My Steam library is a visual masterpiece, and yours can be too. It’s not about the sheer number of games, my Steam level, or expensive skins. The secret lies in customizing the artwork for installed games, and I’m here to share how you can achieve the same polished look effortlessly.
Steam allows custom artwork for games. Simply right-click a game, select Manage > Set custom artwork, and apply any image to the grid, hero, and icon displays. However, manually curating artwork for dozens, or even hundreds, of games can be incredibly time-consuming. Fortunately, there’s a faster and easier solution: SGDBoop.
Streamlining Custom Artwork with SGDBoop
If you’re familiar with emulation on the Steam Deck, you’ve likely encountered SteamGridDB. This extensive library offers custom assets, including grids, hero images, logos, and icons for both Steam and non-Steam games. It features original game assets and community-submitted artwork, providing a wealth of options, especially for popular titles like Elden Ring.
While SteamGridDB allows manual artwork downloads and application, SGDBoop simplifies the process dramatically. This application, developed by the SteamGridDB team, automates custom artwork setup for Steam and non-Steam applications with a single click. Even better, it organizes all custom artwork within your Steam installation folder, facilitating easy transfer to other devices.
Simplifying the Process with SGDBoop
Available for Windows and Linux (and functioning seamlessly in Chrome), SGDBoop is remarkably user-friendly. After installation, click the Show a test popup button on the SteamGridDB website to begin. Search for any game on SteamGridDB and choose one of two options upon hovering: apply custom art directly with Boop or select specific artwork application locations for non-Steam games.
Instructions for using the SGDBoop application.
This streamlined process saves significant time, and changes are reflected in your Steam library in real time. SGDBoop even supports animated artwork, adding another layer of customization to your library.
The Intelligence Behind SGDBoop
SGDBoop goes beyond simply downloading and applying artwork. It links artwork to the unique Steam app ID of each game.
Every Steam app has a unique ID used for internal referencing. For example, Halo: The Master Chief Collection has the app ID 976730. While Valve now uses game titles for folder organization, app IDs remain the primary identification method within Steam.
App ID for Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
SGDBoop leverages app IDs to optimize artwork management. Custom artwork is downloaded and organized under the corresponding app ID, ensuring rapid application and facilitating easy experimentation with different artwork options. Rather than managing numerous downloaded files, SGDBoop simply replaces the existing artwork file associated with the specific app ID.
App ID for Halo: The Master Chief Collection in File Explorer.
Portability and Flexibility
All artwork files are stored within your Steam installation, eliminating the risk of losing custom artwork due to accidental file deletion. More importantly, linking artwork to app IDs enables seamless portability across different Steam installations.
Whether migrating to a new PC or synchronizing artwork across multiple devices, simply copy the Grids folder from Program Files (x86)/Steam/userdata/[UserID]/config to the new Steam installation. Restart Steam, and your custom artwork will be applied automatically. This process even works with the Steam Deck.
Conclusion: A Personalized Steam Experience
SGDBoop offers a free and user-friendly solution for enhancing your Steam library with custom artwork. It saves hours of manual effort and provides a personalized touch to your gaming experience. Consider incorporating SGDBoop into your workflow to create a Steam library that truly reflects your individual style.
A Steam library filled with custom artwork.
Custom art in a Steam library.
Applying a custom Steam artwork with Boop.
