iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To enter the active Debian release artwork contest, prepare a concept, create a proposal page under DebianArt/Themes, then add that proposal to the Debian 14 Forky artwork page under its submitted proposals. The current deadline is November 26, 2026. You may submit a single wallpaper or another image instead of a complete theme, but your proposal must explain the idea, state an appropriate distribution license, and identify the copyright holder.
The original call listed September 12, 2026; a later September announcement extended it. The Forky wiki page and Debian’s October 2026 project blog both show November 26 as the operative date. Voting is expected roughly one to three weeks after submissions close, although no fixed voting day has been announced.
What the contest is asking for
Debian is selecting artwork for Debian 14, code-named Forky. A submission can be a coordinated release theme or a focused contribution such as a desktop wallpaper. A full theme may eventually include boot, installer, login, desktop, and promotional assets, but you do not need to finish every asset before the initial selection. You do need a credible plan for the eventual scope and a willingness to create the remaining pieces if your proposal is chosen.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe selection team is looking for work that feels recognizably Debian, can be integrated without patching core software, and remains clean and usable over long periods. The call cites Emerald, Homeworld, Joy, Lines, softWaves, and futurePrototype as examples of themes considered clean and well designed. These names are references to prior design directions, not requirements to copy their visual style.
#1 Best Overall
- PLEASE NOTE：XPPen Artist13.3 Pro drawing tablet Need to connect with computer,you need to use it with your computer or laptop, the 3 in 1 cable is included
- Drawing Tablet with Screen: Tilt Function- XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, so now you don't need to adjust the brush direction in the software again and again. Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between lines and strokes
- Graphics Tablets: High Color Gamut- The 13.3 inch fully-laminated FHD Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧91%，sRGB≧123%) with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and dazzling details in a wider view. Your creative world is now as powerful as it is colorful
- Drawing Pad: One is enough- The sleek Red Dial on the display is expertly designed with creators in mind, its strategic placement allows for natural drawing postures. With just one wheel, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, adjust brush sizes, and flip the canvas—all tailored to suit the habits of everyday artists. The 8 customizable shortcut keys allow you to personalize your setup, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creative efficiency
- Universal Compatibility & Software Support：supports Windows 7 (or later), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux systems. Fully compatible with major creative software including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, and Blender 3D. Register your device to access additional programs like ArtRage 5 and openCanvas for expanded creative possibilities.
Deadline, voting and communication channels
- Submission deadline: November 26, 2026, for the Debian 14 Forky call.
- Voting window: expected one to three weeks after submissions close, with the organizers hoping to begin nearer to one week. This is an estimate, not a confirmed date.
- Discussion: follow the Debian Desktop mailing list and the
#debian-desktopIRC channel for feedback, questions, concepts and selection updates.
Plan to have your proposal page and its entry on the Forky artwork page complete before the deadline. If you revise the concept after feedback, update the proposal page and the submitted-proposals entry so reviewers are always seeing the same version.
Step 1: Read the requirements and choose a realistic scope
Start with the Debian artwork requirements rather than drawing immediately. They describe the eventual asset formats, color depths, aspect ratios, licensing expectations and source-file requirements. Use those constraints to decide whether you are proposing one image or a complete theme.
Focused submission: wallpaper or another image
A focused submission is appropriate when you have a strong single visual but cannot commit to boot, installer and login assets. State exactly what you are providing, such as a desktop wallpaper, and explain how it could fit a future coordinated theme. This keeps the proposal honest and gives the team something concrete to evaluate.
Complete coordinated theme
A full theme should describe the visual system that will carry across the desktop, login screen, installer and boot experience. You can submit a concept before every file exists, but show that you understand the work still required. Explain which assets are ready, which are planned, and how the same shapes, colors and typography will adapt to different dimensions.
Make the integration constraint part of the concept
Debian favors artwork that can be installed through existing configuration and theming mechanisms. The call warns that some ideas would require substantial GTK theming or changes to GDM/GNOME. Avoid making your proposal depend on core software patches. If a visual effect needs extensive interface changes, redesign it so the artwork remains effective with standard Debian components.
Step 2: Develop a proposal concept
Your proposal needs a clear idea that can be understood quickly by reviewers. Write one or two lines that answer three questions: what is the visual subject, what feeling or message should it convey, and how does it relate to Debian? A concise concept is easier to discuss on the mailing list than a page of unexplained mood-board language.
