{{Update}}
{{About|player skins in ''Minecraft''|a list of skin packs in ''Bedrock Edition''|Skin pack|world textures|resource pack|heroes in ''Minecraft Dungeons''|MCD:Hero|heroes in ''Minecraft Legends''|Minecraft Legends:Hero}}
[[File:Friends.png|thumb|The nine default skins of ''Minecraft'': [[Sunny]], [[Kai]], [[Makena]], [[Steve]], [[Alex]], [[Zuri]], [[Efe]], [[Ari]], and [[Noor]].]]

'''Skins''' refer to the textures that are placed onto a [[player]] or [[mob]] model. Skins can be easily created using a skin editor.

== Default skins ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Skins with Wide Arms
!Steve
!Alex
!Ari
!Kai
!Noor
!Sunny
!Zuri
!Efe
!Makena
|-
|[[File:Steve (classic) JE6.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Alex (classic) JE2.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Ari (classic) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Kai (classic) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Noor (classic) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Sunny (classic) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Zuri (classic) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Efe (classic) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Makena (classic) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|-
|[[File:Steve (classic texture) JE6.png]]
|[[File:Alex (classic texture) JE2.png|64x64px]]
|[[File:Ari (classic texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Kai (classic texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Noor (classic texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Sunny (classic texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Zuri (classic texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Efe (classic texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Makena (classic texture) JE1.png]]
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Skins with Slim Arms
!Steve
!Alex
!Ari
!Kai
!Noor
!Sunny
!Zuri
!Efe
!Makena
|-
|[[File:Steve (slim) JE2.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Alex (slim) JE3.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Ari (slim) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Kai (slim) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Noor (slim) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Sunny (slim) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Zuri (slim) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Efe (slim) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|[[File:Makena (slim) JE1.png|200x200px]]
|-
|[[File:Steve (slim texture) JE2.png|64x64px]]
|[[File:Alex (slim texture) JE3.png|64x64px]]
|[[File:Ari (slim texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Kai (slim texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Noor (slim texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Sunny (slim texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Zuri (slim texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Efe (slim texture) JE1.png]]
|[[File:Makena (slim texture) JE1.png]]
|}


== Properties ==
Skins are divided into areas that act as the surface area of the character (for example, the front head area, left leg area, etc.). They are stored as 64×64 templates, consisting of two layers of 1,632 usable pixels, making 3,264 total. In Bedrock Edition, players can also use 128×128 templates, consisting of two layers of 6,528 usable pixels, making 13,056 total. When skins are set to "slim", their arms lose 25% of their width, and the rightmost pixels in the skins' images are ignored. Slim skins from 64×64 templates have two layers of 1,568 usable pixels, making 3,136 total, and slim skins from 128×128 templates have two layers of 6,272 usable pixels, making 12,544 total. The second layer can be used to give the character glasses, hats, or other accessories (even a bigger head)..

In {{BE}}, if players set any of their top or bottom layer pixel opacities to 25 (≈10%) or lower, those pixels will appear completely invisible, and if their opacities are 26 or higher, they will appear completely visible.

In {{JE}}, any pixels on the bottom layer of uploaded skins will become fully visible if not already, but their red, green, and blue values will be rounded to parts per opacity value instead of parts per 255 (then will be rounded back into parts per 255), or will appear black if opacity is 0. For example, if a pixel's red, green, and blue values are 255, 13, 142, with an opacity of 2, their red, green, and blue values will be rounded to parts per two, as one of 0/2, ~1/2, or 2/2 (0, 128, or 255), and become 255, 0, 128, with an opacity of 255.

Pixel size of the 2nd layer on body, arms and legs is 0.25 pixel bigger than the skin pixel (inner layer). For head 2nd layer (Hat layer) it is 0.5 pixels bigger than the skin layer (inner layer).

== World textures ==
{{main|Resource pack}}

A skin can also refer to other textures in the game, such as block textures, item sprites, mob skins, etc. A list of these can be found [[Resource pack|here]].

It is worth noting that a [[zombie]] and its variants can use typical player skins (and vice-versa). [[Skeleton]] mobs can use typical player skins as well, but keep in mind that they have their skinny arms and legs. If a skeleton mob skin is used as a player's skin, their legs and arms do not appear skinny.

In order to use the player skin for zombies, the user must align it to the correct place on the {{cd|.png}} to avoid a visual break in the texture.

== Changing or installing player skins ==
=== Java Edition ===
Only players who have purchased ''Minecraft'' can change their character's skin. This is done on the <span class="plainlinks">[https://minecraft.net/profile profile page]</span> or in the ''Minecraft Launcher'' by uploading a valid {{cd|.png}} texture that is 64×64 pixels, or a legacy texture that is 64×32 pixels, which then replaces the default skin.<gallery>
File:Profile Page.png|What the Minecraft websites [https://minecraft.net/profile profile] page looks like.
File:Changing Skin Page.png|What the Change Skin page on the Minecraft website looks like.
File:Minecraft Launcher Skin Tab.png|What the Minecraft Launchers Skin Tab looks like.
File:Add new skin page.png|What it looks like to add a new skin in the Minecraft Launcher.
</gallery>Skins also have the option of having either 3 or 4 pixel wide arms, which can be changed on the profile page as well.<ref>{{tweet|MojangSupport|511889676227989504|Slim-armed skins are now available to all! Visit http://minecraft.net/profile to make changes, or https://help.mojang.com/customer/portal/articles/979200-minecraft-skins for help! ^MW|September 16, 2014}}</ref>

The {{cd|steve.png}} and {{cd|alex.png}} files in [[client.jar]] can also be changed and replaced via a resource pack, but the effects are visible only to players using the resource pack, and affects all players with the default skin.

