Chicago (IL) – Chrome’s browser interface is a dramatic change from the overloaded interfaces we have been used so far. But not everyone may like the minimalistic look and feel and Google’s light blue color choices. And if you don’t like it, it seems you don’t have to as Chrome already includes support for themes that can change the look and feel of the user interface.

As of now, Google does not offer a way to switch themes automatically, but the software already install  a “themes” directory, which currently holds the Chrome “default” layout and it should only be a matter of time until Google enables modified layouts as well.

The theme is stored deep in Chrome's application data folder (Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\USER\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Google Chrome\Application; Windows Vista: C:\Users\USER\ AppData\Local\Google\ Chrome\Application). To navigate to this folder, activate the display of hidden files in the options menu of Windows Explorer. Check the folder carrying Chrome's version number (currently 0.2.149.27) and you will see the Themes folder. The default.dll includes the default user interface scheme.

For now, Chrome does not offer an official way to switch themes. Firefox users can use the experimental Personas add-on to apply simple skins and color schemes to the application window. It's a safe bet you'll be able to download Chrome themes from an online repository, create your own themes and share them with the public down the road. Some of the developers we contacted believe that Chrome themes may go beyond simple windows skinning and color schemes.

There are simple custom themes available online already, but they are limited to changed colors and modifications to the new tab page looks. The themes are provided as the default.dll file you need to copy to the directory mentioned before (don't forget to make a backup of the default theme file first). Consult this guide to installing Chrome themes and then search for Google themes. If you file like hacking default.dll theme file yourself, check out the guide to Chrome theme creation.

More complex changes to the interface and its behavior could be in the works, like the creation of new buttons that might be tied to third-party functionality. Sooner or later, Google will have to find a way for third-party plug-ins and extensions to install new controls to the Chrome user interface. At this time, Chrome supports most popular plug-ins necessary to display web pages correctly, including Flash, Acrobat Reader, Java, Windows Media Player, Real Player, QuickTime, and Silverlight.

Monochromatic news

Sep 04, 2008 12:01     

Tech news are lately very monochromatic (pun intended). Chrome supports themes. Wow... rocket science. IMHO, this not deserves an article by itself. Please, keep talking about interesting things... I've had enough chrome for now.
Kurt report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +4

@Kurt

Sep 04, 2008 16:49     

I'm actually wondering if this is not targeted ads. This and the 0.5% market share are either payed articles or written by someone really enthusiastic about this product. The attention is too much. It can wait and a whole review can be made at the end of the week for example...
morduhai report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

sliverlight does not work in chrome

Sep 04, 2008 17:40     

Silverlight does NOT work, and I saw a comment from one of the silverlight developers on microsoft's site that said something to the effect of "we have no plans for supporting Chrome, unless it gains significant market share".
will report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1