Creating Custom Themes

Overview

A consistent visual identity helps create a professional worship experience. This tutorial shows you how to create custom themes that match your church's branding.

What You'll Need

• Your church's brand colors (hex codes if possible)
• A background image or video (optional)
• Your preferred fonts
• 20 minutes to design and test

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Before opening the editor, decide on:

• Primary color: Used for headings and accents
• Background: Dark, light, or image-based
• Font: Serif (traditional feel) or sans-serif (modern feel)
• Mood: Warm and welcoming, bold and energetic, calm and reflective

Step 2: Create a New Theme

1. Go to Settings > Themes
2. Click Create New Theme
3. Name your theme (e.g., "Grace Community - Main")
4. Optionally, start from an existing theme as a base

Step 3: Configure the Background

Solid Color or Gradient

1. Select Background Type: Color or Gradient
2. Pick your colors using the color picker
3. For gradients, add color stops and adjust direction

Image Background

1. Select Background Type: Image
2. Upload your image (recommended: 1920x1080 minimum)
3. Adjust brightness, blur, and overlay opacity
4. Make sure text remains readable over the image

Video Background

1. Select Background Type: Video
2. Upload a looping video (MP4 or WebM, under 30 seconds recommended)
3. Keep video subtle — avoid distracting motion
4. Add a dark overlay for text readability

Step 4: Set Typography

1. Choose fonts for each text type:
   • Scripture text: Large, readable serif font works well
   • Song lyrics: Clean sans-serif for singability
   • References: Smaller, complementary font
2. Set font sizes, weights, and colors
3. Add text shadow for readability over images

Step 5: Preview and Test

1. Click Preview to see your theme with sample content
2. Test with both short verses and long passages
3. Test with song lyrics (multiple lines)
4. Check readability from a distance
5. Test on your actual projector or display

Step 6: Create Variations

Consider creating themed variations:

• Main: For regular services
• Christmas: Festive backgrounds and colors
• Easter: Resurrection-themed imagery
• Special Events: Unique branding for conferences or retreats

Sharing Your Theme

Export your theme to share with other WayPresenter users:

1. Right-click the theme in Settings
2. Select Export Theme
3. Share the .wptheme file

Design Tips

• Contrast is king: Ensure text stands out from the background
• Less is more: Simple designs are easier to read
• Test in context: Always preview on the actual projection system
• Consider lighting: Room lighting affects how colors appear on screen
• Accessibility: Use large fonts and high contrast for readability