Editing Theme (computing) (section)

{{short description|Preset package containing graphical appearance and functionality details}}
[[File:Qtskins.png|thumb|The same GUI (using Qt) with three different themes]]
In computing, a '''theme''' is a preset package containing graphical appearance and functionality details. A theme usually comprises a set of shapes and colors for the [[Graphical control element (software)|graphical control elements]], the [[window decoration]] and the [[window (computing)|window]]. Themes are used to customize the [[look and feel]] of a piece of [[computer software]] or of an [[operating system]].

Also known as a '''skin''' (or '''visual style''' in [[Windows XP]])<ref>{{cite web|title=Visual Styles (Windows)|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb773187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx|work=[[MSDN]]|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=18 March 2013}}</ref> it is a custom graphical appearance preset package achieved by the use of a [[graphical user interface]] (GUI) that can be applied to specific [[computer software]], [[operating system]], and [[website]]s to suit the purpose, topic, or tastes of different users. As such, a skin can completely change the look and feel and navigation interface of a piece of [[application software]] or operating system.

Software that is capable of having a skin applied is referred to as being '''skinnable''', and the process of writing or applying such a skin is known as '''skinning'''. Applying a skin changes a piece of software's look and feel—some skins merely make the program more aesthetically pleasing, but others can rearrange elements of the interface, potentially making the program easier to use.