By Jason Parker
(6/2/06)
With a constantly growing user base, Mozilla Firefox is quickly moving into the mainstream. One reason users make the switch to the open-source browser is the ability to give it a new look with user-created themes. For this collection, we've handpicked our favorites from a range of styles. There's something for everyone to give your version of the alternative browser its own unique look.
To install these themes, open the Themes dialog in Firefox with Tools->Themes or press Ctrl-Shift-T, hit the Install button, and browse to the theme on your local drive. If you don't have Firefox, get it now.
PimpZilla
For those who like to get down and funky, you can't go wrong with PimpZilla. This theme offers a leopard-skin backdrop complete with fuzzy dice, fancy cars, and lots of lovely gold.
Curacao
Designed by a cat fancier, this understated theme offers kitty-kibble buttons that are undoubtably cute, but stylish nonetheless. The light blue background with brown highlights makes this theme easily palatable to a wide audience.
Azerty III
This fun theme uses all the colors of the rainbow for nice, rounded buttons. The clever design approach for several of the buttons makes this theme unique, but not so "in your face" as to annoy.
Modern Pinball
This mostly gray theme stays in the background while surfing, but a closer look reveals flair. The 3D, convex style of the buttons lends a futuristic appeal, putting this theme in a class by itself.
Qute
This "cute" theme offers stylized, well-designed buttons that blend well with Windows XP. Those who want an unobtrusive theme need not look further than this simple, yet stylish skin.
Doodle Classic
This theme features a hand-drawn look, with pleasing button colors on a neutral background. The sketched buttons have a childlike quality that brings the schoolhouse to mind.
Scribblies Kids
This colorful theme is hard to ignore with uniquely stylized buttons and hand-drawn qualities. The playful button icons are perfect for both kids and kids at heart.
Abstract PC
The white and classic blue colors in this theme go with almost anything. The straight lines and simple button icons are both attractive and easy to identify when surfing.
SeaSlate
The dark gray background of this theme, combined with the light text and modular buttons, reminds us of the Alienware line of gaming PCs. If you're wondering whether you'd like a dark theme, here's a moderate taste.
GreenShift
As our only truly dark theme in the gallery, this entry offers glassy, rounded black buttons and laser green highlights. It's likely only veteran dark-theme lovers will appreciate this slick and stylish creation.
