# Skins
**Skins** are custom controller overlays that let you personalize the look and feel of Provenance's on-screen controls. Choose from hundreds of community-created designs, from classic console aesthetics to modern minimalist layouts.
## What Are Skins?
Skins change the visual appearance of your on-screen controller buttons and d-pad while you play. Each skin is designed for a specific system (e.g., NES, Game Boy, PlayStation) and can completely transform your gaming experience.
**Examples of popular skin styles:**
* ๐จ **Console-accurate** - Recreates the original hardware's button layout and colors
* ๐ **Custom colors** - Transparent, neon, retro themes
* ๐ฑ **Minimalist** - Simple, clean buttons that don't obstruct gameplay
* ๐ฎ **Game-themed** - Styled after specific games (Pokรฉmon, Mario, Sonic)
* ๐ป **Invisible** - For Backbone/Kishi users who want physical controls only
## โจ Key Features
**Skins are 100% FREE for all users!** No Provenance Plus subscription required.
**Highlights:**
* โก Fast rendering and loading
* ๐ Smooth orientation changes
* ๐พ Optimized memory usage
* ๐ฎ Full support for all RetroArch cores
* ๐ฑ Works on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV
* ๐จ **Multi-theme variants** โ multiple color schemes in one skin file
* ๐ **Animated backgrounds** โ frame sequences, APNG, or GIF
* โจ๏ธ **Keyboard overlays** โ for C64, Atari, ZX Spectrum and other keyboard systems
* ๐ณ **Per-button haptics** โ custom haptic intensity per button
## Supported Systems
Skins work with **all systems except**:
* โ Nintendo DS (not currently supported)
**Fully supported systems include:**
* โ
NES, SNES, N64
* โ
Game Boy, GBC, GBA
* โ
Nintendo 3DS (iOS/iPadOS/macOS only โ not supported on tvOS)
* โ
Genesis, Sega CD, Dreamcast
* โ
PlayStation, PSP
* โ
Atari, Neo Geo, TurboGrafx-16
* โ
And 30+ more!
***
## How to Get Skins
### Download from DeltaStyles.com
[**DeltaStyles**](https://deltastyles.com) is the largest community repository for Provenance-compatible skins.
**What's available:**
* ๐จ Hundreds of free skins
* ๐ฎ Organized by system (NES, GBA, PlayStation, etc.)
* ๐ Multiple color themes per system
* ๐ฅ Community uploads and ratings
**File format:** `.deltaskin`
**Compatibility:** Provenance supports both **Delta skins** and **Manic skins** - they're the same format!
### Other Sources
* **PlayCase.gg** - Curated skin collection
* **Reddit** (r/EmulationOniOS) - Community-shared skins
* **Discord** - Provenance community often shares custom skins
***
## How to Import Skins
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Safari Download" %}
1. **Visit DeltaStyles.com** on your iPhone/iPad
2. **Browse by system** (e.g., Game Boy Advance)
3. **Tap "Download"** on a skin you like
4. Safari will download the `.deltaskin` file
5. **Tap the downloaded file** in Safari's download manager
6. **Select "Open in Provenance"**
7. โ
Skin is now imported!
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="AirDrop" %}
1. Download skins on your Mac/another device
2. **AirDrop the `.deltaskin` files** to your iPhone/iPad
3. **Tap the file** when it arrives
4. **Select "Open in Provenance"**
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Files App" %}
1. Save `.deltaskin` files to iCloud Drive or local storage
2. Open **Files app**
3. Navigate to the skin file
4. **Tap and hold** โ **Share** โ **Provenance**
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Import via Settings" %}
1. Open **Provenance**
2. Tap **Settings** (gear icon)
3. Scroll to **Controller Skins**
4. Tap a system (e.g., "Game Boy Advance")
5. Tap **"+"** to import from Files app
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
***
## How to Apply Skins
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Global Default (Per System)" %}
Apply a skin to **all games** for a specific system:
1. Open **Provenance**
2. Tap **Settings** โ **Controller Skins**
3. **Select a system** (e.g., "Super Nintendo")
4. **Tap the skin** you want to use
5. **Select "Set as Default"**
6. โ
This skin will now be used for all SNES games
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Per-Game Skin" %}
Apply a unique skin to a **specific game only**:
1. **Long-press a game** in your library
2. Tap **"Game Settings"**
3. Scroll to **Controller Skin**
4. **Select a skin** from the list
5. โ
This game will now use that skin (overrides global default)
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Switch Mid-Game" %}
Change skins without exiting your game:
1. While playing, **open the pause menu** (pause button)
2. Tap **Settings**
3. Tap **Controller Skin**
4. **Select a new skin**
5. Resume playing with the new skin applied
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
***
## Skin Browser
Provenance includes a built-in **skin browser** for managing your collection:
**How to access:**
* Settings โ Controller Skins โ \[System Name]
