How to Change Steam Icons for Non-Steam Games: A Complete Guide

If you’re a gaming enthusiast, you likely have a diverse library that includes both Steam games and non-Steam games. While Steam provides a sleek and organized interface for your games, non-Steam games can appear less polished. One way to enhance your gaming experience is by customizing the icons of your non-Steam games on Steam. This guide will walk you through the steps to change Steam icons for non-Steam games effortlessly.

Why Change Icons?

Changing the icons for your non-Steam games has several benefits:
– Personalization: Customize your library to reflect your tastes and preferences.
– Organization: Easier identification of games, especially if you have a large library.
– Aesthetics: A visually appealing library can make your gaming setup feel more cohesive.

Step 1: Add a Non-Steam Game to Your Library

If you haven’t added your non-Steam game to your Steam library yet, follow these steps:

1. Launch Steam: Open the Steam client on your computer.
2. Access the Menu: Click on the “Games” menu located at the top of the Steam window.
3. Select Add Non-Steam Game: From the dropdown menu, choose “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.”
4. Browse for Your Game: In the pop-up window, you’ll see a list of programs and games available on your computer. Select the non-Steam game you want to add, or click the “Browse” button to locate it manually.
5. Add the Game: Once selected, click “Add Selected Programs” to include it in your library.

Step 2: Locate the Non-Steam Game in Your Library

Now that you’ve added the game, you need to find it in your Steam library:

1. Go to Your Library: Click on the “Library” tab at the top of the Steam client.
2. Find Your Game: Scroll or use the search bar to locate the non-Steam game you just added.

Step 3: Change the Icon

With your non-Steam game now in your library, you can change its icon:

1. Right-Click the Game: Once you find your game, right-click on its name in the library.
2. Select Properties: From the context menu, select “Properties.”
3. Change Icon: In the properties window, you’ll see the default Steam icon. Click on it to set a new icon. You can choose a new icon image from your computer. Make sure the image you choose follows the specifications (ideally 256×256 pixels and in JPEG or PNG format) for the best appearance.
4. Apply Changes: After selecting the new icon, it’s a good idea to restart Steam for the changes to take effect. Steam may prompt you to do this automatically.

Step 4: Set Custom Artwork (Optional)

Beyond just changing the icon, you may also want to set a custom banner or artwork for your non-Steam game:

1. Go Back to the Library: With your game still highlighted, right-click again and select “Manage.”
2. Select Set Custom Artwork: This option lets you upload custom artwork, allowing you to give each game a unique appearance.
3. Choose Artwork: Similar to changing the icon, locate the artwork file on your computer and upload it.
4. Save Changes: Ensure everything is saved properly, and you may need to restart Steam again.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Customized Library

After completing the above steps, your non-Steam games should now have unique icons and possibly custom artwork. This not only makes your library more visually appealing but also easier to navigate as you identify your favorite games at a glance.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues while changing the icon or artwork, consider the following:

• Restart Steam: Sometimes changes won’t take effect until you restart the client.
• Image Specifications: Ensure your icon and artwork images meet the required specifications to avoid any display issues.
• File Formats: Stick with standard formats like JPEG or PNG to ensure compatibility.

Conclusion

Customizing your non-Steam games’ icons in your Steam library is a simple yet effective way to enhance your gaming experience. By following this guide, you can create a personalized and organized gaming library that reflects your style. Enjoy gaming, and happy customizing!