{{More images|section=1|Steve and Alex renders and textures from newer various skin packs and official texture packs.}}
Other versions of Steve and Alex in officially-released skin packs and other Minecraft media exist:

{| class="collapsible collapsed collapse-button-none" data-description="Post-Legacy Console Edition skins"
! style="text-align: left" | Default skin variations
|-
| 
{| class="wikitable" data-description="Post-Legacy Console Edition skins"
|-
! Name
! Image
! Rear
! Original
! Player
! Notes
|-
| '''Steve'''
| [[File:Steve_Revision_1.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Steve (texture) JE1.png|64px]]
|
| The original Steve texture taken from Notch's old game ''[[Zombie Town]]''. The texture is still in use in various Minecraft Media.
|-
| '''Alex'''
| [[File:Launcher Alex.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Launcher Alex (texture).png|64px]]
|
| An unused Alex texture found in the ''Minecraft Launcher''.
|-
| '''Tennis Steve'''
| [[File:Tennis Steve.png|75px]]
| [[File:Tennis Steve (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Tennis Steve (texture).png]]
| Player 2's Skin
| A blond<!--"Blond" doesn't have an E if it refers to a man--> Steve in a tennis outfit and a sweatband.
|-
| '''Tuxedo Steve'''
| [[File:Tuxedo Steve.png|75px]]
| [[File:Tuxedo Steve (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Tuxedo Steve (texture).png]]
| Player 3's Skin
| Steve in a fancy-looking tuxedo.
|-
| '''Athlete Steve'''
| [[File:Athlete Steve.png|75px]]
| [[File:Athlete Steve (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Athlete Steve (texture).png]]
| Player 4's Skin
| A darker version of Steve with a sleeveless top, a gold medal necklace, and track pants. Absent from Bedrock Edition's Legacy Skin Pack.
|-
| '''Scottish Steve'''<ref group="note" name="country">The country-based skins are references to the countries developing the game; [[Mojang]] is located in Sweden, and [[4J Studios]] is located in Scotland.</ref>
| [[File:Scottish Steve.png|75px]]
| [[File:Scottish Steve (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Scottish Steve (texture).png]]
| Player 5's Skin
| Steve in a kilt with fancy hair and clothing.
|-
| '''Prisoner Steve'''
| [[File:Prisoner Steve.png|75px]]
| [[File:Prisoner Steve (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Prisoner Steve (texture).png]]
| Player 6's Skin
| Steve as an escapee from prison in a bright-colored, prison uniform. It seems as if he resembles an albino, with red eyes and off white hair.
|-
| '''Cyclist Steve'''
| [[File:Cyclist Steve.png|75px]]
| [[File:Cyclist Steve (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Cyclist Steve (texture).png]]
| Player 7's Skin
| A Steve with bicycling shorts, a jacket, and shoes.
|-
| '''Boxer Steve'''
| [[File:Boxer Steve.png|75px]]
| [[File:Boxer Steve (back).png|75px]]
|'''[[File:Boxer Steve (texture).png]]'''
|
| A Steve with boxing gloves, a belt with short shorts, no shirt, and fancy boots. There is an error with the arm texture where shoulder and hand textures occupy each other's location resulting in shoulder being on hand and boxing glove being on shoulder. This error applies only to the Xbox 360 Edition.
|-
| '''Tennis Alex'''
| [[File:Tennis Alex.png|75px]]
| [[File:Tennis Alex (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Tennis Alex (texture).png]]
| 
| A darker Alex in a tennis outfit and a sweatband.
|-
| '''Tuxedo Alex'''
| [[File:Tuxedo Alex.png|75px]]
| [[File:Tuxedo Alex (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Tuxedo Alex (texture).png]]
| 
| Alex in a fancy-looking dress.
|-
| '''Athlete Alex'''
| [[File:Athlete Alex.png|75px]]
| [[File:Athlete Alex (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Athlete Alex (texture).png]]
|
| A dark haired Alex with a running shirt and track pants. Absent from Bedrock Edition's Legacy Skin Pack.
|-
| '''Swedish Alex'''<ref group="note" name="country" />
| [[File:Swedish Alex.png|75px]]
| [[File:Swedish Alex (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Swedish Alex (texture).png]]
|
| Alex in the Sweden suit{{info needed}} with blonde hair.
|-
| '''Prisoner Alex'''
| [[File:Prisoner Alex.png|75px]]
| [[File:Prisoner Alex (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Prisoner Alex (texture).png]]
| 
| Alex that has escaped from prison in a bright-colored prison uniform with brown hair.
|-
| '''Cyclist Alex'''
| [[File:Cyclist Alex.png|75px]]
| [[File:Cyclist Alex (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Cyclist Alex (texture).png]]
| 
| An Alex with blue glasses, bicycling shorts, a jacket, shorts, and shoes.
|-
| '''Boxer Alex'''
| [[File:Boxer Alex.png|75px]]
| [[File:Boxer Alex (back).png|75px]]
| [[File:Boxer Alex (texture).png]]
| 
| An Alex with boxing gloves, short shorts, red boots and sleeveless shirt.
|-
| '''Developer Steve'''
| [[File:Developer Steve.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Developer Steve (texture).png]]
|
| Steve with gray Mojang t-shirt.
|-
| '''Developer Alex'''
| [[File:Developer Alex.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Developer Alex (texture).png]]
|
| Alex with gray Mojang t-shirt.
|-
| '''Party Steve'''
| [[File:Party Steve.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Party Steve (texture).png]]
|
| From the MINECON 2017 skin pack.
|-
| '''Party Alex'''
| [[File:Party Alex.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Party Alex (texture).png]]
|
| From the MINECON 2017 skin pack.
|-
| '''Jumper?'''
| [[File:Jumper?.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Jumper? (texture).png]]
|
| From The Holiday Skin Pack 2015.
|-
| '''Warm Wooly'''
| [[File:Warm Wooly.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Warm Wooly (texture).png]]
|
| From The Holiday Skin Pack 2015.
|-
| '''Parka?'''
| [[File:Parka?.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Parka? (texture).png]]
|
| From The Holiday Skin Pack 2015.
|-
| '''Winter Steve'''
| [[File:Winter Steve.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Winter Steve (texture).png]]
|
| From the Festive Skin pack.
|-
| '''Santa Steve'''
| [[File:Santa Steve.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Santa Steve (texture).png]]
|
| From the Festive Skin pack.
|-
| '''Parka Steve'''
| [[File:Parka Steve.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Parka Steve (texture).png]]
|
| From the Festive Skin pack.
|-
| '''Birthday Party Steve'''
| [[File:Birthday Party Steve.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Birthday Party Steve (texture).png]]
|
| From 1st Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Steve Creeper'''
| [[File:Steve Creeper.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Steve Creeper (texture).png]]
|
| From 1st Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Plastic Party Steve'''
| [[File:Plastic Party Steve.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Plastic Party Steve (texture).png]]
|
| From 2nd Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Plastic Steve'''
| [[File:Plastic Steve.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Plastic Steve (texture).png]]
|
| From the Plastic texture pack.
|-
| '''Wolf T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Wolf T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Wolf T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Alex Wolf T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Alex Wolf T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Alex Wolf T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Chicken T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Chicken T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Chicken T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Alex Chicken T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Alex Chicken T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Alex Chicken T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Creeper T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Creeper T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Creeper T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Alex Creeper T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Alex Creeper T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Alex Creeper T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Guardian T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Guardian T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Guardian T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Alex Guardian T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Alex Guardian T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Alex Guardian T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Slime T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Slime T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Slime T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Alex Slime T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Alex Slime T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Alex Slime T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Ghast T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Ghast T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Ghast T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Alex Ghast T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Alex Ghast T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Alex Ghast T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Sheep T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Sheep T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Sheep T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Alex Sheep T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Alex Sheep T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Alex Sheep T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Ocelot T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Ocelot T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Ocelot T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Alex Ocelot T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Alex Ocelot T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Alex Ocelot T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Wither T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Wither T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Wither T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Alex Wither T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Alex Wither T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Alex Wither T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Skeleton T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Skeleton T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Skeleton T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|-
| '''Alex Skeleton T-Shirt'''
| [[File:Alex Skeleton T-Shirt.png|75px]]
|
| [[File:Alex Skeleton T-Shirt (texture).png]]
|
| From the 4th Birthday skin pack.
|}
|}
{{Notelist}}

