How to install Google Chrome themes on your PC and Mac

Themes are custom skins that can give Google Chrome a whole new look. They aren't just recolors, either – many themes also feature background images that appear when you open a new tab.

Google is busy refining its own site and Chrome's dark mode in preparation for the release of Android 13, but there's no need to wait for that because Google has already been compiling dark themes (opens in new tab) into one handy collection.

There are also collections based on topics such as space exploration (opens in new tab), forest scenes (opens in new tab), and options created by famous fashion designers (opens in new tab). You're sure to find something you like. Not all themes are free, but the vast majority are.

Installing a Chrome theme

You'll find themes in the Chrome Web Store (opens in new tab), and there's an overwhelming number to choose from. Thankfully, you can narrow them down using the options on the left, which let you choose between themes created by Google and third parties, and by star rating.

Themes designed by Google (opens in new tab) are tasteful and will give your browser a makeover by changing its standard design to something more vibrant. The High Contrast theme is particularly useful, making tabs stand out more clearly for anyone who struggles to differentiate between subtle shades. Themes designed by artists (opens in new tab) are more variable in quality, but give you a lot more choice, and many include custom backgrounds for new tabs.

Hovering over any Chrome theme will show a brief description written by the designer. Once you've found one you'd like to try, click its thumbnail to see more details, including a description from the designer, the date it was last updated, and the language it's created for. It's also well worth checking out the reviews, which will give you an idea of the theme's overall quality and any problems it might have.

If you're happy to go ahead and take the theme for a spin, click 'Add to Chrome', and your browser will be transformed. 

Remove a Chrome theme

To reset Chrome back to its default appearance, open the menu and select 'Settings'. Choose 'Appearance' from the left-hand menu and click 'Reset to default'.

There's no need to reset Chrome's appearance in between trying different Themes. Just choose a different one and the previous one will be overridden. 

The best Chrome themes

We've rounded up a few of our favorite shades to use on Chrome.

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1. Space (opens in new tab)
There's no shortage of astrological themes for Google Chrome, but this is our favorite. Translucent tabs sit over a star-scattered background, and opening a new tab reveals a stunning image of the Earth with its atmosphere aglow. 

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2. Tibi (opens in new tab)
Part of Google's collection of designer themes, this fun and fresh look was created by fashion designer Amy Smilovic. It features semi-transparent tabs and a bright, almost psychedelic background to brighten your desktop.

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3. High Contrast Colorful (opens in new tab)
Although attractive, not all custom themes make it easy to differentiate tabs and read labels. This Google-designed theme is specifically designed to be as easy to use as possible, and it still looks stylish.

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4. Turkey (opens in new tab)
This theme is based around a stunning photo of a Turkish beach at sunset. It's very atmospheric and looks fantastic on a larger monitor. The only downside is that the tab labels can be a little hard to read, so you may need to hover over them.

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5. Canola Flower (opens in new tab)
A zesty, fresh Chrome theme that's a real pick-me-up when you load your browser in the morning. This is a great high-contrast theme, so tab labels are clear, and it's easy to differentiate between active and background tabs.

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