This page is on the mechanics of skins. For usable uploaded skin textures and the like, see Skins (Gallery).
Skins and Textures
The standard Minecraft player skin.
Skins are a cosmetic unlockable for pre-purchasing Minecraft. A skin replaces the default character texture with a PNG file the user can upload on the Preferences page. Like many textures, the Minecraft texture is jumbled and distorted looking to save space, and only full transparency or solid color is taken in account.
Since the 0.xxx version of mincraft, a top head section have been added. Its allow the skin to have glass, caps or all other things you want (even a bigger head).
Skins and Pre-purchase
To change your skin you must have pre-purchased Minecraft. It is also possible to preview your custom skin before purchasing Minecraft using the "Preview Skin" option on MinecraftSkins.net, a third party tool provided by clone1018. Minecraftskins is, as of 01-2-2010, ONLINE.
Make a Custom Skin
A zoomed in skin with instructions.
"Description on how to make a custom skin."
Skin helper on the forum.
Team Skins
In Capture the Flag, the team play version of Survival and the Minecraft sport Spleef you will find it useful to use Team Skins.