=== Bedrock Edition ===
Since [[Bedrock Edition 1.19.50|1.19.50]], players can choose one of the nine default skins, between Steve, Alex, Ari, Kai, Noor, Sunny, Zuri, Efe, or Makena, or they can apply their own custom skin on Windows and mobile devices such as Android/iOS (uses the same format as ''Java Edition''). The player must select a valid skin image file from their file explorer/photo gallery, and must choose between the two model sizes (classic/slim). Players can also spend [[minecoins]] to buy [[skin pack]]s from the [[Marketplace]]. The player has to sign in to their Microsoft (or their respective console account on PlayStation/Nintendo) to access all the skins they owned and bought from the Marketplace.

Players can also make their own skin packs, which must include a {{cd|manifest.json}} file, a {{cd|skins.json}} file, and all the desired skins. An additional {{cd|.lang}} file can be added inside a folder labeled {{cd|texts}} to display the skin names, but the game can register the skins without it.

== Character creator ==
{{main|Character creator}}
{{exclusive|bedrock|section=yes}}
[[File:Character creator.png|thumb|The character creator menu.]]
The '''character creator''' is a feature {{in|bedrock}} (and was {{in|earth}} until discontinuation) that lets [[player]]s customize their skins with free and paid-for cosmetic items. It can be accessed by selecting the dressing room button on the main menu. Many clothing items cost [[Marketplace|Minecoins]] (Tokens on PlayStation 4) or can be earned by completing certain [[achievement]]s. It can also be used to equip [[cape]]s, and also changing player skin sizes.

== Skin packs ==
{{main|Skin pack|title1=Skin packs}}
{{exclusive|bedrock|section=yes}}

Skin Packs are available {{in|bedrock}} as downloadable content. They can be acquired:
*through the [[Marketplace]]. Most of them cost Minecoins (Tokens on PS4), but some have been released for free.
*through {{cd|.mcskin}} files put in the {{cd|skin_packs}} or {{cd|development_skin_packs}} folder in the game files (accessible only on Windows 10, Android, iOS, iPadOS, and Fire devices).