**Features:**
* ๐ธ **Preview thumbnails** - See what each skin looks like
* ๐๏ธ **Delete skins** - Swipe left to remove unwanted skins
* ๐ **Mark favorites** - Star your most-used skins for quick access
* ๐ **Organize by system** - Automatic sorting by console
**Performance tip:** The skin browser features smooth, responsive scrolling even with large collections.
***
## Creating Custom Skins
### Can I Make My Own Skins?
**Yes!** Custom skin creation is supported, but it requires design tools and familiarity with the `.deltaskin` file format.
**What you need:**
* ๐จ **Image editor** (Photoshop, GIMP, Affinity Designer)
* ๐ **Understanding of JSON** (skin configuration file)
* ๐ฑ **iOS device resolution knowledge** (different layouts for iPhone/iPad)
### File Structure
A `.deltaskin` file is actually a **ZIP archive** containing:
```
MySkin.deltaskin/
โโโ info.json # Skin metadata (name, author, system)
โโโ portrait.png # Portrait mode controller image
โโโ landscape.png # Landscape mode controller image
โโโ edgeToEdge.png # (Optional) Full-screen layout
โโโ assets/ # (Optional) Additional graphics
โโโ preview.png # Thumbnail for skin browser
โโโ bg001.png # (Optional) Animated background frames
```
### `info.json` Structure
```json
{
"name": "My Custom Skin",
"identifier": "com.yourname.myskin",
"gameTypeIdentifier": "public.aoshuang.game.gba",
"author": "Your Name",
"version": "1.0",
"orientation": "portrait",
"mappings": {
"a": { "x": 280, "y": 380, "width": 60, "height": 60 },
"b": { "x": 340, "y": 320, "width": 60, "height": 60 },
"dpad": { "x": 40, "y": 360, "width": 100, "height": 100 }
}
}
```
**Key fields:**
* `gameTypeIdentifier` - System this skin is for (see [System Identifiers](#system-identifiers) below)
* `mappings` - Button positions (x, y coordinates + dimensions)
* `orientation` - "portrait", "landscape", or both
### System Identifiers
Common system identifiers for `info.json` โ use the Provenance/ManicEmu identifiers (`public.aoshuang.game.*`) for broadest compatibility:
| System | Identifier |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------- |
| NES | `public.aoshuang.game.nes` |
| SNES | `public.aoshuang.game.snes` |
| Nintendo 64 | `public.aoshuang.game.n64` |
| Nintendo DS | `public.aoshuang.game.ds` |
| Game Boy | `public.aoshuang.game.gb` |
| Game Boy Color | `public.aoshuang.game.gbc` |
| Game Boy Advance | `public.aoshuang.game.gba` |
| PlayStation | `public.aoshuang.game.ps1` |
| PSP | `public.aoshuang.game.psp` |
| Sega Genesis / MD | `public.aoshuang.game.md` |
| Sega CD | `public.aoshuang.game.mcd` |
| Sega 32X | `public.aoshuang.game.32x` |
| Game Gear | `public.aoshuang.game.gg` |
| Dreamcast | `public.aoshuang.game.dc` |
| PC Engine / TG-16 | `public.aoshuang.game.pce` |
| Atari 2600 | `public.aoshuang.game.2600` |
| Atari 7800 | `public.aoshuang.game.7800` |
| Neo Geo | `public.aoshuang.game.neogeo` |
| Commodore 64 | `public.aoshuang.game.c64` |
Delta-compatible skins (`com.rileytestut.delta.game.*`) also work in Provenance.
**For a complete list**, check the [Provenance skin catalog](https://provenance-emu.com/skins/) source code.
***
## Advanced ManicSkin Features
Provenance supports advanced skin capabilities that go beyond static button layouts. These features are configured in `info.json` and give skin creators powerful new options.
{% hint style="info" %}
These features require the latest version of Provenance. Check [App Store](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/installing-provenance/app-store) or [advanced installs](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced) for the most current builds.
{% endhint %}
### Multi-Theme Variants
A single skin file can contain multiple visual themes (e.g., light mode / dark mode / game-specific palettes). Users select themes via a segmented control in the skin picker.
```json
{
"name": "Lux GBA",
"themes": [
{ "identifier": "dark", "displayName": "Dark Mode" },
{ "identifier": "light", "displayName": "Light Mode" },
{ "identifier": "purple", "displayName": "Purple Haze" }
]
}
```
Each theme identifier corresponds to asset variants bundled inside the `.deltaskin` ZIP. The skin validator will catch missing theme assets before import.
