VLC Media Player is one of the best software out there when it comes to playing media files on your Windows, Linux or Mac computer. It can play almost any type of media file with ease. Since it is made to be simple to use even for those without computer knowledge, its interface is very simple and, for some, it can be boring over time. It's good that there is the option to change the default skin.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Finding a Custom Skin
Step 1. Search for skins available on the internet
There are many sites to download a skin from. Many users make custom skins and share them on the internet.
Step 2. Download skins directly from the VLC site
To make sure what you download is clean and virus-free, you can grab a skin directly from VLC's site.
- Save your downloaded skin in an easy-to-find directory, such as the desktop.
- Custom VLC skins have a VLT extension (.vlt), so it's easy to tell if the file you downloaded is compatible.
Part 2 of 2: Using the Skin
Step 1. Open VLC Media Player
Once the player is open, you will see the menu tabs lined up on the top bar of the window.
Step 2. Click "Tools" from the menu bar
A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3. Select "Preferences"
The Preferences window will open.
You can also access this option by pressing Ctrl + P simultaneously
Step 4. Select the "Interface" option from the menu on the left of the window
This is usually the first option available. If it isn't, just look for it.
Step 5. Find the "Appearance" section
It is located at the top of the window, just below the "Language" section. Once found, you will see two radio buttons:
- "Use native style" - this radio button sets the player skin to default.
- "Use Custom Theme" - this enables you to use any custom skin downloaded from the internet.
Step 6. Enable the "Use custom theme" radio button
Once enabled, the section will change, and you can choose a custom skin.
Step 7. Click the "Browse" button
This will open the “Select File” window. In this window, find the skin you downloaded.
Step 8. Select the skin you want to customize
After finding and selecting the skin file, click "Open". You will be returned to the preferences window.
Step 9. Click "Save"
This button is at the bottom of the window.
Step 10. Close VLC and reopen it to apply the selected skin
Advice
- Be careful when changing the player skin as some of the themes change the position of the toolbars. Some keyboard shortcuts may not be usable (like the Ctrl + P shortcut you just used). You may have difficulty navigating, so choose your custom skins carefully.
- When the skin you have chosen changes navigation, such as the position of the toolbar, don't panic. There are other ways to access the settings besides the toolbars (such as the right-click menu); you just have to be patient in understanding how your new skin works.
