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How to change your Google Classroom header

Updated October 2026 · Checked against Google’s help center

Quick answer

  1. Open the class on a computer (not the app).
  2. Click Customize on the Stream.
  3. Click Select photo to choose one of Google's images, or Upload photo to use your own.
  4. Pick a theme color, then click Save.

Only teachers can change the header. Looking for one? Download any of our free headers.

Change the header

  1. Go to classroom.google.com on a computer and open the class.
  2. On the Stream, click Customize.
  3. Choose where the image comes from:
    • Select photo opens Google's gallery. The subject names above the gallery show more images. Pick one, then click Select class theme.
    • Upload photo lets you use your own image. Drag it onto the middle of the screen, or click Select a photo, choose the file and click Open.
  4. Under Select theme color, pick the color used for buttons and links in the class.
  5. Click Save.

Make an uploaded header look right

  • Use a wide image. About 4:1, at least 1600 pixels wide, keeps it sharp on big screens.
  • Keep the left side calm. The class name sits over the left side in light text. Dark, plain color there; pictures on the right.
  • Match the theme color to the header so buttons don't clash.
  • Skip text in the image. The class name is already there, and text in pictures is hard to read on phones.

Every one of our free Google Classroom headers follows these rules, in 12 colors and 10 subjects.

Questions teachers ask

What size should a Google Classroom header be?

Google doesn't publish an official size. The header shows as a wide banner, roughly four times as wide as it is tall, so use a 4:1 image such as 1600 × 400 pixels. All of our free headers are that size.

Why can't I change the header on my phone?

Changing the class theme is only available on a computer. The Android and iPhone apps show the header but can't change it.

Can students change the header?

No. Only a teacher in the class can change the theme.

Where does the class name go?

The class name is shown on top of the header image, toward the left, in light text. Choose an image that is dark and plain on the left so the name stays readable.

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