Top Six Best Sites for Windows Skinning
By 
Introduction
The world of Windows Customization is a large one, with content scattered all over the Internet. In general, most people only frequent a few sites here or there and might be missing out on a lot of great content around the community. This list is my view of the top six sites in the skinning community.
For clarification: Skinning is customizing your PC (interface, icons, wallpaper, cursors etc.), changing the look of the user interface as much as you like.
A full (better) definition of what skinning is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_%28computing%29
The list has been updated today to include suggestions from the skinning community in response to the original list. Check item 7 for the new stuff!
1
WinCustomize.com
Possibly the largest site dedicated purely to windows UI customization, WinCustomize is home to over 66,000 user-submitted uploads, covering nearly 50 applications and UI elements. The site also boasts a large and helpful community, providing assistance to fellow users via forums and IRC. This is the essential site to have in your bookmarks list if you're interested in skinning.
Additionally, the site has launched a resource and help wiki at http://wiki.wincustomize.com It is currently the most comprehensive skinning wiki in the community.
Additionally, the site has launched a resource and help wiki at http://wiki.wincustomize.com It is currently the most comprehensive skinning wiki in the community.
2
Customize.org
One of the oldest customizations sites on the Internet, Customize.org caters to more than just Windows customization, though that represents the bulk of their content. Recently relaunched with a Web 2.0 style look, Customize.org is a growing site with a very active community.
3
WinMatrix.com
While WinMatrix itself does not host any customization files (icons, wallpapers skins etc.) they have one of the most robust, active and friendly forum communities out there. If you're looking for feedback on your latest creation, or general technical assistance, WinMatrix is a fantastic resource.
4
DeviantART
DeviantART is one of the biggest digital art sites on the Internet. The site has everything from photography, to oil paintings, to sculptures and digital art. What many don't know is that the site started as a Windows UI customization gallery. They still have a very active set of galleries dedicated to icons, skins and wallpapers. While there's a lot to sift through, you're sure to find something you like there.
5
Skinning.net
A smaller site, more focused on community than content, Skinning.net is a great starting point to ease yourself into the world of Windows Skinning. The community is friendly and extremely helpful, and a good place to showcase your early work. They'll welcome you and give you good advice on improving your work, or where to get the best content for your PC.
6
Skinartistry
Another community focused skinning site. Skinartistry is one of the best sites for tutorials and help on how to skin your PC. From user-focused tutorials, to how-tos on designing specific elements of a desktop user interface, SA is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for help on how to get into skinning.
7
Bonus: Community Suggestions
Based on feedback from the skinning community, I've thrown in this entry for "Community Suggestions" These are all smaller skinning sites but worth checking out. WinModify specifically is about ready to undergo a relaunch with a new design, so keep your eye on them!
1. Aqua-soft.org (very cool community going here)
2. JoeJoe.org
3. SkinBase.org
4. WinModify.net
5. Adni18.com
6. LotsofSkins.com
7. Crystalxp.net
8. AeroXP.org
9. CustomXP.net
10. GetSkinned.org
11. GUIStyles.com
12. Interfacelift.com
13. OSX-e.com
14. oxyx.oxygen-inc.com
1. Aqua-soft.org (very cool community going here)
2. JoeJoe.org
3. SkinBase.org
4. WinModify.net
5. Adni18.com
6. LotsofSkins.com
7. Crystalxp.net
8. AeroXP.org
9. CustomXP.net
10. GetSkinned.org
11. GUIStyles.com
12. Interfacelift.com
13. OSX-e.com
14. oxyx.oxygen-inc.com
This list is not present yet but I am looking forward to it.
Great list, and great sites!
Remember, pass this link to all your friends, post it to your favorite techie forums too :)
Way cool. I had no idea this was available. So I won't get any work done tomorrow.
Do you know off the top of your head if this is all Vista Ultimate compatible? Vista seems to have the collage skin built in, but I need that moving water skin.
Do you know off the top of your head if this is all Vista Ultimate compatible? Vista seems to have the collage skin built in, but I need that moving water skin.
The moving water thing you're talking about is Liquid Dream, it's an animated desktop for Windows Vista Ultimate users who have the DreamScene extra from MS and the DeskScapes extension app from Stardock (free).
Liquid Dream is unfortunately not one of the free Dreams out there though, I believe it's about $9. It's not a standard video loop though, it's an actual application that you can change the settings on (frequency of rain drops, size of rain drops, reflection of the water, reflected sky image, water background image).
Hit dream.wincustomize.com for all the user-submitted stuff. There are some very talented video editors out there. I personally think NGTV's stuff is some of the best right now.
Liquid Dream is unfortunately not one of the free Dreams out there though, I believe it's about $9. It's not a standard video loop though, it's an actual application that you can change the settings on (frequency of rain drops, size of rain drops, reflection of the water, reflected sky image, water background image).
Hit dream.wincustomize.com for all the user-submitted stuff. There are some very talented video editors out there. I personally think NGTV's stuff is some of the best right now.
By 
By 
By 
By 
By
6 Comments