Steam Big Art Mode vs Big Picture Mode: Differences
Steam’s Big Art Mode is a visual customization option that replaces the default game grid images with larger, more detailed artwork, while Big Picture Mode is a full-screen, controller-friendly interface that transforms the entire Steam client for use on a TV or from a couch. In short, Big Art Mode changes how your library looks; Big Picture Mode changes how Steam works. You can use both at the same time, and they serve completely different purposes.
What Is Big Art Mode?
Big Art Mode is a feature within the Steam Library that lets you choose a larger, more visually prominent display for your games. Instead of the standard small grid icons, you can opt for “Big Art” which shows a taller, wider image (typically the game’s promotional key art) with the game title overlaid. It is purely cosmetic and applies only to the library view. It does not change any other part of Steam, nor does it affect performance or how games launch.
To enable it, go to your Steam Library, click the grid icon at the top right (or the dropdown next to it), and select “Big Art Mode.” You can also toggle it via the View menu. The exact menu name may vary slightly with Steam client updates, but the option is always under the library view settings.
What Is Big Picture Mode?
Big Picture Mode is a full-screen interface that Steam has offered since 2012. It is designed to be navigated with a gamepad, though mouse and keyboard also work. When you launch Big Picture Mode, the entire Steam client is replaced by a large, high-contrast UI with big tiles for your library, store, friends list, and settings. It is intended for use on a TV, a living room PC, or a Steam Deck (which uses a similar interface by default).
Big Picture Mode also includes features like a built-in web browser, controller configuration, and streaming options (Steam Remote Play). It is not just a skin; it changes the entire navigation structure and adds functionality that the desktop client does not have in the same way.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Scope: Big Art Mode only affects the library grid. Big Picture Mode replaces the entire Steam client interface.
- Purpose: Big Art Mode is about aesthetics and seeing more artwork. Big Picture Mode is about usability with a controller and on a TV.
- Input: Big Art Mode works with mouse/keyboard as usual. Big Picture Mode is optimized for gamepads but supports mouse/keyboard.
- Overlap: You can enable Big Art Mode inside Big Picture Mode. The library within Big Picture Mode can also show larger art, but the two settings are independent.
- Performance: Big Art Mode has a negligible impact on performance. Big Picture Mode may use slightly more GPU resources because it renders a full-screen overlay, but it is still lightweight on modern systems.
How to Use Them Together
Many users combine both features. For example, you might use Big Picture Mode on your TV and, within its library, switch to Big Art Mode to enjoy larger cover art while browsing. Here’s how to do that:
- Launch Big Picture Mode from the Steam menu (top-left corner of the desktop client) or by pressing the Xbox/PlayStation button on a controller if configured.
- Go to your Library in Big Picture Mode.
- Look for a view options button (often a grid or list icon). Select “Big Art Mode” if available.
- Exit Big Picture Mode when done; your selection will be remembered.
Note that the exact steps can change with Steam client updates, but the principle remains: Big Art Mode is a view setting, and Big Picture Mode is a shell.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that Big Art Mode is a replacement for Big Picture Mode, or that it is a new version of it. That is not the case. Big Art Mode is a relatively recent addition (around 2021) that focuses on the library grid. Big Picture Mode has been around for over a decade and is a separate, much larger feature.
Another issue users run into is that Big Art Mode does not apply to all games uniformly. Some games may not have a designated “big art” image, so Steam will fall back to the standard grid image or a generic placeholder. This is a limitation of the artwork available, not a bug.
If you find that Big Art Mode is not working, try restarting Steam or checking your library view settings. Also, ensure you have the latest Steam client update installed.
Which Should You Choose?
It depends on your setup and preferences:
- If you play at a desk with a mouse and keyboard and just want a nicer-looking library, use Big Art Mode on the desktop client.
- If you play on a TV from your couch with a controller, use Big Picture Mode (and optionally enable Big Art Mode inside it).
- If you have a Steam Deck, you are already using a Big Picture-like interface; you can switch to Big Art Mode in the library settings if you prefer larger art.
There is no performance cost to using both, so feel free to experiment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Big Art Mode affect game performance?
No. Big Art Mode only changes how images are displayed in your library. It does not affect the games themselves, their frame rates, or loading times.
Can I use Big Art Mode without Big Picture Mode?
Yes. Big Art Mode is available in the regular desktop Steam client. You do not need to enter Big Picture Mode to use it.
Can I use Big Picture Mode without Big Art Mode?
Yes. Big Picture Mode has its own library view, which may or may not show larger art depending on your settings. You can disable Big Art Mode inside Big Picture Mode if you prefer the standard grid.
Is Big Picture Mode being replaced by the new Steam Deck UI?
Valve has stated that the Steam Deck UI is based on Big Picture Mode and will eventually replace it. As of now, Big Picture Mode still exists in the desktop client, but the interface is being updated to match the Deck’s design. The core functionality remains the same.
Why are some games missing big art?
Steam relies on artwork provided by the game developer or publisher. If a game does not have a designated big art image, Steam will use the standard grid image or a placeholder. This is not something you can fix on your end, though you can use custom artwork tools (like Steam Grid DB) to manually assign images.
Can I set custom images for Big Art Mode?
Yes. You can right-click a game in your library, select “Manage,” then “Set Custom Artwork” and choose an image. This works for both the standard grid and Big Art Mode, provided the image meets the required dimensions (typically 600×900 pixels for big art).
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