: This is the heart of your customization. It contains a precise number of image files (traditionally 46 to 48 frames) numbered sequentially (e.g., shime1.png to shime46.png ). Each number corresponds to a highly specific action, such as walking left, dangling from the mouse cursor, or sitting down.
Creating a smooth, appealing desktop buddy requires specific attention to animation principles within a limited pixel space.
Do you need help formatting the for custom behaviors?
Ask in r/Shimeji (Reddit) or the Shimeji Discord server. Happy drawing! 🎉 shimeji template
If you aren't ready to draw from scratch, the community has created several "blank" bases to help you:
Because 128x128 pixels is quite small on modern monitors, subtle expressions get lost. Make eyes wide when falling, and exaggerate limbs during climbing animations.
Finding a clean, working template can be frustrating because the original Group Finity sites are defunct. Here are the current best sources (as of 2024-2025). : This is the heart of your customization
Perhaps the most iconic shimeji feature is their ability to duplicate, pull up new shimejis, and chuck your active windows around! These frames accommodate the chaotic, playful interactions they have with your OS. How to Use a Shimeji Template
Go to DeviantArt, search "Shimeji base template 2024," download a blank kit, and bring your desktop to life.
Once your artwork is fully saved in the designated directory, launch the Shimeji program (usually by double-clicking the Shimeji.jar file or activating it via your preferred browser extension manager). Creating a smooth, appealing desktop buddy requires specific
Ensure every single PNG file is exactly the same dimensions (e.g., all 128x128). Sharing Your Finished Shimeji
If starting from scratch feels too intimidating, you can use pre-made, fan-made base templates. Many talented artists in communities like DeviantArt and Itch.io provide "blank" custom shimeji templates. These are essentially free, pre-drawn outlines or chibi bases that you can simply color in, saving you the hassle of figuring out the complex kinematics of walking and sitting.