How to Add Custom Artwork to RetroArch Menu on Linux

This article provides a step-by-step process for enhancing the visual interface of RetroArch on a Linux system. It covers locating the necessary configuration directories, downloading compatible theme assets, and configuring the internal settings to display custom backgrounds and icons. By following these instructions, users can easily replace the default interface with personalized artwork that suits their aesthetic preferences.

Locate the RetroArch Directory

Before installing any custom files, you must identify where RetroArch stores its configuration and assets on your Linux machine. By default, the primary configuration folder is located in your home directory under .config/retroarch. You can access this path via the terminal or your file manager by enabling hidden files view. Within this directory, you will find subfolders such as assets, thumbnails, and playlist, which are essential for organizing custom artwork.

Download Compatible Themes and Assets

Custom artwork usually comes in the form of themes or thumbnail packs created by the community. Reliable sources for these assets include the official RetroArch forums, GitHub repositories, or dedicated emulation theme websites. Ensure that the artwork you download is compatible with the menu driver you intend to use, such as XMB, Ozone, or Glui. Download the archive files and extract them to a temporary location before moving them to the system directories.

Install Custom Backgrounds and Icons

To install custom backgrounds, navigate to the assets/images folder within your RetroArch directory. Place your background images here, ensuring they match the resolution required by your specific menu driver. For icon sets, extract the downloaded theme folder into the assets/themes directory. If you are installing custom box art or screenshots for your game list, these files should be placed in the thumbnails folder, organized by the console system name corresponding to your playlists.

Configure the User Interface

Once the files are in place, launch RetroArch to activate the new artwork. Navigate to the Settings menu and select Drivers. Here, you can change the Menu Driver to match the theme you installed, such as switching to XMB for a console-like experience. After selecting the driver, go to Settings > User Interface > Menu Views. If you installed a specific theme, select it from the Menu Theme list. To enable game-specific artwork, ensure that “Show Thumbnails” is enabled in the Playlist settings.

Update Playlists for Automatic Artwork

For the best results, you can allow RetroArch to fetch artwork automatically. Go to the Main Menu and select the Online Updater. Choose the Thumbnail Downloader option and select the systems for which you have created playlists. RetroArch will connect to the server and download verified artwork for your games, placing them in the correct directories automatically. This method ensures that your custom menu looks professional without requiring manual file sorting for every individual game entry.