Best Practices for Customizing Branding in Chromium-Based Browser

[Suyash Ranawat]

Hello Devs,

I am working on building a custom browser based on Chromium, and I would like some guidance on the best practices for branding and configuration. Specifically, I am interested in overriding the default Chromium branding (such as changing the icons, name, and the executable file) without affecting the core functionality of the browser.

Here are the areas I would like to focus on:

1. Branding Customization:

   • How can I change the browser’s name, icons, and other branding elements such as the UI visuals (tabs, address bar, etc.) in a clean and modular way?

   • What are the most recommended folders or areas in the Chromium source code I should focus on to make these changes without interfering with core browser features?

2. Executable File Customization:

   • What is the best way to modify the executable file’s name and icon?

   • Are there specific configurations or files where the executable file name and icon are set, and how can I customize them safely?

3. Minimizing Impact on Core Functionality:

   • What should be the approach to ensure that I am only overriding branding and UI elements without touching the core Chromium functionality, security updates, or any default features?

I would greatly appreciate it if someone could point me to relevant documentation or provide advice on how to best approach these customizations while maintaining a stable browser.

[Yngve N. Pettersen]

Hi,

At present, the only way is editing or overriding GN targets and files.

OTOH, if we could get some progress on https://issues.chromium.org/issues/40751188, which is associated with a 5 year old Proof of Concept review at https://chromium-review.googlesource.com/c/chromium/src/+/2421373 , it might make the task easier for embedders.

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Sincerely,
Yngve N. Pettersen
Vivaldi Technologies AS