Rank #2
- 【Clutter-Free Dual USB-C & Wide Compatibility】 Say goodbye to messy cables! This upgraded xp pen drawing tablet features a full-featured USB-C port, allowing a clean single-cable direct connection to your compatible Mac, Windows PC, Chromebook, or Android device (Requires devices with USB3.1 DP1.2; full-featured Type-C cable included). It also retains a legacy port for traditional HDMI setups (3-in-1 cable sold separately). Perfect for digital art students, animators, and remote educators looking for a portable, plug-and-play drawing pad for pc
- 【World-First 16K Pressure X3 Pro Smart Chip Stylus】 Experience a quantum leap in digital art. Powered by the advanced X3 Pro smart chip, this battery-free digital drawing tablet offers an industry-leading 16,384 (16K) levels of pressure sensitivity—2x higher than standard 8192 tablets. With an ultra-low initial activation force, higher precision (Center: ±0.4mm), and a built-in digital eraser on the tail, every stroke feels like a real pencil on paper. Ideal for intricate sketching, manga line art, and professional graphic design without any annoying lag or line shaking.
- 【Fully Laminated Screen & 95% P3 Cinema-Grade Gamut】 Bring your artwork to life with unparalleled color accuracy. This 13.3-inch 1920x1080 FHD drawing tablet with screen features a fully laminated display that eliminates parallax by removing the air gap between the glass and LCD. Boasting a cinema-grade color gamut of 99% sRGB, 89% Adobe RGB, and 95% P3 with 16.7M display colors, what you see is exactly what you get when printing or exporting. The pre-applied anti-glare film reduces eye strain and provides a natural, textured drawing pen resistance
- 【Red Dial Roller, 8 Shortcut Keys & Premium Metal Backing】 Maximize your productivity. The iconic red dial roller wheel and 8 customizable express keys let you effortlessly zoom in/out, adjust brush size, and undo actions across popular creative software like Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Blender. Built with a premium, rigid metal back panel, this art tablet not only looks sleek but also dissipates heat significantly faster than plastic competitors, keeping the screen comfortably cool during marathon drawing sessions
- 【Versatile Pen Display & Pen Tablet Dual Modes with Stand】 Adapts to your creative flow. The Artist 13.3 Pro V2 seamlessly toggles between Pen Display mode (drawing directly on screen) and Pen Tablet mode (screen turned off to use as a traditional black drawing pad tablet), which saves laptop battery and reduces neck fatigue. The package comes as a complete creator kit: includes an ergonomic foldable drawing tablet stand to prevent wobbling, a secure pen holder with 8 replacement nibs, an artist glove, and a brand-new integrated driver that lets you easily manage your settings with one click
Build a visual system, not just a single attractive image
Even a wallpaper-only entry benefits from repeatable design rules. Define the primary shapes, a restrained color palette, the location of the Debian swirl, and the amount of quiet space needed for desktop icons. For a theme, decide how those elements will behave when stretched across a boot screen, a narrow installer banner and a large desktop display.
Check the Debian identity early
The requirements permit the Debian logo as the swirl alone or together with the word “debian.” Use it deliberately and preserve enough surrounding space for it to remain legible. A concept that could belong to any operating system will be harder to recognize as Debian, even if it is technically polished.
Test long-term visual comfort
Release artwork remains visible during installation and everyday use. Check whether contrast, gradients or fine detail become tiring when the image sits behind icons for months. Avoid placing high-frequency detail where notification text, login controls or desktop labels must remain readable. These are design decisions that support the call’s requirement for work that stays clean over extended use.
Step 3: Create the proposal page under DebianArt/Themes
Create a new wiki proposal page in the DebianArt/Themes area. Give it a distinct theme name and organize the page so a reviewer can understand the idea without downloading files first.
- Name the theme. Use a short, memorable name that is not confused with another Debian release theme.
- Add a one- or two-line concept description. Explain the visual idea and its Debian connection in plain language.
- Show the current artwork. Add a thumbnail or preview image and link to the full-resolution files where appropriate.
- Describe the planned scope. Identify whether this is a wallpaper, another focused image, or a coordinated theme. For a full theme, list the asset types you intend to create.
