Setting Up Your itch.io Game Page
Unlike Steam or the mobile stores, itch.io gives you an enormous amount of freedom over page design — background color, layout, even fonts are all yours to touch. That freedom can be paralyzing when you don't know where to start. This post walks through what to prioritize on an itch.io page and a reasonable order to customize it in. Exact image dimensions change from time to time on itch.io, so always treat the recommended sizes shown in the page editor as the final word.
What the Cover Image Actually Does
The cover image is what shows up almost everywhere your game appears in a list — the itch.io homepage browse view, search results, game jam pages. Think of it as itch.io's version of Steam's capsule art. Since it usually sits small, next to a row of other games, a simple composition that reads by color and silhouette alone works better than something crowded with text.
itch.io often reuses the cover image as a header background or top-of-page banner on custom game pages too, so it's worth building it with generous margins from the start, since it'll end up serving more than one purpose. For exact pixel dimensions, check the "Edit game page" screen every time — that's the source of truth.
Using Screenshots and GIFs
itch.io pages support multiple screenshots, and GIFs are a valid substitute for static images. Given how many experimental and indie-leaning games live on the platform, a short GIF that shows off a core mechanic or a distinctive visual often grabs more attention than a static screenshot would. A common pattern: one GIF at the top of the page to show motion immediately, followed by static screenshots below.
When picking screenshots, favor moments that show off your art style or a defining situation over screens cluttered with UI. itch.io visitors tend to be more curious about experimental games than Steam or mobile store shoppers, so images that highlight what makes your game distinctive tend to land as well as, or better than, ones that just look polished.
A Reasonable Order for Customizing the Page
itch.io's editor lets you adjust background color, text color, link color, and even custom CSS. When you're starting from scratch, this order works well:
- Background and text color first. Just matching the base palette to your game's art style changes the entire feel of the page.
- Cover image and screenshot placement next. Visuals are what catch a visitor's eye first, so they come right after color.
- Clean up the description text. Keep the pitch, controls, and download instructions short and clear.
- Custom CSS last. If you want finer layout control, do it once the basics are locked in — it saves a lot of trial and error.
Custom CSS is powerful but easy to overdo, and heavy customization can break the page on mobile. Always open the page on a few different screen sizes after making changes.
Pricing and Download Format Shape the Page Too
itch.io supports free, fixed-price, and "pay what you want" sales models, and each one changes what buttons and copy show up on the page. Deciding on a pricing model before you finalize the page layout saves you from reworking things later.
Takeaway
With this much freedom, it pays to work in order: cover image, then screenshots and GIFs, then color theme. Always confirm exact dimensions and policy details against the itch.io editor and official docs, and keep color and CSS customization restrained enough that it doesn't fight your game's art style.