### Animated Backgrounds
Skins can include animated backgrounds behind the game screen using frame sequences, APNG, or GIF files.
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Frame Sequence" %}
```json
"backgroundAnimation": {
"type": "frames",
"frames": ["bg001.png", "bg002.png", "bg003.png", "bg004.png"],
"fps": 12,
"loops": 0
}
```
`loops: 0` means loop infinitely. Include the frame images inside your `.deltaskin` ZIP.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="APNG / GIF" %}
```json
"backgroundAnimation": {
"type": "apng",
"source": "background.png"
}
```
Or for GIF:
```json
"backgroundAnimation": {
"type": "gif",
"source": "background.gif"
}
```
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
**Supported `blendMode` values:** `normal`, `multiply`, `screen`, `overlay` (optional field, defaults to `normal`).
### Keyboard Overlay
For systems with keyboard input (Commodore 64, Atari 8-bit, ZX Spectrum, etc.), skins can include an on-screen keyboard overlay.
```json
"keyboardOverlay": {
"layout": "full",
"position": "bottom",
"opacity": 0.85,
"autoShow": true
}
```
**Layout variants:**
| `layout` | Description |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| `full` | Standard QWERTY keyboard |
| `compact` | Condensed layout for smaller screens |
| `functionRow` | Function keys only (F1โF12) |
| `c64` | Commodore 64 key layout |
| `zxSpectrum` | ZX Spectrum key layout |
| `amstradCPC` | Amstrad CPC key layout |
| `atariST` | Atari ST key layout |
* `position`: `"top"` or `"bottom"` โ where the keyboard appears on screen
* `autoShow`: `true` to show keyboard automatically when a text input is focused
### Per-Button Haptics
Individual buttons can have custom haptic feedback intensity, letting skin creators match haptic feel to button importance or game genre.
Add `hapticStrength` to any button mapping:
```json
"mappings": {
"a": { "x": 280, "y": 380, "width": 60, "height": 60, "hapticStrength": "heavy" },
"b": { "x": 340, "y": 320, "width": 60, "height": 60, "hapticStrength": "medium" },
"start": { "x": 180, "y": 450, "width": 44, "height": 44, "hapticStrength": "light" }
}
```
**Haptic strength values:** `none`, `light`, `medium`, `heavy`, `rigid`, `soft`
### Skin Validator
Provenance automatically validates `.deltaskin` files on import:
* **Errors** (block import): missing `info.json`, invalid `gameTypeIdentifier`, referenced image files not found in ZIP, malformed JSON
* **Warnings** (shown after import): missing optional fields, deprecated field names, oversized assets
The validator helps skin creators catch issues before distributing their work.
***
### Tools for Skin Creation
**Recommended workflow:**
1. **Download an existing skin** as a template
2. **Unzip the `.deltaskin` file** (rename to `.zip` โ extract)
3. **Edit PNG images** in your image editor
4. **Adjust `info.json` mappings** if needed
5. **Re-zip the folder** โ rename to `.deltaskin`
6. **Import into Provenance** and test
**Advanced tools:**
* **Delta Skin Editor** (web-based tool) - Simplifies mapping button coordinates
* **Skin Template PSDs** - Pre-made Photoshop templates (search GitHub/Reddit)
**External skin creation guides:**
* [**Manic EMU Homemade Skin Guide**](https://manicemu.site/Homemade-Skin-Guide-EN/) โ Extremely detailed guide covering press animations, custom function buttons, and advanced skin features (uses the same `.deltaskin` format)
* [**DeltaCore Skins Spec**](https://github.com/rileytestut/DeltaCore/wiki/Skins) โ Official technical specification for the `.deltaskin` format (JSON schema, coordinate systems, image requirements)
***
## Tips & Best Practices
### For Best Performance
1. โ
**Use optimized PNGs** - Compress images to reduce file size (tinypng.com)
2. โ
**Avoid overly complex designs** - Simple graphics load faster
3. โ
**Test on your device** - Preview how skins look at actual screen size
4. โ
**Delete unused skins** - Keep your collection organized
### For Better Gameplay
1. ๐ฎ **Match button placement to your grip** - Different layouts feel better for different hand sizes
2. ๐ **Consider transparency** - Semi-transparent buttons let you see more of the game
3. ๐ฑ **Test both orientations** - Some games play better in portrait vs landscape
4. ๐ **Check button visibility** - Make sure buttons are easy to see against game graphics
### Popular Community Recommendations
**Best all-around skins (per DeltaStyles ratings):**
* **GBA:** "Atomic Purple" (classic transparent purple)
* **SNES:** "Classic Gray" (original SNES controller recreation)
* **PlayStation:** "DualShock" (authentic PS1 button layout)
* **Game Boy:** "DMG Original" (1989 gray brick aesthetic)
***
## Troubleshooting
Skin Not Showing in Browser
