Tips to beautify the GRUB boot menu on Linux

Visually Optimizing the GRUB Boot Menu: Advanced Techniques for Linux

In 2025, customizing the GRUB boot menu is emerging as an essential tool for advanced Linux users looking to combine aesthetics and performance. Similar to environments like Fedora, Manjaro, or Zorin OS, where design can make all the difference during boot, improving the boot menu is becoming an accessible and satisfying approach. Mastering this step not only strengthens your system’s visual identity, but also optimizes the user experience during each boot. The ability to adapt the boot environment to your tastes—by integrating themes, images, or animations—is now a must-have in advanced Linux configuration.

Main Methods for Customizing the Graphical Appearance of GRUB

To beautify the boot menu, several proven techniques are available to Linux administrators and enthusiasts. Each method has its advantages, disadvantages, and specific use cases. Here’s a summary of commonly adopted strategies:

Manually modifying the /etc/default/grub file to set the resolution, timeout, or even the default system ⚙️ Using graphical tools like Grub Customizer for user-friendly and intuitive management 👩‍💻 Incorporating downloaded or self-created visual themes to align the graphic charter with your preferred environment (KDE Neon, Pop!_OS, elementary OS) 🎨
Adding background images, animations, or even short videos for a modern and immersive touch 🎥 Advanced control with scripts or compiling custom themes for complete control of the final rendering 🛠️ The diversity of these methods allows each user, whether beginner or expert, to adapt their environment according to their preferences, without compromising system compatibility or stability. Concrete configuration examples, particularly on Linux Mint or Debian platforms, illustrate that these adjustments remain accessible and effective. Key Elements for Effective and Sustainable Customization
Element
Description
Impact

/etc/default/grub file

Starting point for setting resolution, timeout, and other essential options

Essential for any basic or advanced customization 🚀	Grub Customizer tool	GUI for easily changing the order, name, and appearance of the menu
Ideal for hobbyists who want to avoid manual editing 💻	Graphical Themes	Downloaded archives with images, colors, and fonts, which can be integrated into the system
For a unique and professional visual identity 🎯	Images and Animations	Add PNG, video, or GIF backgrounds for a live or static menu
For an immersive and modern boot experience 🎬	Custom Scripts and Themes	Advanced creation or modification for a completely personalized look
To fully control aesthetics and functionality 🔧	Beyond simple aesthetics, these elements also promote better Ergonomics. Automatically selecting a theme or wallpaper based on mood or the distribution used (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.) is made easier thanks to resources like Gnome-look.org. The convergence of these tips results in a start menu that is both elegant and functional, reflecting a mature and personalized system.	Concrete examples of integration and advanced configurations
In practice, an experienced user can opt for in-depth modifications, using themes like those from Vimix or the Nord collection. For example, setting a custom wallpaper for Linux Mint or a dynamic animation for elementary OS adds real value at boot time. This can also be combined with resolution management via GRUB_GFXMODE to ensure optimal compatibility with the screen, avoiding distortion or blurring. A critical step is to generate a new configuration file with the command: sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg This process automatically integrates all adjustments, whether a custom background or a downloaded theme, ensuring automatic updates on subsequent boots. The official documentation offers various guides for precise configuration, such as those available at Easily Reinstall GRUB. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ5Y7a4Y8c4	Mastering Dynamic Boot Menu Management for Advanced Customization	Mastering Dynamic Boot Menu Management for Advanced Customization

Dynamic boot menu control provides real-time adaptability, essential for users switching between multiple operating systems such as Fedora, Arch Linux, or Zorin OS. The ability to automate the selection of the default entry or integrate scripts allows the menu content to be harmonized with configuration changes or usage preferences. Configuring Automatic Boot and State SavingIn Linux, GRUB can be configured to always choose the last operating system used or to prompt the user to make their own choice, depending on their needs. The following syntax is commonly used:

GRUB_DEFAULT=saved

GRUB_SAVEDEFAULT=true This setting guarantees optimal fluidity during subsequent startups, particularly practical for those who juggle between several distributions, such as Manjaro and Zorin OS. Implementation requires a simple command: sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

It is also necessary to ensure that the file

represents the latest version of the menu after each modification

. The management dynamic makes it possible to accelerate start-up while maintaining a personalized interface faithful to your choices. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH5DMeqAPz4Embrace advanced customization with custom themes and scripts

For Linux configuration experts, the most advanced approach is to create or modify themes using files in the format

. themes

.txt

. The process consists of manipulating the files in the directory

/boot/grub/themes

or equivalent depending on the distribution.
This process allows you to customize each visual aspect: colors, fonts, images, animations, or even add interactive features via scripts. Flexibility gives rise to truly unique menus, close to modern interfaces found on Windows or macOS.

An essential step is to edit the file

theme.txt

to define precise parameters. Guides, notably that of the site Easily reinstall GRUB in Spanish, offer concrete examples to start this creative adventure.

Stage

Action

Result 1️⃣ Download and unzip a theme Access personalization files 🎨2️⃣ Edit the theme.txt file Adapt colors, fonts and images

3️⃣

Update GRUB configuration Save the change and generate the new configuration 4️⃣ Restart the systemSee the custom menu in action 🚀

Consistency in customization requires mastery of both file editing and theme management. The simplicity of these manipulations facilitates compatibility with distributions like elementary OS or Debian, thus reinforcing the professional appearance of your boot system.