Can I use a background without buying it?

You can preview anything here for free. To show it on Steam you must own it — Market, Points Shop, badge craft, drops, or another unlock.

Animated vs static — which should I pick?

Static is a single image (common on the Market). Animated loops as video and is often sold for Points. Preview both here before you spend.

Why doesn’t it show on my profile yet?

Confirm the item is in your Steam inventory, then equip it under Edit Profile (or the Points profile flow) and save. A hard refresh helps if the old background is cached.

Can I match Artwork to the same background?

Yes. Use the cropper to export Featured / Middle / Right PNGs, then follow the upload guide for tall Artwork.

All guides

How to Change Your Steam Profile Background

Find a Steam profile background on Market or Points Shop, preview it free here, buy or redeem on Steam, then equip it on your profile in a few minutes.

Guide4 steps

Steps Overview Sources Equip FAQ

Browse Steam backgrounds Animated backgrounds

Steps

Change your Steam profile background

1Browse the catalogFilter by color, style, animation, price, or game on SteamBackgrounds.app until you find a look you like.
2Preview the listingOpen the background page for a full-size preview (video plays when the item is animated).
3Buy or redeem on SteamFollow the Market or Points Shop link and finish the purchase or redemption on Steam.
4Equip on your profileIn Edit Profile (or Points inventory), select the background and save.

Detail

How Steam backgrounds work

Your profile background is an item you own on Steam. Market listings are usually bought with wallet funds; Points Shop items are redeemed with Steam Points. Many animated backgrounds live in the Points Shop and play as a looping video behind the profile.

SteamBackgrounds.app is a finder and preview: browse, filter, and inspect listings here for free. Completing the purchase or redemption always happens on Steam, and only then can you equip the background on your profile.

Detail

Market vs Points Shop

Use the catalog filters when you know what you want — color, style, animated vs static, price, or game name. Open a listing for a full preview (including video when available).

Community Market — typically static art, paid with Steam wallet currency
Points Shop — often animated, paid with Steam Points
Prices and stock on this site are synced snapshots; confirm the live offer on Steam before you buy

Detail

Equip it on your profile

After the item is in your Steam inventory, open Edit Profile (or the Points inventory / profile customization flow), select the background, and save. The change is usually visible as soon as the profile reloads.

Want the Artwork row under the profile to match the same art? Crop Featured / Middle / Right PNGs from the background next, then upload them with the Artwork guide.

Help

Frequently asked questions

Browse Steam backgrounds

Browse Steam backgrounds Animated backgrounds Crop for Artwork showcases