**Problem:** Imported skin doesn't appear in the skin list
**Solutions:**
1. โ
**Check file extension** - Must be `.deltaskin` (not `.zip`)
2. โ
**Verify system** - Skin must match a supported system (DS not yet supported; 3DS not supported on tvOS)
3. โ
**Restart Provenance** - Force quit app and reopen
4. โ
**Re-import** - Delete and re-download the skin
Skin Looks Corrupted or Glitchy
**Problem:** Buttons are misaligned, missing, or stretched
**Solutions:**
1. โ
**Re-download skin** - File may have been corrupted during download
2. โ
**Check device compatibility** - Some skins are iPhone-only or iPad-only
3. โ
**Update Provenance** - Ensure you're on the latest version from the App Store
4. โ
**Report to skin creator** - Leave feedback on DeltaStyles or GitHub
Buttons Don't Respond
**Problem:** Tapping skin buttons doesn't register input
**Solutions:**
1. โ
**Check `info.json` mappings** - Button coordinates may be wrong
2. โ
**Disable "Touch Controls"** - Settings โ ensure touch controls are enabled
3. โ
**Try a different skin** - Test if the issue is skin-specific
4. โ
**Restart game** - Close and relaunch the game
Performance Slowdown with Skins
**Problem:** Game lags or stutters after applying a skin
**Solutions:**
1. โ
**Use simpler skins** - Complex, high-resolution graphics add overhead
2. โ
**Update to the latest version** - Contains skin performance improvements
3. โ
**Close background apps** - Free up memory
4. โ
**Disable visual filters** - Turn off CRT/Smoothing in settings
***
## Storage & File Management
### Where Are Skins Stored?
Skins are stored on your device in Provenance's app container.
**iCloud sync:** On Apple TV (tvOS), iCloud/CloudKit sync is included for free. On iPhone, iPad, and Mac, **Provenance Plus** is required for iCloud sync of skins, your game library, save states, BIOS files, and custom artwork. [Learn more about Provenance Plus โ](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/faqs#what-is-provenance-plus)
**File size:** Most skins are 500KB - 2MB each (negligible storage impact).
### How to Organize Many Skins
**Recommended workflow:**
1. **Delete unused skins** - Swipe left in skin browser
2. **Name skins clearly** - Use descriptive names when creating custom skins
3. **Keep backups** - Save favorite skins to iCloud Drive or Files app
### Sharing Skins
**How to share your custom skins:**
1. Export the `.deltaskin` file from Provenance
2. Upload to DeltaStyles.com (create free account)
3. Or share via AirDrop, Discord, Reddit
**Community etiquette:**
* ๐ Credit original artists if you modify their work
* ๐ Include a preview screenshot when sharing
* ๐ Share source files (PSD/Figma) for easier community remixing
***
## Frequently Asked Questions
Do skins work on Apple TV?
Yes, for most systems! Skins render on Apple TV when using touch-based systems (though most users prefer physical controllers). Note: Nintendo 3DS skins are not supported on tvOS.
Can I use the same skin on multiple systems?
No โ each skin is designed for a specific system's button layout (SNES skins won't work for GBA).
Are animated skins supported?
Yes! Animated backgrounds are supported via the `backgroundAnimation` field in `info.json`. Skin creators can use frame sequences (PNG), APNG, or GIF files. See [Animated Backgrounds](#animated-backgrounds) above.
Do skins affect game performance?
Minimal impact thanks to optimized rendering in current versions.
Can I disable skins entirely?
Yes โ select the default "Standard" skin for any system to use Provenance's built-in controls.
Where can I request a specific skin design?
Check the [Provenance Discord](https://discord.gg/provenance) or r/EmulationOniOS โ community designers often take requests!
***
## Next Steps
* ๐จ [**Browse skins at DeltaStyles โ**](https://deltastyles.com)
* ๐ฎ [**Controllers & Controls Guide**](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/controllers-and-controls) - Optimize your control setup
* ๐ฑ [**Performance Optimization**](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/platforms-and-performance/performance-optimization) - Get the best gameplay experience
* โ๏ธ [**Troubleshooting Guide**](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/help-and-community/troubleshooting) - Fix common issues
***
**Have an amazing skin to share?** Submit it to the [Skin Catalog](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/skins-guide/skin-catalog-contributing) so it appears in the built-in Skin Browser for everyone โ or join the [Provenance community on Discord](https://discord.gg/provenance) and show off your creations!
*Update to the latest version from the App Store for the best skins experience.*