=== Java Edition skin packs ===
The following skin packs were released on minecraft.net by Mojang Studios for certain events.

''There might be more Java Edition exclusive skin packs released by Mojang Studios not yet listed in this table.''
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Download Links
!Article
!Notes
|-
|[[MINECON Earth 2017 Skin Pack]]
|[https://community-content-assets-cms.minecraft.net/upload/094a8f1a146ccb6573e08e0e35f9ac90-MINECON_Earth_2017_Skins.zip minecraft.net]
[https://www.mediafire.com/file/y7dxzejuuj065gf/094a8f1a146ccb6573e08e0e35f9ac90-MINECON_Earth_2017_Skins.zip/file Mirror]
|[https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/slip-some-minecon-skins Slip on some MINECON Skins!]
|This Skin Pack is the same as {{In|bedrock}}.
|-
|Striding Hero Skin Pack
|[https://www.minecraft.net/content/dam/games/minecraft/software/striding-hero-skinpack.zip minecraft.net]
[https://www.mediafire.com/file/b7zvj1o7erxdgwq/striding-hero-skinpack.zip/file Mirror]
|[https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/community-celebration--simburbia-and-striding-hero Community Celebration: Simburbia and Striding Hero]
|Includes six player skins from the ''Striding Hero'' Minecraft: Java Edition map.
|}

== Templates ==
<span class="anchor" "id="Creating a skin"></span><!-- Linked from https://help.mojang.com/customer/portal/articles/979200 -->
Many players prefer their own unique skin. While many premade skins can be found online, many players prefer to create their own.

A custom skin is a way to personalize the player model and can be done either by using a variety of community-made [[Programs and editors/Skinning and texturing|skin editors]], or by editing the {{cd|steve.png}} or {{cd|alex.png}} file manually with an image editor like Photoshop, GIMP, Paint.net or similar image editors. The {{cd|steve.png}} file can be downloaded [http://assets.mojang.com/SkinTemplates/steve.png here] and the {{cd|alex.png}} file [http://assets.mojang.com/SkinTemplates/alex.png here]. When editing the {{cd|steve.png}} or {{cd|alex.png}} file manually, be sure to keep the original image dimensions and make the background of the skin (the unused pixels) completely transparent. Otherwise, ''Minecraft'' may fail to recognize the skin as intended.

Alternatively, some may find it easier to use a program, either downloadable or in-browser, which provides a live view of their character on a three-dimensional model as they are editing the skin. For example, programs may further assist players by providing them with a wide variety of pre-made selections (such as hats, boots, sweaters, etc.) to give the skin creator exactly what they want, even if the creator has little to no artistic skill.

After making a custom skin, either by using a skin editor or by editing the {{cd|steve.png}} file directly, one still needs to upload the {{cd|.png}} file at the Skin section of the Profile page on [[Minecraft.net]] (found [https://minecraft.net/profile/skin here]) before the skin is applied. Other players in multiplayer can also see this skin. Note that players cannot see the custom skin if they are not logged in or when playing offline.

=== Official skin templates ===
[https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/4408894664461-Minecraft-Skins-for-Java-Edition Minecraft Help Center Article]
<gallery class="pixel-image">
File:Alex template.png|alt=Slim Layout Skin|[http://assets.mojang.com/SkinTemplates/alex.png Alex Template]
File:Steve template.png|alt=Classic Layout Skin|[http://assets.mojang.com/SkinTemplates/steve.png Steve Template]
File:Template classic.png|alt=Classic Layout|[http://assets.mojang.com/SkinTemplates/4px_reference.png 4px Arms Template]
File:Template slim.png|alt=Slim Layout|[http://assets.mojang.com/SkinTemplates/3px_reference.png 3px Arms Template]
File:Skin example.png|Skin sample from the [[Tutorial Skin Pack]].
</gallery>

=== Other templates ===
<gallery class="pixel-image">
File:1.8 Skin Template.png|The modern layered skin template; every body part can have a second layer, marked by the darker palette areas.
File:1 8 texturemap redux.png|An adaptation of the previous template, color-coded to match the appropriate faces of the skin: front, back, left, right, top and bottom. The checked areas represent the secondary layer.
File:1.8 slim arms.png|A template for the slim arms/"Alex" model.
File:Corrected slim arm skin guide.png|An adaptation of the slimmer arms template, color-coded to match the appropriate faces of the skin: front, back, left, right, top and bottom. The checked areas represent the secondary layer.
File:Skin Template Dinnerbone.png|Another skin template.
File:Skintemplate.png|Color-coded old skin template with all faces labeled.
File:Skinzones.png|Another skin guide, but on a black background. For the arm and leg sections only, "right" indicates those facing outward, and "left" indicates inward.
File:Deadmau5 skin.png|[http://textures.minecraft.net/texture/48db3fbf18e5f0ef266b47f5e6b54126a55f331558ff34cb17468753d84d096 Deadmau5's skin] (not a guide). Notice the ears. See also: {{slink|Easter eggs|deadmau5's ears}}
File:Deadmau5 Ears Template.png|Template for deadmau5's ears. Use other templates listed here for the skin.
</gallery>

