How to Add a Background Image to Google Calendar

Google discontinued this popular background feature

by
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
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Heinz Tschabitscher
Updated on April 27, 2020
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Jessica Kormos headshot
Jessica Kormos
Lifewire Tech Review Board Member
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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Article reviewed on Oct 27, 2020
Jessica Kormos

Google Labs has been discontinued, so it is no longer possible to change Google Calendar's background. However, you can still change your background for Google Chrome and Gmail.

Google Calendar gets a bit boring with only a solid color behind it each day. Why not brighten up your events with a large background image? The setting to enable background images is hidden away, but once enabled, it's possible to add a photo as a background for your Google Calendar.

Man using calendar on tablet
Hero Images / Getty Images

How to Enable a Background Image in Google Calendar

The background image capability of Google Calendar isn't an option that's available by default. Instead, you have to enable it through the Google Labs feature:

  1. Select the Settings gear icon at the top of Google Calendar and choose Labs from the drop-down menu.

  2. Select Enable under the Background image option.

  3. Select Save at the bottom of the page.

You can now add your own background images to Google Calendar.

How to Add a Background Image to Google Calendar

Follow these steps to deck out your Google Calendar with a custom image in the background:

  1. Select the Settings gear icon at the top of Google Calendar and choose Settings from the drop-down menu.

  2. Select the General tab.

  3. Scroll down to the Calendar background section near the bottom of the page.

  4. Select Choose image to upload an image or pick a photo from your Google account. Choose Select after you make your decision.

  5. Back on the General settings page, select Centered, Tiled or Scaled to fit to indicate how the image should appear on your calendar. You can change this setting later.

  6. Select Save to apply the changes and go back to your calendar. The new background image will be displayed.

    To remove a custom Google Calendar background image, return to step 4 and select remove, and then select Save.

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