Theme Editor

The Theme Editor is the easiest way to create a MonTally theme without manually editing JSON files.

It is meant for both casual customization and deeper theme work.

What the Editor Is For

Use the Theme Editor when you want to:

• create a new custom theme
• adjust an existing theme
• preview color and UI changes quickly
• prepare a theme for sharing

Main Capabilities

The editor can help you work with:

• theme identity such as name and description
• application colors
• visual switches and presentation choices
• custom counter assets
• live preview of the resulting interface

Creating a New Theme

Typical workflow:

1. open the Themes area in the dashboard
2. create a new theme or upload an existing configuration
3. define a name and description
4. adjust the visual settings
5. save when the preview looks correct

Editing an Existing Theme

If the theme belongs to you, or if you are an admin managing community themes:

1. open the theme card
2. choose Edit
3. make changes
4. save the updated version

On MonTally Web, admins can also manage themes globally through the admin dashboard.

Live Preview

The live preview is one of the most useful parts of the editor.

It lets you judge:

• readability
• contrast
• balance between primary and secondary colors
• how the counter feels in context

This matters because a theme can look fine as raw values but still feel wrong in a real hunting overlay.

Recommended Editing Order

If you want a cleaner result, build themes in this order:

1. Background Choose the base darkness or lightness
2. Primary and secondary accents Define the main identity
3. Tertiary and quaternary colors Add structure and subtle variation
4. Warning and error colors Keep them visible but not overpowering
5. Counter assets and finishing touches Add personality once readability is already solved

Theme Design Advice

Good Themes Usually Have

• strong readability
• a clear visual hierarchy
• limited but intentional accent usage
• enough contrast for long hunts

Weak Themes Usually Have

• flat color separation
• too many equally strong colors
• bright accents everywhere
• hard-to-read text on background combinations

Custom Counter Assets

If you enable the custom counter system, the editor can work together with custom frame and main images.

This is useful if you want:

• themed frames
• custom decorative panels
• a more branded or character-inspired layout

When using custom assets, always test legibility. A stylish frame is not worth much if encounter numbers become harder to read.

Saving, Updating, and Downloading

Depending on the context, you may be able to:

• save a new theme
• update an existing theme
• download the configuration

Downloading is especially useful when you want:

• backups
• versioned theme iterations
• manual sharing outside the gallery

Troubleshooting Theme Editing

Theme saves but looks wrong in the app

Usually caused by:

• poor color contrast
• conflicting visual options
• testing only in preview and not in real usage

Theme cannot be edited

Usually caused by:

• not being the owner
• trying to edit a protected theme without admin access

The preview feels fine but real usage feels worse

This is common. Real hunts involve repetition and fast glances.

If that happens:

• simplify the palette
• increase contrast
• reduce visual noise
• re-test with longer lists and total encounters enabled

Related Documentation

• Themes
• Data Management
• Troubleshooting