- State licensing and attribution. Tell Debian exactly which license covers distribution and who owns the copyright.
- Explain source-file availability. Confirm that final work can be supplied in a form that remains editable with free software.
Keep the page readable on its own. A reviewer should not have to infer the license from a file name or search another service for the concept statement.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallLicense and copyright wording
The requirements show this format: Copyright: year, your full name <email@domain>, License: GPL-2.0+. Treat it as a formatting example, not a license recommendation. Replace it with the license that actually applies to your work, and make the copyright year, legal name and contact address accurate. If other people contributed source elements, clarify their attribution and permissions before submitting.
Do not promise a license you cannot grant. Debian must be able to distribute the artwork, and selected work should include source files suitable for future modification using free software. Resolve font, texture, photograph and stock-asset permissions before the proposal is listed.
Rank #3
- Universal Compatibility: It's compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac 10.10 or later, Linux. Compatible with Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, Painter, MediBang, Clip Studio, and more. It's ideal for digital drawing, animation, sketching, photo editing, 3D sculpting, and more (XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet must be connected to a computer to work).
- 11.6 HD IPS display: Artist12 drawing tablet is the XP-PEN’s latest smallest 1920x1080 HD display paired with 72% NTSC(100%SRGB) Color Gamut, presenting vivid images, vibrant colors and extreme detail for a stunning display of your artwork. It's pre-installed anti-reflective screen protector already. The slim touch bar can be programmed to zoom in and out, scroll up and down. Its 6 shortcut keys are customizable, XP-PEN driver allows the shortcut keys to be attuned to other different software
- Battery-free stylus with a digital eraser at the end: XP-PEN advanced P06 passive pen was made for a traditional pencil-like feel! Featuring a unique hexagonal design, non-slip & tack-free flexible glue grip, partial transparent pen tip, and an eraser at the end! Delivering technical sense, high efficiency, with a fashionable and comfortable grip, and there are 8 replacement pen nibs included with the multi-function pen holder
- XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet with screen is ideal for online education and remote work. Set the Artist12 drawing screen as an extended display when working from home, visually present your handwritten notes on the screen directly. Teachers and students can write and edit complicated functional equations with ease. It's compatible with XSplit, Zoom, Twitch, Microsoft Teams, ezTalks Webinar, Idroo, Scribbiar, wiziQ, and more
- XP-PEN provides a one-year warranty and lifetime technical support for all our drawing pen tablets/displays. Register your XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet on xp-pen web to apply for an ArtRage 5, openCanvas, or Explain Everything. Your laptop/desktop needs to have HDMI and USB-A ports available for the connection, or you need an extra converter(such as Thunderbolt to HDMI, depends on what ports that your laptop/desktop has) for the connection
Step 4: Add the proposal to the Forky artwork page
After creating the proposal page, open the Debian 14 Forky artwork page and add the entry under submitted proposals. The page template calls for three items:
- Theme name — the same name used on your proposal page.
- One-line description — a compact summary suitable for a list of many entries.
- Thumbnail image link — a link that lets reviewers identify the visual quickly.
Check that the thumbnail loads, the link points to the proposal page or intended preview, and the one-line description does not introduce claims missing from the full proposal. A proposal page that exists but is not listed in the Forky submitted-proposals section can be overlooked.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Technical specifications to plan for
The following specifications describe eventual theme assets. They are planning targets for selected work, not a requirement to deliver every file with the initial proposal.
| Asset | Required or recommended specification | Design implication |
|---|---|---|
| GRUB 2 boot screen | 640 × 480 pixels, 24-bit PNG | Keep the main mark and essential contrast inside a compact 4:3 composition. |
| Isolinux | 640 × 300 pixels, 4-bit color (16 colors) | Use broad shapes and a limited palette that survives severe color reduction. |
| Syslinux | 640 × 300 pixels, 16-bit color PNG | Design for a short, wide frame without relying on subtle gradients. |
| Plymouth | SVG, or separate PNGs for scene elements and background at minimum | Separate elements make animation or compositing easier if the selected implementation needs it. |
| Debian Installer | 800 × 75 pixels, 16-bit color | Reserve a clear horizontal band for a very shallow banner. |
| Desktop wallpaper | SVG recommended; should crop well to 5:4, 4:3, 16:10 and 16:9 | Place focal elements so common desktop crops do not remove the subject or logo. |
| Login-screen image | Similar crop requirements to the wallpaper; SVG recommended | Design a smooth visual transition from login screen to desktop wallpaper. |
| Other possible deliverables | CD/DVD labels, website, blog or wiki banners, T-shirts and stickers | Provide scalable source artwork if you intend the concept to extend beyond screens. |
Gamma-correct all artwork to 0.45, as specified by the requirements. Apply that correction consistently to exported assets rather than correcting only one preview. Keep an unflattened master and document the export settings so another contributor can reproduce the files.
