How to Get Gmail Skins

While it has many other great, customizable features, Gmail doesn't allow users to customize skins. For users who enjoy variety beyond the default blue and white scheme, this may be a disadvantage of using Gmail. Luckily, if you use the Firefox browser, there's a way to customize Gmail so that it reflects your preferred colors.

Instructions

1. Verify that you have Firefox installed. Some skins may also require that you have GreaseMonkey downloaded on your computer, too.

2. Download and install the GmailSkins add-on from Firefox's Add-on website.

3. Access Gmail and log in with your personal email name and password.

4. Click "Settings" on your Gmail menu, and select the "Gmail Skins" tab.

5. Take advantage of technical options. Select a color scheme for Gmail's interface, use smileys, insert images, change the position of your navigation bar, modify attachment notifications and icons and conceal invite options and footers. For users concerned with privacy issues, you may also delete your email address from the top of Gmail's interface so that others cannot determine which email address you're using.

6. Use some of the HTML features offered to you by the GmailSkins extension. Insert HTML tables or apply other HTML features in Gmail. You may also position your customized Google Homepage so that it shows by your inbox. Doing this can give you access to Google Homepage features without having to open a new window in your Internet browser.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're tech-savvy, consider making your own skins. Share them on websites devoted to offering Gmail skins. You may even make money by charging for the use of your skins.

• You may also consider customizing Gmail's interface by modifying a CSS file. However, this option should only be used by users who are familiar with the process. Changing CSS file values may result in a malfunctioning of Gmail if users make errors.