== Video ==
{{yt|qIrmhRHuW08}}

== History ==
{{HistoryTable
|{{HistoryLine|java pre-classic}}
|{{HistoryLine||rd-132328|[[File:Steve JE1.png|25px]] [[Mob (entity)|Mob]]s were added with their skin and model from ''[[Zombie Town]]''. These are later used for the player.}}
|{{HistoryLine|java classic}}
|{{HistoryLine||June 10, 2009|link=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302232809/http://notch.tumblr.com/post/121044061/in-the-spirit-of-the-new-economy|Notch announces intentions to add custom skins "starting very soon".}}
|{{HistoryLine||June 13, 2009|link=https://notch.tumblr.com/post/123007470/custom-skins-downloaded-dynamically-from-the|Custom player skins are tested.}}
|{{HistoryLine||0.0.18a|Custom skins released.}}
|{{HistoryLine||0.24 SURVIVAL TEST|[[File:Steve JE2.png|25px]] The player skin was changed.
|The arms and legs of the player are now mirrored on opposite sides; they were previously [[:File:Classic 0.0.18a_02 Screenshot 1.png|not]].  |Hat layers are released to skins, increasing customizability.}}
|{{HistoryLine||0.28|[[File:Steve JE3 BE1.png|25px]] The player skin was changed, once again, removing the beard.}}
|{{HistoryLine|java beta}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.2_02|Skins are now downloaded through an Amazon S3 server. Previously, they were downloaded from the Minecraft website.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20151004135346/http://notch.tumblr.com/post/2857128986/minecraft-beta-1202 Minecraft Beta 1.2_02] – The Word of Notch, January 21, 2011</ref> Due to this, players trying to play older versions of the game may find their custom skin unable to be loaded in-game.}}
|{{HistoryLine|java}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.0.0|dev=Beta 1.9 Prerelease 4|All "bottom" textures (including hand and foot) have been flipped 180 degrees.  It's worth mentioning that the textures were specifically flipped and not rotated because an updated texture with the bottom surface rotated as opposed to flipped may display incorrectly depending on the intended alignment with relation to the rest of the skin.}}
|{{HistoryLine||April 1, 2014|link=https://www.mojang.com/2014/04/minecraft-is-experiencing-some-problems/|On April 1st, all skins applied to players were changed and locked to [[villager]] skins as an April Fools' prank. Capes were still shown, however, if the user had one.}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.8|dev=14w03a|Skins have received an overhaul; right and left legs/arms can now be edited independently and the hat layer now counts for the whole body, meaning overlays can now be added on skins. This means there are now 3.06013 × 10<sup>23,581</sup> unique ''Minecraft'' skins instead of 2.29507 × 10<sup>11,328</sup> previously.}}
|{{HistoryLine|||dev=14w04a|Now displays the right arm's second layer in first person view.}}
|{{HistoryLine|||dev=pre1|[[File:Alex.png|25px]] Added a new player model with smaller arms, and a new player skin called Alex.}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.9|dev=15w47a|Overlay layers (hat, jacket, sleeves, and pants) correctly render semitransparent pixels, instead of just fully opaque and fully transparent pixels.}}
|{{HistoryLine||August 20, 2022|link={{tweet|JasperBoerstra|1561129697857110018}}|[[File:Steve (classic) JE5.png|25px]][[File:Steve (slim) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Alex (slim) JE2.png|25px]][[File:Alex (classic) JE1.png|25px]] New skin textures for Steve and Alex were added in the ''Minecraft Launcher'', including classic and slim versions.}}
|{{HistoryLine||October 15, 2022|link=https://youtube.com/watch?v=yZRXmHiEh7U|Seven new default skins (Sunny, Efe, Zuri, Noor, Ari, Makena, and Kai) are announced at Minecraft Live 2022.}}
|{{HistoryLine||October 20, 2022|link=none|Added the seven new default skins.|New skin textures for Steve and Alex were added in the ''Minecraft Launcher''.}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.19.3|dev=22w45a|Integrated player skin now stored separately by wide and slim model.
|[[File:Steve (classic) JE6.png|25px]][[File:Alex (classic) JE2.png|25px]][[File:Steve (slim) JE2.png|25px]][[File:Alex (slim) JE3.png|25px]] Updated integrated skins of Steve and Alex.
|[[File:Ari (classic) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Kai (slim) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Noor (classic) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Sunny (slim) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Zuri (classic) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Efe (slim) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Makena (classic) JE1.png|25px]] Integrated the seven new default skins.
|The seven new default skins can be assigned to offline players now.}}

