GRUB Splash Image Howto

[gonzalo76]

Instructions

Requirements for GRUB splashimages:

1. xpm.gz file type
2. 640x480
3. 14 colors only

If you already have your image:

1. Gzip your xpm file and put it into your /boot/grub directory (as root)

# gzip myfile.xpm

2. Edit your grub.conf file

# nano /boot/grub/grub.conf

and add this line:
splashimage=(hd0,0)/GRUB/myfile.xpm.gz
NOTE Change the partition and directory according to your system's setup.
3. reboot

How to convert an image to only 14 colors
To get the GIMP to use only a 14 color palette, right click on your file and press ALT+I and put 14 where it says "Generate Optimal Palette:" on the top of the menu. If ALT+I doesn't get you there then right click on the image and go to:

Image-->Mode-->Indexed

Specify you want 14 colors and then if you want (*recommended*) select NO DITHERING. This will tell the gimp not to try to guess colors in between areas.

It does not have to be filename.xpm.gz only, but, compressed files load quicker that uncompressed files.

You can also change the foreground and background color of the menu, like this:
Just put something like the following in your menu.lst file:
foreground = ffffff (for text color)
background = 000000 (for background color)

Colors:
ffffff = white
000000 = black
333333 = cyan dark
666666 = cyan light

View images of currently available splashimages

Download working publically available GRUB splash images

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The complete GRUB Splash Image Howto is here

Good Luck !!!