Gmail Launches Custom Themes – How to Add Custom Image as Gmail Background

Google on Tuesday announced it will be rolling out the new custom themes feature in Gmail over the next couple of days. And it’s here now, Gmail Custom Themes with personalized Background images.

Google says “Whether you want to bask on a tropical island or simply reminisce about last year’s holiday with the family, your Gmail can now be customized to your mood. Find your perfect image and make your Gmail your own with custom themes.”

Gmail offers the following options for setting Background Images:

1. Featured Photos.
2. My Photos (Photos from Picasa Albums).
3. Photos from Phone (Use the Google+ Android/iOS app to upload photos instantly).
4. Upload Photos (Self explanatory).
5. Paste a URL (Paste a direct link to Image URL).
6. Recently selected (recently chosen photos).

How to Set Custom Background Image in Gmail.

Step 1. Open Gmail and click on the ‘Gear’ icon (Settings) > Choose Themes.

Choose Themes

Step 2. Scroll down to Custom Themes.

Step 3. Choose Light or Dark theme. (I suggest Light theme if your background image is Dark in color).

Choose Light Theme

Step 4. You will be presented with the Background Image choosing options as we said earlier, Select the appropriate mode of upload/select. Then save the changes.

Background Options

Step 5. Hard Refresh Gmail (Ctrl+F5) if the changes do not appear instantly. There you have it, Custom background image for Gmail.

Gmail with Background

Tip : Google suggest the Background image be of the dimensions larger than 2560 x 1920px. Although I was able to have a good quality cover with 1920 x 1200px also.