How to Set a Custom Background Image in Google Chrome

If you spend a lot of time on the internet, you likely open Google Chrome dozens of times a day. By default, opening a new tab presents you with a stark white screen (or a dark gray one, if you use Dark Mode) featuring the Google logo and a search bar.

If you want to make your browsing experience more personal and visually appealing, you can easily replace that blank background with a custom image, a personal photograph, or a rotating gallery of professional artwork directly within Google Chrome.

How to Change the New Tab Background

You do not need to install any heavy themes from the Chrome Web Store to change your background. The feature is built directly into the browser’s New Tab page.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Open a New Tab (press Ctrl+T on Windows or Cmd+T on Mac, or click the + icon at the top of the window).
3. Look at the very bottom right corner of the New Tab page. You will see a small button that says Customize Chrome (it may also appear as a small pencil icon). Click it.
4. A side panel will open on the right side of your screen. Under the “Appearance” tab, click on Change theme.

Choosing an Image

Once you are in the “Change theme” menu, you have two primary options for setting your background:

Option 1: Use Chrome’s Built-in Galleries

Google provides hundreds of high-quality images organized into categories.

1. Click on any of the category thumbnails, such as Landscapes, Art, Cityscapes, or Life.
2. Browse the images and click on one you like. Your background will update instantly.
3. Optional: If you get bored easily, look for the toggle switch at the top of the category page labeled Refresh daily. If you turn this on, Chrome will automatically select a new, beautiful image from that category every single day.

Option 2: Upload Your Own Photo

If you prefer to see a family photo, a picture of your pet, or a custom wallpaper you downloaded from the internet, you can upload it directly.

1. In the “Change theme” menu, click the option labeled Upload an image.
2. A file browser window will open. Navigate to the folder on your computer where your image is saved.
3. Select the image file (JPG or PNG) and click Open.
4. The image will immediately be applied as your New Tab background.

How to Remove a Custom Background

If you decide you prefer the minimalist aesthetic and want to return to the default blank screen:

1. Open a New Tab and click Customize Chrome in the bottom right corner.
2. Click Change theme.
3. Select the very first option, which is a two-toned circle labeled Default Chrome.

Your background will instantly revert to the standard white or dark gray theme.