---
title: "Background"
description: "Essence Ghost theme Background style is an animated WebGL Shader by default or a fixed cover Image. Images at least 1920px wide and dark in tone work best."
url: "https://www.priority.vision/docs/essence/settings-sitewide/background"
scope: theme
appliesTo: [Essence]
lastUpdated: 2026-10-01
---

# Background

Essence supports two site-wide background styles: a static **Image** or an animated **Shader** (WebGL). The background sits behind all content and cards.

## Change background style

1. Go to **Settings → Site → Design & branding**
1. Click **Customize → Theme → Site wide**
1. Change the **Background style** setting:
    - **Shader** (default) — animated WebGL preset. See [Shader Presets](/docs/essence/settings-sitewide/shaders/)
    - **Image** — fixed cover image behind the site

## Background image

When **Background style** is set to **Image**, upload a file in the **Background image** field. The image covers the viewport and stays fixed while you scroll.

    For best results, use a high-resolution image (at least 1920px wide). Dark images work best with Essence's default typography and card styles.

## Shader background

When **Background style** is set to **Shader**, the theme renders an animated WebGL canvas. Configure the preset, colors, and noise in [Shader Presets](/docs/essence/settings-sitewide/shaders/).

If WebGL is unavailable in the visitor's browser, the shader may not render. Switch to **Image** background style as a fallback, or see [Browser Compatibility](/docs/essence/custom-browser-compatibility/).

## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.priority.vision/docs/essence/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.