How to prepare files for review
Use scalable masters where the requirements recommend them
SVG is recommended for the desktop wallpaper and login image because it allows clean resizing and cropping. Build the composition with editable vectors, named layers and reusable symbols. If you also provide raster previews, export them from the master rather than editing each size independently.
Design and check each aspect ratio
Create test crops for 5:4, 4:3, 16:10 and 16:9. Inspect the crop at the size where it will be used, not only on a large monitor. Keep the focal subject and any Debian mark away from edges that may be trimmed. A background that looks balanced at 16:9 can lose its subject on a 5:4 display if the composition has no safe area.
Rank #4
- Ultra-Portable with Revolutionary X-Dial Wheels: Weighing only 1.58 lb with an 11.9" portable screen, XP Pen drawing tablet features dual X-Dial wheels that instantly adjust brush size and canvas zoom, saving 40% operation time. The 33% narrower bezels provide more drawing area, while 8 customizable keys prevent misoperations. Perfect for digital artists sketching in cafes or students carrying this tablet with pen between classes
- Eye-Care Paper-Feel Display: AG etched glass provides paper-like texture, reducing 85% glare and resisting fingerprints. Full lamination technology ensures the pen tip closely follows the cursor with nearly zero parallax. Ideal for architects detailing blueprints or illustrators working long hours - your eyes stay comfortable even after 8-hour sessions with this professional graphic tablet
- Magnetic X4 Pen with 16K Precision: The X4 chip drawing pen features 16,384 pressure levels and 60-degree tilt support, with 2g initial pressure perfect for feather-detail illustrations on your drawing tablet. 50% faster response speed and 200% steadier nibs prevent wobble during precise inking. Includes 10 replacement nibs and magnetic attachment to prevent loss. Enjoy professional drawing experience with smooth, natural strokes that respond to your every movement
- Pro Color Accuracy with Factory Calibration: This drawing tablet with screen delivers 1920x1080 Full HD resolution with 99% sRGB and ΔE<1.5 color accuracy displaying 16.7 million colors. Factory pre-calibrated with OSD menu adjustment ensures perfect color matching for professional photography retouching or brand design projects where color precision is critical
- Certified Universal Compatibility: This art tablet guarantees flawless performance across all major platforms: Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, Android 10.0 or later, ChromeOS 88 or later, Linux, and Windows ARM. It is rigorously tested with top software including Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita, ensuring a stable and hassle-free experience for freelancers and students collaborating across different ecosystems
Prepare reduced-color variants early
The Isolinux asset allows only 16 colors, while other assets allow more. Preview a simplified version of the concept before you commit to intricate shading. If the idea depends on colors that merge when reduced, identify a replacement shape or contrast boundary rather than expecting the boot loader to reproduce the full desktop palette.
Keep the source editable with free software
Deliver source files in formats that can be opened and modified with free software, along with linked fonts or documented substitutes that Debian can legally redistribute. Avoid a workflow that leaves only a flattened bitmap. Organize layers, name important objects and include a short note describing export dimensions, color depth and gamma correction.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing between a focused image and a full theme
| Decision | Focused wallpaper or image | Complete coordinated theme |
|---|---|---|
| Initial commitment | One primary asset with a clear concept and license. | A visual system plus a plan for several asset types. |
| Best fit | Contributors with a strong single composition or limited production time. | Teams or individuals prepared to create boot, installer, login and desktop variations. |
| What reviewers need to see | A usable preview, crop awareness and an explanation of how it could fit Debian. | Representative previews, planned deliverables and evidence that the style works at different sizes. |
| After selection | Be prepared to provide the final image and editable source. | Be prepared to finish the remaining coordinated assets you described. |
Neither scope is automatically preferred. A focused image is better than an overextended theme that cannot be completed, while a full theme is useful when the concept depends on continuity across the installation and desktop experience.
