Steam artwork overrides: capsule text rules and setup
27 Oct 2026 · 5 min read
Your Steam capsules are the images that stand for your game across the store. By default they can only show art and the game's name. An artwork override is how you change that for a while: special capsules for an update, an event or new DLC, with a start and an end time. Valve's Artwork Overrides page calls them the only way to include text about major game updates, tournaments or other time-sensitive events on your capsules. This guide covers the rules, the setup and the timing, from Valve's docs checked 27 Oct 2026.
What an artwork override is
An override is a second set of capsule images with a name, a start time and an end time. While it runs, Steam shows those images in place of your defaults. At the end time, your capsule art switches back to the default images on its own, so nothing has to be undone by hand. Overrides work with localized assets just like normal capsule art. For the image sizes themselves, see Steam capsule art sizes.
What text is allowed
Valve's Graphical Asset Rules, in effect since 1 September 2022, keep base capsules to game artwork, the game name and any official subtitle. Text goes on a capsule only through an override, and only under three conditions:
Valve also says not to use an override to copy the graphical assets of another product on Steam, DLC included. These examples come straight from Valve's two pages:
| Capsule text | Valve's verdict |
|---|---|
| "DLC now available!" | Allowed. Describes new content that is out now |
| "Major Update now Live!" | Allowed. Describes a current major update |
| "On Sale Now", "Up to 90% off" | Not allowed. Discount marketing copy |
| "Wishlist now!", "Pre-purchase now!" | Not allowed. A call to action not about the new content |
| "Available Oct 4th" | Not allowed. Not available yet, and the store page already says it |
| Review scores, awards | Not allowed. Accolades have their own place on the store page |
Sources: Artwork Overrides, Graphical Asset Rules. Checked 27 Oct 2026. Valve updates these pages; the Steamworks docs always win.
How to set one up
Overrides live on the Graphical Assets tab of your store page admin. You need default capsules uploaded first.
Check active overrides when you change your art. Valve's rules page reminds developers to look at any active Artwork Overrides when bringing assets in line with the rules, as those may need an update too.
Timing it with a discount
Valve suggests pairing a content update and an override with a discount. If you do, start the override 5 minutes before the discount kicks off, so the new art is picked up and included in any wishlist email that goes out. A discount of 20% or more can trigger those wishlist emails. Two capsules matter most here, per Valve: the Main capsule is used on wishlist emails, and the Header capsule is used in the Daily Deal spot and in many lists throughout the store.
The same idea fits a Free Weekend: an override with the same start and end times as the event.
Library art has its own rules
Overrides are about store capsules. The library images that stand for your game in the Steam library follow stricter rules on the same Valve page:
Every capsule, store or library, also needs a readable logo or name, accurate dimensions and PG-13 appropriate artwork. Valve's penalty for breaking the rules: a game "may have limits to visibility within the Steam store and will be ineligible for featuring in official Steam sales and events."
Where a broadcast fits
An override draws the eye to your capsule, and the click lands on your store page. A live broadcast there shows the update itself while the override runs. Loopcast keeps a store page broadcast running from an uploaded video, with no PC left on at home, billed per minute on air. You can try it free for 7 days, no card needed.
FAQ
What is a Steam artwork override?
A set of bespoke capsule images you upload in the Graphical Assets tab with a start and end time. Steam shows them during that window and switches back to your default capsules on its own at the end time.
Can I put text on my Steam capsule?
Base capsules may only show game artwork, the game name and any official subtitle. Text about a current major update, seasonal event, battle pass, DLC or similar new content is allowed only through an artwork override, for at most one month, localized into at least the languages the game supports.
Can an artwork override say my game is on sale?
No. Valve does not allow discount copy such as "On Sale Now" or "Up to 90% off", or calls to action such as "Wishlist now!", "Pre-purchase now!" or "Available Oct 4th". Text like "DLC now available!" or "Major Update now Live!" is fine.
When should an override start if it goes with a discount?
Valve suggests starting the override 5 minutes before the discount kicks off, so the new art is picked up and included in any wishlist email that goes out.
What happens if my capsules break the rules?
Valve says any game not adhering to its graphical asset rules may have limits to visibility within the Steam store and will be ineligible for featuring in official Steam sales and events.