|{{HistoryLine|pocket alpha}}
|{{HistoryLine||v0.11.0|dev=build 1|Added skins. Players can choose 'Steve' and 'Alex' models or their own custom skin (uses the same format as in Java Edition).}}
|{{HistoryLine|||dev=build 10|[[File:Baron City.png|25px]] [[File:Castaway.png|25px]] Added the first two skin packs: [[City Folk Skin Pack|City Folk]] and [[Town Folk Skin Pack|Town Folk]]. Each skin pack has 5 free skins, and purchasing the skin pack unlocks the rest of the skins. Skin packs cost USD $0.99.}}
|{{HistoryLine||v0.12.3|[[File:Creeper costume.png|25px]] [[File:Rainbow Sheep costume.png|25px]] [[File:Iron Golem costume.png|25px]]Added the [[Halloween Costumes Skin Pack]].}}
|{{HistoryLine||v0.13.0|dev=build 5|[[File:Desert Tamer.png|25px]][[File:Forest Archer.png|25px]][[File:Tundra Engineer.png|25px]] Added [[Biome Settlers Skin Pack 1]].}}
|{{HistoryLine||v0.13.1|[[File:Santa Claus.png|25px]] [[File:Gingerbread Creeper.png|25px]] [[File:Tomte.png|25px]] Added the [[Holiday Skin Pack 2015]].}}
|{{HistoryLine||v0.13.2|[[File:Monkey King.png|25px]] [[File:Monk Pig.png|25px]][[File:Friar Sand.png|25px]] Added the [[Journey to the West Skin Pack]].}}
|{{HistoryLine||v0.14.0|dev=build 7|[[File:Coder.png|25px]] [[File:Artisan.png|25px]][[File:Vanguard.png|25px]] [[File:Rail Rider.png|25px]] [[File:Scholar.png|25px]] Added the [[Redstone Specialists Skin Pack]].}}
|{{HistoryLine||v0.14.1|[[File:Male Jesse.png|25px]][[File:Olivia (Skin).png|25px]][[File:Axel Render.png|25px]][[File:Petra (Skin).png|25px]][[File:Lukas (Skin).png|25px]] Added [[Story Mode Skin Pack]].}}
|{{HistoryLine||v0.14.3|[[File:Shroom Glutton.png|25px]] [[File:Mushroom Hunter.png|25px]] [[File:Mushroom Brawler.png|25px]] [[File:Nether Tamer.png|25px]] [[File:Nether Archer.png|25px]] [[File:Nether Banished.png|25px]] Added [[Biome Settlers Skin Pack 2]].}}
|{{HistoryLine||v0.15.4|[[File:Stronghold Monarch skin render.png|25px]] [[File:Stronghold Seer skin render.png|25px]] [[File:Lava Fiend skin render.png|25px]] [[File:Bisector skin render.png|25px]] [[File:Swindler skin render.png|25px]] Added [[Villains Skin Pack]].}}
|{{HistoryLine||v0.15.9|[[File:Ocean Engineer MINECON 2016.png|25px]] [[File:Forest Fighter.png|25px]] [[File:Ice Pioneer.png|25px]] [[File:Mesa Artisan.png|25px]] Added [[MINECON 2016 Skin Pack]], available for a limited time.}}
|{{HistoryLine||30 September 2016|link={{tweet|Minecraft|781977172659478528}}|The ''Minecraft'' twitter starts tweeting out teasers for skins planned to be added in the [[Campfire Tales Skin Pack]] in [[Pocket Edition v0.15.10 alpha|v0.15.10]]}}
|{{HistoryLine||v0.15.10|[[File:Rancid Anne render.png|25px]][[File:Ol' Diggy.png|25px]][[File:Bedlam.png|25px]][[File:Crisp.png|25px]][[File:Skin Enderall.png|25px]]Added Campfire Tales skin pack.}}
|{{HistoryLine||4 October 2016|link={{tweet|Minecraft|783426724516270080}}|The last 'teaser-tweet' for the Campfire Tales Skin pack is sent, after the skin pack was released.}}
|{{HistoryLine||7 October 2016|link=http://www.mojang.com/2016/09/minecon-2016-skins-incoming-get-em-while-theyre-hot/|The limited-time offer for the [[MineCon]] 2016 Skin pack is over, it has been removed from all app stores and its redemption code is now expired. Players who obtained it while it was available are still able to use it.}}
|{{HistoryLine|pocket}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.0.0|dev=alpha 0.17.0.1|Added Festive 2016 Mash-up pack.}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.0.4|[[File:Ocean Hunter.png|25px]][[File:Farland Brewer.png|25px]][[File:End Zealot.png|25px]]Added [[Strangers - Biome Settlers 3]].}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.0.5|Added [[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]].}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.0.6|Added Chinese Mythology Mash-up pack.}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.0.7|Added ''Fallout'' Mash-up pack.}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.0.8|Added [[Magic: The Gathering Skin Pack]].}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.0.9|Added Greek Mythology Mash-up pack.}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.1.0|Added Minecraft Marketplace, which has the community skin packs.|Added Skyrim Mash-up pack.}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.1.3|Added Adventure Time Mash-up pack.}}
|{{HistoryLine|bedrock}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.13.0|dev=beta 1.13.0.15|The character creator has been added in-game.}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.19.50|dev=Preview 1.19.50.21|[[File:Ari (slim) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Kai (classic) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Noor (slim) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Sunny (classic) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Zuri (slim) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Efe (classic) JE1.png|25px]][[File:Makena (slim) JE1.png|25px]] Added seven new default skins: Sunny, Efe, Zuri, Noor, Ari, Makena, and Kai.
|The textures of default skins Steve and Alex were changed.}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.21.20|dev=?|Changed default body colors of all preset skins in the character creator to approximately match {{JE}}.<ref>{{bug|MCPE-163383}}</ref>{{info needed}}}}
|{{HistoryLine|console}}
|{{HistoryLine||xbox=TU3|xbone=CU1|ps3=1.00|psvita=1.00|ps4=1.00|wiiu=Patch 1|switch=1.0.1|[[File:Banjo.png|25px]][[File:Master Chief.png|25px]][[File:Cole Train.png|25px]][[File:Hero.png|25px]][[File:Trails HD Trials Rider.png|25px]][[File:MsSplosionMan.png|25px]] The first skin pack is available as downloadable content.}}
|{{HistoryLine||xbox=TU24|xbone=CU12|ps3=1.16|psvita=1.16|ps4=1.16|[[File:Tennis Alex.png|25px]][[File:Tuxedo Alex.png|25px]][[File:Athlete Alex.png|25px]][[File:Swedish Alex.png|25px]][[File:Prisoner Alex.png|25px]][[File:Cyclist Alex.png|25px]][[File:Boxer Alex.png|25px]][[File:Developer Alex.png|25px]]8 'Alex' model skins added to default skin pack.}}
}}