How proposals are evaluated
Does it feel like Debian?
Reviewers should be able to connect the visual language to Debian without relying on a caption. Consider how the swirl, palette, geometry and tone communicate Debian while still offering a fresh release identity.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Can it integrate without core patches?
Check that the design works within existing boot screens, installer banners, login backgrounds and desktop wallpaper slots. If your proposal requires changing GTK behavior or modifying GDM/GNOME, explain the limitation and simplify the design so it can be integrated through artwork and normal theming instead.
Will it remain clean over extended use?
Evaluate the image behind text and icons, at low brightness and on different display sizes. Remove details that become visual noise. A theme is not judged only as a poster; it must remain comfortable during repeated installation and daily desktop use.
Common mistakes and how to correct them
Submitting only a file link
A bare image does not tell reviewers what you intended, what license applies or whether more assets are planned. Add the concept statement, scope, attribution and source-file plan to the proposal page.
Best Value
- Please note: Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) Pen Display is not a standalone product, this device must be connected to a computer/laptop to work.
- All-new Canvas Glass 2.0: HUION Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) drawing tablet for pc features a fully laminated 13.3-inch screen and brand new anti-sparkle canvas glass 2.0 for reduced glare and improved accuracy. It is perfect for designers, artists, and illustrators to unleash their creativity.
- Advanced PenTech 4.0 Technology: The 16384 levels of pressure sensitivity and 2g IAF ensure a fluid and natural drawing experience, while the 3 customized pen side buttons improve your workflow.
- Improved Color Accuracy: With enhanced color accuracy to Avg. ΔE<1.5, 16.7 million display colors, 99% sRGB coverage, and Rec.709 standard color gamuts, HUION Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) digital art tablet delivers stunning visuals.
- Rigorous Color Calibration: HUION Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) drawing monitor includes a factory calibration report for added assurance of color consistency.
Listing a proposal in only one place
Creating a page under DebianArt/Themes is not the complete workflow. Add the proposal to the Forky artwork page’s submitted-proposals section with the required name, description and thumbnail link.
Using an unexplained or incompatible license
Do not copy the sample GPL wording without checking your actual rights. Replace the sample with the license that covers your artwork and all included components, and list contributors who require attribution.
Designing only for a modern widescreen display
Test the wallpaper and login composition at all four listed aspect ratios. Reposition the subject or enlarge the safe area if a crop removes important content.
Ignoring low-color boot assets
A polished desktop illustration may fail at 16 colors. Produce a deliberately simplified Isolinux version rather than an automatic conversion that creates muddy gradients.
Promising a complete theme without a delivery plan
If only a wallpaper is ready, describe it as a focused submission. If you propose a full theme, list the remaining assets and the order in which you would create them. Clear scope is more credible than an ambitious but undefined promise.
Recommended Free Tools
Submission checklist
- Confirm the proposal is for Debian 14 Forky and is posted before November 26, 2026.
- Read the Debian artwork requirements and choose a focused or full-theme scope.
- Write a one- or two-line concept that explains the visual idea and Debian connection.
- Create the proposal page under
DebianArt/Themes. - Add a preview and a thumbnail link that works for the Forky submitted-proposals list.
- State the actual distribution license and accurate copyright attribution.
- Identify source files that can be modified with free software.
- For a full theme, list the boot, installer, login, desktop and optional promotional assets you plan to create.
- Check crop behavior at 5:4, 4:3, 16:10 and 16:9 for wallpaper and login artwork.
- Plan the 640 × 480, 640 × 300 and 800 × 75 variants if your theme is selected.
- Apply gamma correction to 0.45 and preserve editable masters.
- Follow the Debian Desktop mailing list and
#debian-desktopfor feedback and updates.
What happens after you submit
Once the deadline passes, the community and organizers can review the listed proposals and discuss how well each one fits Debian’s identity, integration constraints and long-term usability. The expected voting period is one to three weeks after November 26, with the possibility of starting closer to one week; treat that interval as a planning estimate rather than a scheduled announcement.
Keep your proposal page available during this period, respond to constructive questions, and preserve the editable source files described in your submission. If selected, you may need to adapt the concept into the technical asset sizes and color depths above and complete the remaining files promised in your scope.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
