Create Custom Windows 8 Tile Icons

Enhancing the Windows 8 Start Screen with Detailed Tiles

The Windows 8 operating system displays shortcuts to desktop applications on its Start screen. These shortcuts, however, can appear visually inconsistent within the tile-based user interface.

Fortunately, it's possible to improve the aesthetic appeal of your Start screen by utilizing detailed tile icons for your installed desktop applications.

Applying the Trick to Various Shortcut Types

This method isn't limited to just desktop application shortcuts. It functions effectively with other pinned items as well.

Folder shortcuts can be customized.
Pinned favorite websites can receive detailed tiles.
Direct links to Steam games are also compatible.

By leveraging this technique, users can create a more visually harmonious and informative Start screen experience in Windows 8.

The result is a more integrated and aesthetically pleasing interface, enhancing usability and personalization.

Customizing Windows 8 Tiles with OblyTile

The native functionality within Windows 8 lacked the ability to personalize tile icons for all desktop applications. To overcome this limitation, we will utilize a third-party tool called OblyTile.

OblyTile is required to achieve this customization; it is a free application that must be downloaded and installed before proceeding.

Obtaining OblyTile

Microsoft did not natively include a feature for creating custom tile icons for every desktop program in Windows 8. Therefore, OblyTile provides the necessary functionality.

Begin by downloading and installing OblyTile to enable the creation of personalized tile appearances.

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Designing a Program Tile with OblyTile

The process of utilizing OblyTile is straightforward. Begin by inputting a desired name for the tile. Subsequently, choose the program that the tile will initiate. Then, supply a tile image and select your preferred colors.

OblyTile will then generate the tile for you. The most significant effort typically lies in the creation of tile images. However, this task doesn't necessarily require independent effort.

OblyTile’s online platform features a readily searchable database of tile images, covering a wide range of popular applications, games, and web destinations.

Creating a VLC Tile as an Example

Let's demonstrate by creating a tile for VLC, a commonly used desktop application. First, enter "VLC" into the designated Tile Name field.

Next, navigate to and select the vlc.exe file located on your computer. Then, choose a suitable VLC tile image, which can be downloaded directly from the OblyTile website.

Finally, select orange as the background color for the tile.

A preview of the tile can be accessed by clicking the magnifying glass icon, allowing you to visualize the final result.

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To finalize the tile and add it to your Start screen, use the Create Tile button. The newly created tile can then be repositioned as desired, just like any other tile on your Start screen.

Upon activation, this tile will launch the VLC application on your desktop.

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Enhanced OblyTile Functionality

Several additional techniques can be employed to maximize the utility of OblyTile.

Tile Management and Customization

Removing a Tile is easily accomplished by right-clicking the desired tile on the Start screen and then selecting the "Unpin from Start" option.

For Creating Your Own Tile Images, it’s important to note that custom images must adhere to specific requirements. These images should be in PNG format and kept under 200kB in file size.

Furthermore, dimensions for custom tile images need to fall between 120x120 and 256x256 pixels to ensure proper display.

Linking to Folders and Websites

Creating Tiles for Folders and Websites is straightforward. Simply input the relevant folder or website address into the "Program Path" field.

Alternatively, the "Choose Folder" or "WebSite Url" options can be utilized for convenient selection.

Steam Game Integration

A dedicated method exists for Creating a Tile for a Steam Game. This requires obtaining the specific application ID associated with the game.

To create the tile, enter a URL formatted as steam://rungameid/201870 into the "Program Path" box. Remember to substitute '201870' with the actual ID of the Steam game you wish to launch.

Tile Manager

The Tile Manager feature within OblyTile is designed to enhance efficiency. Access it by simply clicking the folder icon located in the upper-right corner of the OblyTile interface.

This opens a central hub where existing tiles can be modified. Furthermore, tiles can be rapidly generated from shortcuts already present on your Start screen.

Tile Creation Options

The Tile Manager provides options for creating tiles for frequently used actions, such as initiating a system “Shut Down” sequence. Alternatively, a comprehensive list of installed applications is available for tile creation.

To begin utilizing these features, simply select the corresponding icons positioned at the top of the Manager’s list.

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For users employing the Windows 8 Start screen as a primary application launcher, the Tile Manager assists in seamlessly integrating desktop applications.

This is particularly useful as Microsoft did not natively provide a straightforward method for desktop applications to generate Windows 8-style tiles during installation.

The Tile Manager streamlines the process of customizing your Start screen.
It allows for quick access to frequently used programs and functions.
It bridges the gap in functionality left by the operating system’s initial design.