=== Historical images ===
<gallery>
Classic 0.0.17a Skins.jpg|The first skins being tested in Minecraft Classic.
Classic 0.0.18a 02 Screenshot 1.png|A camouflage skin in Minecraft Classic.
Classic 0.24 Skin with hat layer.jpg|The first image of a skin's hat layer, from Notch's blog.
Slim Arms 1.png|First image of the slim arms option.
Slim Arms 2.png|Second image of the slim arms option.
Slim Arms 3.png|Third image of the slim arms option.
Slim Arms 4.png|Fourth image of the slim arms option.
Slim Arms 5.png|Fifth image of the slim arms option.
</gallery>

== Number of Skins ==
The total number of possible unique player skins varies immensely, depending on version, as well as what is considered unique.

The formula below can be used to find the number of skins with a given width, template dimensions, etc. It essentially finds the number of potential states for pixels on the bottom layer, multiplies that by the number of potential states for pixels on the top layer, then sets that to the power of the total number of pixels on each layer.

<math>((2^{24}(o_b-s_b)+s_b)\times(2^{24}(o_t-s_t)+s_t))^{(1568+64w)\times 4^d}</math>, where:

<math>o_b</math> is the number of opacity values for pixels on the bottom layer.

<math>o_t</math> is the number of opacity values for pixels on the top layer.

<math>s_b</math> is the "sameness" of zero-alpha pixels; 1 if all zero-opacity pixel values for the bottom layer are considered duplicates and the first opacity value is 0, 0 otherwise.

<math>s_t</math> is the same as <math>s_b</math>, but for the top layer.

<math>d</math> is the dimensions/resolution of the skins, where skins using 64×64 templates are 0 and skins using 128×128 templates are 1.

<math>w</math> is the width of the skins, where thin is 0 and wide is 1.



Below are tables with the number of unique skins on Java and Bedrock Edition, with cells within rows and columns that correspond to different rules. Cells in the left columns consider all completely transparent pixels to be the same, while the ones on the right consider them to be unique.

{| class="wikitable"
|+Java Edition
! rowspan="2" |
! colspan="2" |Allowing Upper Layer Translucency (''o<sub>t</sub>'' = 256),
Not Allowing Bottom Layer Transparency (''o<sub>b</sub>'' = 1)
|-
!All 0-Opacity Pixels Same (''s<sub>b</sub>'' = 0, ''s<sub>t</sub> = 1'')
!All 0-Opacity Pixels Different (''s<sub>b</sub>'' = ''s<sub>t</sub>'' = 0)
|-
|Slim
|(2<sup>24</sup> × 255 + 1)<sup>1568</sup> × 2<sup>37632</sup>
≈ 1.501 746 863 × 10<sup>26430</sup>
|2<sup>87808</sup>
≈ 6.947 991 250 × 10<sup>26432</sup>
|-
|Wide
|(2<sup>24</sup> × 255 + 1)<sup>1632</sup> × 2<sup>39168</sup>
≈ 9.105 734 170 × 10<sup>27508</sup>
|2<sup>91392</sup>
≈ 5.412 073 956 × 10<sup>27511</sup>
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+
Bedrock Edition
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" |
! colspan="2" |Not Allowing Upper Layer Translucency (''o<sub>t</sub>'' = 2),
Allowing Bottom Layer Transparency (''o<sub>b</sub>'' = 2)
|-
!All 0-Opacity Pixels Same (''s<sub>b</sub>'' = ''s<sub>t</sub>'' = 1)
!All 0-Opacity Pixels Different (''s<sub>b</sub>'' = ''s<sub>t</sub>'' = 0)
|-
| rowspan="2" |64×64 (''d'' = 0)
|Slim
|(2<sup>24</sup> + 1)<sup>3136</sup>
≈ 5.268 352 583 × 10<sup>22656</sup>
|2<sup>78400</sup>
≈ 5.644 949 436 × 10<sup>23600</sup>
|-
|Wide
|(2<sup>24</sup> + 1)<sup>3264</sup>
≈ 3.060 728 626 × 10<sup>23581</sup>
|2<sup>81600</sup>
≈ 1.115 953 711 × 10<sup>24564</sup>
|-
| rowspan="2" |128×128 (''d'' = 1)
|Slim
|(2<sup>24</sup> + 1)<sup>12544</sup>
≈ 7.703 699 416 × 10<sup>90626</sup>
|2<sup>313600</sup>
≈ 1.015 407 167 × 10<sup>94403</sup>
|-
|Wide
|(2<sup>24</sup> + 1)<sup>13056</sup>
≈ 8.776 054 301 × 10<sup>94325</sup>
|2<sup>326400</sup>
≈ 1.550 903 312 × 10<sup>98256</sup>
|}
In an AntVenom video, he calculated a total of 2<sup>81600</sup> × 5<sup>3264</sup> (≈3.060 133 22<s>0</s>1 × 10<sup>26845</sup>) skins. The rules he used were to include only wide skins, allow transparent pixels only on the top layer, consider all fully transparent pixels to be unique, and include only 100 possible opacity values (''o<sub>b</sub>'' = 1, ''o<sub>t</sub>'' = 100, ''s<sub>b</sub>'' = ''s<sub>t</sub>'' = 0'', w'' = 1, ''d'' = 0).

