# Themes

This help article will demonstrate a step by step tutorial how to customize the **ControlDefault** theme for **RadPanel**.

1. Open [VisualStyleBuilder](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/tools/visual-style-builder/starting-vsb).

2. [Export the built-in themes](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/tools/visual-style-builder/working-with-visual-style-builder/loading-predefined-themes). in a specific folder by selecting *File >> Export Built-in Themes*.

3. Load a desired theme from the just exported files by selecting *File >> Open Package*

4. Navigate to **RadPanel** in `Controls Structure` on the left side.
   ![WinForms RadPanel VisualStyleBuilder](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/assets/cfff4d2a66fd25b66658f4d317dfc48b/panel-customizing-appearance-themes001.png)

5. Modify the applied background repository item.
   ![WinForms RadPanel Background Repository Item](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/assets/47fa509d00dd292bff2936415fd91f69/panel-customizing-appearance-themes002.png)

6. Save the theme by selecting *File >> Save As*.

7. Now, you can apply your custom theme to **RadPanel** by using the approach demonstrated in the following link: [Using custom themes](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/styling-and-appearance/using-custom-themes)

## See Also

* [Structure](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/controls/panels-and-labels/panel/structure)
* [Creating a RadPanel with Gradient Background](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/controls/panels-and-labels/panel/customizing-appearance/creating-a-radpanel-with-gradient-background)
* [Creating a RadPanel with Rounded Corners](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/controls/panels-and-labels/panel/customizing-appearance/creating-a-radpanel-with-rounded-corners)