# Spicetify — Customize Spotify from the Command Line

> A command-line tool to theme, extend, and modify the Spotify desktop client on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# Spicetify — Customize Spotify from the Command Line

## Quick Use
```bash
# Install on macOS/Linux
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/spicetify/cli/main/install.sh | sh

# Apply a theme
spicetify config current_theme Dribbblish
spicetify apply
```

## Introduction
Spicetify is an open-source CLI tool that lets you customize the Spotify desktop client. It injects custom CSS themes, JavaScript extensions, and apps into Spotify without modifying the original binary, giving developers and power users full control over their music client.

## What Spicetify Does
- Applies custom CSS themes to completely restyle the Spotify desktop interface
- Loads JavaScript extensions that add features like lyrics display, playback controls, and keyboard shortcuts
- Installs custom apps within the Spotify sidebar for additional functionality
- Provides a marketplace for browsing and installing community themes and extensions
- Supports backup and restore so you can revert to vanilla Spotify at any time

## Architecture Overview
Spicetify works by patching the Spotify desktop client's web-based UI layer. It locates the Spotify installation directory, extracts the relevant JavaScript and CSS bundles, injects user-specified modifications, and re-packages them. The CLI is written in Go for cross-platform compatibility and operates entirely locally without any network dependency.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install via the official shell script on macOS/Linux or PowerShell on Windows
- Run `spicetify backup` before making changes to preserve the original Spotify state
- Edit `~/.config/spicetify/config-xpui.ini` to set themes, extensions, and custom apps
- Use `spicetify watch` for live-reloading during theme or extension development
- Update Spicetify after Spotify updates with `spicetify upgrade && spicetify apply`

## Key Features
- Zero-dependency Go binary that works across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Built-in Marketplace for one-click installation of community themes and extensions
- Watch mode for developers to see CSS/JS changes in real-time
- Color scheme system that lets themes support multiple palettes
- Fully reversible modifications with backup and restore commands

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Spotify TUI** — a terminal-based Spotify client; Spicetify modifies the official desktop app
- **Spotifyd** — a lightweight Spotify daemon; Spicetify focuses on UI customization
- **Custom CSS browser extensions** — Spicetify targets the native app, not the web player
- **Spotify Web API wrappers** — API tools for data access; Spicetify modifies the client UI

## FAQ
**Q: Does Spicetify break Spotify's terms of service?**
A: Spicetify modifies the local client for personal use. Users should review Spotify's TOS for their region.

**Q: Will Spotify updates break Spicetify?**
A: Sometimes. After a Spotify update, run `spicetify upgrade` and `spicetify apply` to re-apply patches.

**Q: Can I create my own theme?**
A: Yes. Themes are CSS files with optional color scheme INI files. Use `spicetify watch` for live development.

**Q: Does it work with the Spotify web player?**
A: No, Spicetify targets the desktop client only.

## Sources
- https://github.com/spicetify/cli
- https://spicetify.app

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-60a8183c
Author: AI Open Source