What you need to create a custom skin in PUBG

PUBG does not let you create skins from scratch inside the game itself. Instead, you design them using image editing software on your computer, then upload them through PUBG's official skin creation tools. The process requires three things: a graphics program that can save files as PNG or TGA format, the official PUBG skin template files (which PUBG provides free), and a PUBG account with access to the skin submission system.

Most players use free software like Photoshop, GIMP, or Krita to edit the templates. You do not need to be a professional artist — the templates show you exactly where each part of the character model goes, and many players start by modifying existing designs rather than creating entirely new ones.

Before you begin, understand that PUBG reviews all submitted skins and rejects ones that violate their content policy. Skins cannot contain hate symbols, sexually explicit content, or copyrighted material from other games or media. Approved skins can be sold on PUBG's marketplace, but PUBG takes a percentage of the sale price.

Key Takeaways

  • You design skins using image editing software on your computer, then submit them through PUBG's official creator portal, not inside the game.
  • PUBG provides free template files that show you the exact dimensions and layout for each clothing piece on the character model.
  • Your design software must be able to save files as PNG or TGA format, and free options like GIMP work just as well as paid ones.
  • PUBG reviews every submission and rejects skins with hate symbols, explicit content, or material copied from other games or franchises.
  • Approved skins can be listed for sale on PUBG's marketplace, though PUBG takes a cut of the revenue.

read the PUBG skin templates and set up your workspace

Start by visiting the PUBG Creator Program website and downloading the official skin template files. These files come as a compressed folder containing separate template images for each clothing item — shirt, pants, jacket, shoes, and hat. Each template shows the exact pixel dimensions and UV layout, which is the way the flat image wraps around the 3D character model.

Open your image editing software and load the first template file. Set your canvas to match the template's dimensions exactly — if the template is 1024 by 1024 pixels, your canvas should be 1024 by 1024. Create a new layer above the template layer so you can paint your design without accidentally modifying the template itself. The template layer stays visible as a guide but does not get exported with your final skin.

Many creators zoom in to 200 or 300 percent while working so they can paint fine details without accidentally coloring outside the boundaries. Keep the template visible at all times — it shows you where seams, buttons, and pockets go on the actual model, and painting over those areas can make your skin look wrong when it appears in the game.

Paint or modify your design on each template

You have two main approaches: paint an entirely new design, or start with an existing skin image and modify it. If you are modifying an existing skin, read a reference image from PUBG's marketplace, open it in your software, and use it as a starting point. Many successful creators begin this way because it teaches you how the templates work before you design from scratch.

Use solid colors or gradients to block in the main areas first — the shirt color, pants color, jacket color. Then add details like stripes, logos, patterns, or texture. Remember that the template shows you the seams and edges of each piece, so your design should follow those lines naturally. A stripe that cuts across a seam will look broken when the skin appears on the character.

Work on one clothing piece at a time. Complete the shirt template, save it, then move to the pants template. This prevents you from accidentally overwriting work and makes it easier to step back and see how each piece looks individually. When you finish all the templates, you can load them all into the game preview tool to see how they look together on the character model.

Use PUBG's preview tool to check your design before submitting

PUBG provides a preview tool that lets you see your skin on the actual character model before you submit it. read the preview tool from the Creator Program website, then load your completed template files into it. The tool shows you the skin from multiple angles and in different lighting conditions, so you can catch problems like colors that are too dark, details that are too small to see, or seams that do not line up.

Look for common issues: colors that blend together and become hard to distinguish, fine lines that disappear when viewed from a distance, or patterns that look distorted because they do not follow the template's seam lines. If you see problems, go back to your image files, make corrections, and reload them into the preview tool. Most creators go through three to five preview cycles before they are satisfied.

Pay special attention to how the skin looks on the character's hands and face. These areas are small and visible during gameplay, so details need to be clear and readable. Test your skin in different lighting — the preview tool usually has options to show how it looks in bright daylight, shadows, and indoor lighting.

Export your files in the correct format and prepare for submission

Once your design is complete and looks good in the preview tool, export each template file as a PNG or TGA file. Use the exact filename that PUBG requires — the template files usually come with the correct names already, so do not rename them. Create a new folder on your computer, place all your exported skin files into it, and compress the folder into a ZIP file.

Before you submit, double-check that your skin does not contain any copyrighted material. This means no logos from real-world brands, no characters from movies or other games, and no artwork copied from other artists. PUBG's review team checks for these violations, and submissions with copyrighted content are rejected and may result in your account being flagged.

Write a short description of your skin design — what inspired it, what the colors represent, or what makes it unique. This description appears on the marketplace if your skin is approved, and it helps other players understand what they are buying. Keep it to two or three sentences and avoid making promises about how the skin will perform in the game.

Submit your skin through the PUBG Creator Portal

Log into your PUBG account and navigate to the Creator Program section. Select "Submit New Skin" and choose the clothing category your skin is for — character outfit, backpack, weapon skin, or vehicle skin. Upload your ZIP file containing all the template files, paste your description, and submit.

PUBG's review team typically responds within one to two weeks. If your skin is approved, it becomes available on the PUBG marketplace and you can set a price for it. If it is rejected, PUBG sends you a message explaining why — usually because of copyright issues, content policy violations, or technical problems like incorrect file format or missing files. You can fix the issues and resubmit.

Once your skin is live on the marketplace, you earn a percentage of each sale. The exact percentage varies depending on your Creator Program tier, which is based on how many skins you have successfully submitted and how well they sell. You can track your earnings and sales numbers in your Creator Portal dashboard.

Common mistakes to avoid when creating skins

The most common mistake is not following the template boundaries. If you paint outside the edges shown in the template, that part of your design will either be cut off or wrap around to the wrong side of the model. Always zoom in and check your edges carefully before exporting.

The second mistake is using colors that are too similar to each other. When a skin appears on screen during gameplay, players see it from a distance and at various angles. If your shirt and pants are both dark blue with only a slight difference in shade, they will look like one solid piece instead of two separate items. Use colors with clear contrast.

A third mistake is copying designs from other games or real-world brands without permission. Even if you think your version is different enough, PUBG's review team will catch it. If you want to create a skin inspired by another game or brand, redesign it significantly so it is clearly your own work.

Finally, do not skip the preview tool step. Many creators submit skins without checking how they look on the actual model, then are surprised when their design looks different in the game than it did in the image editor. The preview tool catches these problems before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create skins for weapons and vehicles, or only character clothing?

PUBG lets you create skins for character outfits, backpacks, weapons, and vehicles. Each category has its own set of templates and submission process. Weapon skins are often easier to start with because they have fewer pieces and simpler geometry than character models.

Do I need to own Photoshop to create skins?

No. Free software like GIMP, Krita, or even Paint.NET can create skins as long as they save files as PNG or TGA format. Photoshop is not required, and many successful PUBG skin creators use free tools.

What happens if my skin is rejected?

PUBG sends you a message explaining why it was rejected. Common reasons are copyright violations, file format errors, or content that breaks PUBG's policy. You can fix the issues and resubmit the same skin multiple times.

How much money can I make from selling skins?

Your earnings depend on how many people buy your skin and what price you set. PUBG takes a percentage of each sale, and the exact cut varies by Creator Program tier. Some creators earn a few dollars per month, while popular skins can generate hundreds of dollars, but there is no way to predict how well a skin will sell.

Can I use AI-generated art for my skin design?

PUBG's policy on AI-generated content is still evolving. Check the current Creator Program guidelines before submitting a skin made with AI tools, as the rules may have changed since this article was written.