Download GRUB Theme Builder
GRUB Theme Builder is a graphical utility for designing GRUB 2 bootloader themes on Windows and Linux. It replaces manual editing of theme.txt files with a visual canvas where images, labels, boxes, progress bars, circular indicators and boot menus are placed and configured directly. Colors, borders, transparency and corner radius are adjusted through controls, and the resulting theme is exported for installation on compatible Linux systems.
The editor supports drag-based positioning, canvas zoom, project saving in the .GthEri format, and importing of existing GRUB themes for modification. An integrated update checker contacts the GitHub Releases API to notify about newer versions, either automatically at startup or through a manual command. The tool is intended for users who want control over the appearance of the boot screen without calculating element coordinates by hand.
GRUB Theme Builder is written in Java with Java Swing and was created by Ermir Kenga, with version 1.0.0 as the current release. It is distributed free of charge for Windows and Linux. Planned development includes improved preview, additional GRUB components, better import and export compatibility, expanded boot menu editing and further visual effects.
Use Cases for GRUB Theme Builder
| Graphical canvas representing boot loader screen layout | Visual workspace mirrors startup appearance exactly |
| Mouse-driven placement of interface components on canvas | Direct manipulation produces precise coordinate values automatically |
| Static and dynamic text elements with per-item typography | Caption, heading, and description rendering with individual styling |
| Background graphics and decorative imagery incorporation | Visual identity definition through scalable artwork layers |
| Container elements with configurable outline and fill | Framing rectangles separate visual regions on screen |
| Corner radius application for softened geometric shapes | Rounded styling affects outline and filled area equally |
| Per-element color and alpha channel configuration | Transparency settings control layer visibility and contrast |
| Horizontal loading indicators with customizable dimensions | Boot progress display styled to match theme aesthetics |
| Ring-shaped loading progress representation alternatives | Circular indicators suit rotating design motifs |
| Operating system selection list appearance customization | Boot entry styling including highlight and spacing |
| Magnification controls for editing canvas magnification | Zoom levels assist fine positioning without affecting output |
| Project persistence in proprietary extension format | Saved sessions preserve all elements and properties |
| Existing theme loading for inspection and modification | Imported designs can be repositioned and restyled |
| Configuration and asset generation for GRUB 2 systems | Finished designs packaged for Linux installation |
| Version verification through GitHub Releases API queries | Automatic and manual update detection with notification |