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Theme package structure

Understand the files included in an exported theme package and the cache file Chrome may add after installation.

After you export a ZIP from the creator and unzip it, the folder usually looks like this:

my-theme/
|-- manifest.json      ← theme config (name, colors, image paths, icon, …)
|-- images/            ← wallpapers, frame images, etc.
`-- icons/
    `-- icon-128.png   ← store / extensions-page icon (always included)

The creator always writes a 128×128 icons/icon-128.png and declares icons["128"] in manifest.json. You can upload a custom store icon under Chrome Web Store listing; if you skip it, the creator uses the wallpaper when available, then falls back to the theme color and the first letter of the name.

Extra file after install: Cached Theme.pak

After Chrome loads the theme, the folder often also contains:

my-theme/
|-- manifest.json
|-- images/
|-- icons/
`-- Cached Theme.pak   ← cache file Chrome generates automatically

Cached Theme.pak is a binary cache Chrome builds when the theme is installed/applied so it can load faster. It is not something you author by hand, and the creator’s export ZIP usually does not include it.

What to know:

  • You do not need to create or edit this file
  • Seeing it when unpacking someone else’s installed theme is normal
  • If you edit images or manifest.json locally and the look does not update, delete Cached Theme.pak, then reload the theme so Chrome rebuilds the cache; if that still fails, use Settings → Appearance → Reset to default and load the theme again (see Common issues)

What to check

Most of the time, export from the creator is enough — you do not need to hand-edit these files.

If you check a package yourself, remember:

  1. manifest.json must be at the root of the unzipped folder
  2. Images must live inside the package with matching paths (no hotlinked external URLs)
  3. The package should include icons/icon-128.png (required for the Chrome Web Store)

What’s in the config file

  • Theme name, version, description
  • Store icon path (icons)
  • Colors, images, layout, and other appearance settings

For details about individual appearance settings, see Style overview.

Themes vs extensionsZIP vs CRX