Get your Debian artwork into Forky boot and login screens

Forky is the successor to Debian 13, codenamed Trixie. Debian 13 celebrated its 33rd anniversary in August 2026, and Forky is moving through its development cycle with a likely emphasis on broad hardware compatibility and long-term stability. The Debian team has traditionally linked release names to Toy Story characters, and Forky continues that naming tradition, signaling continuity for long-time users and contributors.

The submission process mirrors past releases: artists must craft visuals that are recognizably Debian in tone and style, while avoiding the need to patch core software. The artwork should remain visually appealing for the long term and not rely on busy or distracting designs that would fatigue users over years of use.

Artists have until November 26 to submit their work. After submissions close, Debian’s design and artwork teams review entries, shortlist candidates, and ultimately select a default theme for Forky. The winning artwork typically becomes the default desktop wallpaper or a prominent element of the login experience, and may influence other branding across the distribution.

Anyone who wants their art to become part of a major, long-lasting open-source project should consider submitting. You don’t need to be a professional designer, Debian’s open-source ethos has always encouraged broad participation from a diverse community of artists and contributors.

If you use Debian on laptops, desktops, or servers, your boot screens or login prompts could soon sport a fresh, community-made look. It’s a reminder of Debian’s collaborative spirit and the way community input helps shape the user experience for millions around the world.

After the November 26 deadline, the Debian artwork team will evaluate entries and publish notices about the winning design. Forky’s release date isn’t specified in the current update, but the project remains on track as its development progresses toward a stable, widely adopted Debian 14 release.