How to make a beautiful Steam profile: step-by-step design
A Steam profile is a background, an avatar and the showcases under your name. It looks designed when these parts match: one picture running across the showcases, colours that fit the background. This is the order that works.
Step by step
- Check your Steam level
Showcases open at Steam level 10, and higher levels give more showcase slots. Below level 10 you can still change the background, avatar and frame.
- Pick a background
Profile backgrounds come from the Steam Points Shop or the Community Market; Steam does not let you upload your own. In “Create a design” you can browse Steam backgrounds and see them behind your showcase before buying.
- Choose the showcase type
Workshop shows five panels in a row, Featured Artwork one large picture, Artwork a large picture with a narrow side panel. Five Workshop panels cut from one picture give the widest single artwork.
- Prepare the files
Add a picture, GIF or video in Showcase Maker, choose the showcase and download the ZIP. Sizes, the 5 MB limit and the HEX 21 ending Steam needs are handled for you.
- Check it on a profile mockup
In the result window press “See it on a Steam profile”: your files appear inside a Steam profile template before you upload anything.
- Upload and add the text
Upload the files (the guides below show how, or use the extension), then fill the Custom Info Box: ready templates are in the “Info box” tab.
Common questions
Is it free?
Yes. Preparing showcase files is free (5 files a day even without an account). Pro removes limits and the watermark from previews and adds extra tools.
Can I upload my own animated background or avatar?
No, Steam sells them in the Points Shop. Animated showcases are the part of the profile you can make yourself.
I don't see the showcase section
It appears at Steam level 10.