== Gallery ==
<gallery class=pixel-image>
China Edition Background.png|Official artwork showing Steve and Alex variants from Minecraft: [[China Edition]]'s website.
Allmobheads.png|[[Player_Head#Marc's_Head_Format|Marc's Heads]] are accounts with specific skins made for decoration.
NotchDeadmau5.png|Deadmau5's unique skin with ears.
Player Skin Sample.png|An example of a custom skin.
SteveCustomizedSkin.webp|Another example.
AlexCustomizedSkin.png|Third example.
AlexSkins.png|A variety of Alex skins available in the Legacy Console Edition. Left to right: Tennis, Tuxedo, Athlete, Default, Swedish, Cyclist, Prisoner, and Boxer.
Heights.png|Multiple size options for skins.{{Only|bedrock}}
MeetTheCast.png|A render of the full cast, used when first entering the [[character creator]].
Crossover.png|A screenshot of various skins used to promote ''Minecraft'' spin-offs; [[Minecraft Story Mode:Ivor|Ivor]] from ''[[Minecraft: Story Mode]]'', [[Character|Buff Butcher]] from ''[[Minecraft: Builders & Biomes|Builders & Biomes]]'', and [[Bianca]] from ''[[Minecraft: The Crash]]''.
</gallery>
=== Renders ===
<gallery>
Testvan.png|Testvan's skin as seen in an early skin test screenshot.
Mezo JE1.png|Mezo's skin as seen in an early skin test screenshot.
Mezo JE2.png|Mezo in a camouflaged skin.
Steve Glasses.png|Notch's hat layer test skin.
Steve's Friend.png|Steve's friend from the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmB9b5njVbA Official Minecraft Trailer].
Notch-skin.png|[[Notch]]'s skin.
Jeb skin.png|[[Jeb]]'s skin.
C418 skin.png|[[C418]]'s skin.
JAPPASKIN.png|[[Jappa]]'s skin.
Slicedlime-Skin.png|[[Slicedlime]]'s skin.
LadyAgnes-Skin.png|[[LadyAgnes]]'s skin.
Kingbdogz skin.png|[[Kingbdogz]]'s skin.
Searge skin.png|[[Searge]]'s skin.
ExcitedZe.png|[[ExcitedZe]]'s skin.
Dinnerbone Minecraft skin.png|[[Dinnerbone]]'s skin.
Eric Skin.png|[[Grum]]'s skin.
Mollstam yam.png|[[Tobias Möllstam|mollstam]]'s skin.
slamp00 skin.png|[[slamp00]]'s skin.
Deadmau5 blue.png|Deadmau5's skin (blue version).
Deadmau5 RED.png|Deadmau5's skin (red version).
Easter Egg Villager Base.png|The base villager skin out of the 7 villager skins that all players wore during [[April Fools' Day jokes|April Fools' Day]] 2014.
Easter Egg Villager Butcher.png|The butcher villager skin out of the 7 villager skins that all players wore during [[April Fools' Day jokes|April Fools' Day]] 2014.
Easter Egg Villager Farmer.png|The farmer villager skin out of the 7 villager skins that all players wore during [[April Fools' Day jokes|April Fools' Day]] 2014.
Easter Egg Villager Librarian.png|The librarian villager skin out of the 7 villager skins that all players wore during [[April Fools' Day jokes|April Fools' Day]] 2014.
Easter Egg Villager Priest.png|The priest villager skin out of the 7 villager skins that all players wore during [[April Fools' Day jokes|April Fools' Day]] 2014.
Easter Egg Villager Smith.png|The smith villager skin out of the 7 villager skins that all players wore during [[April Fools' Day jokes|April Fools' Day]] 2014.
Villager2014EasterEggRenderImage.png|One of the 7 Villager skins that all players wore during [[April Fools' Day jokes|April Fools' Day]] 2014. Of note is that Nitwits were unimplemented at the time.
Dummy.png|Dummy.
Dummy (Earth).png|Ditto but in {{MCE}}.
</gallery>

== See also ==
*[[Character]]
*[[Mob (entity)]]
*[[Mobs]]
*[[Mob of Me]]
*[[Player]]
*[[Skin pack]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|1}}

== External links ==
* [https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/4408894664461-How-to-Make-a-Custom-Skin-in-Minecraft-Java-Edition How to Make a Custom Skin in ''Minecraft: Java Edition''] – [[Minecraft Help Center]]
Skin editors:
* [https://skinscollection.com/editor SkinsCollection]
* [https://www.blockbench.net Blockbench]
* [https://www.planetminecraft.com/skin-editor/ PMCSkin3D]
* [https://needcoolershoes.com NeedCoolerShoes]
* [https://www.minecraftskins.com/skin-editor/ Skindex]
See [[Tutorials/Programs_and_editors/Skinning_and_texturing]] for a more detailed list.

== Navigation ==
{{Navbox Minecraft|general}}

[[Category:Skins]]
[[Category:UI]]

[[de:Skin]]
[[es:Aspecto]]
[[fr:Skin]]
[[ja:スキン]]
[[ko:스킨]]
[[nl:Skin]]
[[pl:Skórki]]
[[pt:Skin]]
[[ru:Скин]]
[[uk:Скін]]
[[zh:皮肤]]
