Shimeji Template __top__ May 2026

The Ultimate Guide to Shimeji Templates: Create Your Own Desktop Pet

If you have ever spent time on Twitch, DeviantArt, or any anime fan forum, you have likely seen them: a tiny, chibi character scurrying across a computer screen, climbing windows, dangling from the taskbar, or multiplying until they cover the desktop. These are Shimeji, a beloved type of desktop mascot.

But what if you want a character that isn't part of the standard pack? What if you want your own original character (OC), a personalized mascot, or a meme character? This is where the Shimeji template becomes essential. A Shimeji template is the skeleton key to creating custom desktop companions without needing advanced coding skills.

In this article, we will dissect everything you need to know about Shimeji templates: what they are, how they work, where to find them, and a step-by-step guide to building your own. shimeji template

4. Minimal behaviors.xml snippet

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<behaviors>
  <behavior class="jp.gr.java_conf.shigeju7.shimeji.BehaviorIdle">
    <images>
      <image>img/0.png</image>
      <image>img/1.png</image>
      <image>img/2.png</image>
    </images>
    <duration>150</duration> <!-- ms per frame -->
  </behavior>
<behavior class="jp.gr.java_conf.shigeju7.shimeji.BehaviorWalk">
<toRightImages>
<image>img/r0.png</image>
<image>img/r1.png</image>
</toRightImages>
<toLeftImages>
<image>img/l0.png</image>
<image>img/l1.png</image>
</toLeftImages>
<duration>100</duration>
<speed>3</speed>
</behavior>
</behaviors>

Step 4: Do NOT Change File Names

This is the most critical rule. If the template expects a file called walk0.png, you must save your custom image as walk0.png. Changing the name breaks the XML script.

3. Resource Sites (Unpinned Community)

• MEGA or Google Drive links posted on Reddit (r/Shimeji).
• The Shimeji Forum Archives (Wayback Machine recommended).

Pro tip: When downloading, always scan the .jar file with VirusTotal. While most Shimeji files are safe, bad actors have been known to hide malware in "cute" downloads. The Ultimate Guide to Shimeji Templates: Create Your

Part 5: Step-by-Step Guide – How to Use a Shimeji Template

Let’s assume you have downloaded a blank template (e.g., Blank_Shimeji_Template.zip). Here is how to turn it into your own custom desktop pet.

Step 2: Locate the Image Directory

Open the folder and find the /img subfolder. Inside, you will see placeholder images (usually plain grey or pink silhouettes). Step 4: Do NOT Change File Names This

Required files & structure

• manifest.json — metadata (name, version, author).
• images/ — animation frames (PNG) organized by action.
• scripts/ — behavior script (typically an .js or .ini-like file).
• config.ini or settings.json — optional settings (spawn rate, max clones).
• icons/ — optional icon files.

Example structure:

• MyShimeji/
  • manifest.json
  • images/
    • walk_000.png
    • walk_001.png
    • idle_000.png
  • scripts/
    • behavior.js
  • config.ini

2. Folder Structure (Template)

Create a folder named MyShimeji. Inside:

MyShimeji/
├── img/               # all PNG frames
├── behaviors.xml      # movement logic
├── config.xml         # settings (speed, size, etc.)
├── shimeji.png        # icon
└── readme.txt         (optional)