is smaller than 10 MB. Chrome will reject files that are too large or in unsupported formats like BMP or TIFF. Try uploading the file again after confirming the format.

If your background appears on one device but not another, make sure you are signed into the same Google account on both devices. Open Chrome settings, click your profile picture in the top right, and confirm you are signed in. If you are signed in but the background still has not synced after a few minutes, sign out and sign back in to force a sync.

Difference between backgrounds and themes

A background changes only the image on your new tab page. A theme changes the color of Chrome's toolbar, tabs, and buttons. You can have both at the same time — a background on your new tab and a theme applied to the rest of Chrome.

To apply a theme, click the Customize button on a new tab, then look for a "Themes" or "Colors" section. You can also go to Chrome's web store and search for "Chrome themes" to find thousands of options created by other users. Themes are installed the same way as backgrounds and also sync across your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video or animated GIF as my background?

No. Chrome backgrounds must be static images in JPG, PNG, or WebP format. Animated files like GIFs or videos are not supported. If you upload an animated file, Chrome will use only the first frame as a still image.

What happens to my background if I clear my browsing data?

Your background choice is not affected by clearing browsing data. Clearing your history, cookies, and cache will not remove your background. The background setting is stored separately and will remain even after you clear other data.

Can I set a different background for each profile in Chrome?

Yes. Each Chrome profile can have its own background. If you have multiple profiles set up (for work, personal use, or family members), each one stores its own background choice independently. Switch profiles by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner of Chrome.

Why does my uploaded photo look blurry or stretched on the new tab page?

Chrome stretches your image to fit the new tab page, which can distort photos that are not the right size. For best results, use an image that is at least 1920 by 1080 pixels. Smaller images may appear pixelated, and images with unusual aspect ratios may look stretched or cropped.

Does changing my background slow down Chrome?

No. Your background image is stored locally on your device and does not affect Chrome's speed or performance. It loads instantly when you open a new tab, just like the default blank background.