How to Change Background in Kodi
By Aidan
Published June 12, 2023
How to Change Background in Kodi
Kodi, the renowned open-source media player, is celebrated for its highly customizable nature. A realm where users are empowered to tweak every inch of their interface, it caters to the demands of those who love to personalize their media experience. One simple yet powerful customization you can perform is changing the background. A change in scenery, one might say, can drastically enhance your viewing pleasure.
In this in-depth guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of how to change background in Kodi, thereby setting the stage for your digital entertainment.
Getting Started with Kodi
Kodi, born as XBMC (Xbox Media Center), has grown over the years into a multimedia titan, supporting virtually all platforms and file types. By offering the ability to stream content from the internet or play files locally stored, Kodi has gained popularity among the cord-cutting community. With its capability to install third-party add-ons and the freedom to customize the user interface, it truly is a playground for digital media enthusiasts.
But before we explore the steps to customize your Kodi background, it's essential to understand that the process can vary slightly depending on the 'skin' you're using. A skin, in Kodi parlance, is a theme that changes the look and feel of the interface. Kodi provides a couple of default skins, with "Estuary" being the standard as of the 17th version, Krypton.
The guide below primarily focuses on the process using the Estuary skin, but the general method remains the same for other skins too. You'll just need to explore a bit and find where specific settings reside.
Changing Background in Kodi: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Access the Settings Menu
First, navigate to the 'Settings' menu. You'll find this in the top left corner of the home screen, symbolized by a cog icon.
Step 2: Go to Interface Settings
Once in the 'Settings' menu, select 'Interface Settings.' This section holds all the keys to the aesthetic elements of your Kodi interface.
Step 3: Choose the Skin Tab
Under the 'Interface Settings,' select the 'Skin' tab. It's in this tab that the magic of background customization happens.
Step 4: Get into Configure Skin
Next, select 'Configure Skin.' Note that you must be using a skin that supports background changes. As mentioned, this guide uses the default Estuary skin for demonstration.
Step 5: Open Background Options
Now, delve into 'Background Options.' This is the place where you get to change the wallpaper for each section of Kodi.
Step 6: Select the Desired Section
Choose the section for which you want to change the background. Each option such as TV shows, Movies, Music, and others corresponds to the menu item on your home screen.
Step 7: Change the Background
After selecting the section, choose 'Background path.' You'll be prompted to navigate to the location of the image file you want to set as your new background. Find your desired image file, select it, and you're done.
Repeat the process for each section you want to customize.
Step 8: Save Changes
Lastly, ensure that you save any changes before exiting the menu. Your new background(s) should now be visible.
The Potential of Kodi Backgrounds
Switching up the backgrounds of your Kodi interface allows you to express your creativity and personalize your media experience. You can set different backgrounds for different sections - a concert crowd for your 'Music' section or a theatre screen for 'Movies.' The possibilities are virtually endless.
Remember to use high-resolution images for the best visual results. The image formats supported by Kodi include JPEG, PNG, and GIF, among others.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to change background in Kodi, you can start experimenting with various images to give your media center a personalized touch. The process is straightforward, easy to learn, and a fantastic starting point to delve into the vast customization potential that Kodi offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use online images as my Kodi background?
Yes, you can. But you need to download the image onto your device first. Kodi does not directly support setting online images as background.
Can I set a slideshow as my Kodi background?
Yes, some skins support this feature. You can select a folder as your 'Background path,' and Kodi will cycle through the images in that folder.
What should I do if my skin does not support background change?
If your current skin doesn't support background changes, you can switch to a different skin that does. Navigate to 'Settings' > 'Interface Settings' > 'Skin' > 'Skin,' and choose a skin from the available options.
Why can't I see the 'Configure Skin' option?
The visibility of 'Configure Skin' depends on the skin you're using. Some skins might name it differently or place it elsewhere. If you're using the Estuary skin and cannot find it, ensure that your settings level is set to 'Expert' or 'Advanced.'
Can I use video as a background in Kodi?
While Kodi does not natively support video wallpapers, certain add-ons may enable this feature. Be aware, though, that video backgrounds can significantly increase CPU usage.