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    Custom Backgrounds at Unreal Bowling

Personalize Your Experience & Maximize Your Investment

Your lanes should do more than just light up. They should tell a story. Custom backgrounds let you personalize each game with eye-catching visuals. From event themes to brand promotions.


Hosting a birthday party? Display a custom message. Running a special promotion? Advertise it right on the lanes. You can even sell ad space to sponsors.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through uploading custom backgrounds, choosing the best images and using them to bring in more revenue. 

Let’s go!

How to Upload Custom Backgrounds

Uploading a custom background in Unreal Bowling takes just a few clicks. 

Here’s exactly how:

  1. Go to the Control Panel – Open Chrome, Firefox or Safari and enter the system’s IP address.

  2. Select the Upload Tab – Click “Choose File” and select your image.

  3. Check the Requirements – Make sure the file is the correct resolution and a supported format.

  4. Confirm the Upload – A notification will let you know it was successful.

  5. Apply the Background – Select it just like you would any default background.

That’s pretty much it.


Quick Troubleshooting Tip: If the image doesn’t upload, double-check the file type and resolution. Stuck? Restart the Unreal program and try again.


File Format & Resolution Guide

For the best results, your customized backgrounds need to be sized and formatted properly. 

Keep these in mind:


Supported File Types

  • Use JPEG or PNG for the best compatibility.

Recommended Resolution

  • 5760 (width) x 363 (height) pixels is ideal for clear, sharp visuals.

  • Avoid low-res images. Blurry backgrounds give an amateurish impression.

Optimization Tips

  • Use high contrast images so details pop under projection lighting.

  • Keep text minimal and bold; small fonts get lost on the lanes.

  • Test the image on a screen before uploading for clarity.

What to Upload? Best Practices for Custom Backgrounds

A great background should serve a purpose and not just look good. 

Some of the best ways to use them are for:


1. Branding & Business Promotions

Show off your logo, highlight special offers or create a signature look for your venue. Your lanes become a built-in marketing tool.


2. Private Events & Celebrations

Make birthdays, corporate outings and special events feel exclusive! Custom backgrounds add a personal touch that guests will remember (and post on 

social media about).


3. Advertisements & Sponsorships

Turn your lanes into prime ad space. Sell background slots to local businesses, promote in-house deals, feature upcoming events, etc. It’s a simple way to create extra revenue.


Make the most of it by using high-quality images that fit the recommended resolution. Avoid clutter. Clear, bold visuals work best under the lights.

Common Custom Background Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even a great idea can fall flat with the wrong execution. 

Here are some common mistakes businesses make with custom backgrounds (and how to fix them).


1. Low-Quality or Stretched Images

Mistake: Uploading pixelated or stretched images that look unprofessional.
Fix: Stick to the recommended 5760x363 pixels and use high-resolution images.


2. Too Much Text

Mistake: Adding paragraphs of text that no one can read while bowling.
Fix: Keep messages short and bold. Think: names, dates and simple promotions.


3. Poor Contrast & Visibility

Mistake: Using colors that blend into the lane’s lighting and make visuals hard to see.
Fix: Choose high-contrast images with bold colors and clear separation.


4. Not Refreshing Backgrounds Regularly

Mistake: Sticking with the same background for months. This makes the experience stale.
Fix: Rotate images based on events, seasons or weekly promotions.

A little extra effort in image selection makes a tremendous difference in how your lanes look and feel. Get these right and your backgrounds will always impress!

ROI Benefits: How Custom Backgrounds Make You More Money

Custom backgrounds aren’t just for looks as they’re also a smart business move. Here’s how they bring in [more] revenue:


1. Premium Event Packages

Offer personalized lanes for birthdays, corporate events and private parties. Customers will pay more for a tailored experience.


2. Brand Sponsorships

Sell ad space to local businesses. Restaurants, breweries and shops will pay to have their logo featured in a high-traffic entertainment space.


3. Seasonal & Themed Nights

Rotate backgrounds for holidays, sports events or trending themes. It keeps customers engaged and coming back for fresh experiences.

Common Custom Background Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even a great idea can fall flat with the wrong execution. 

Here are some common mistakes businesses make with custom backgrounds (and how to fix them).


1. Low-Quality or Stretched Images

Mistake: Uploading pixelated or stretched images that look unprofessional.
Fix: Stick to the recommended 5760x363 pixels and use high-resolution images.


2. Too Much Text

Mistake: Adding paragraphs of text that no one can read while bowling.
Fix: Keep messages short and bold. Think: names, dates and simple promotions.


3. Poor Contrast & Visibility

Mistake: Using colors that blend into the lane’s lighting and make visuals hard to see.
Fix: Choose high-contrast images with bold colors and clear separation.


4. Not Refreshing Backgrounds Regularly

Mistake: Sticking with the same background for months. This makes the experience stale.
Fix: Rotate images based on events, seasons or weekly promotions.

A little extra effort in image selection makes a tremendous difference in how your lanes look and feel. Get these right and your backgrounds will always impress!

How to Rotate Backgrounds for Maximum Engagement

A static background gets old fast. Switching things up keeps guests interested and eager to return. Here’s how to make rotation work for you:

1. Use Playlists for Automatic Changes

Set up a playlist in the Unreal Bowling control panel to cycle through multiple backgrounds. Add event-themed visuals, promotions or branding and let the system rotate them automatically.


2. Change Backgrounds for Special Events

Planning a holiday party, sports night or corporate event? Swap in themed backgrounds to match the occasion. A simple change makes the experience more immersive.


3. Enable Shuffle Mode for Variety

Want an easy way to mix things up? Turn on shuffle mode so different backgrounds appear at random. This keeps lanes looking fresh without extra work.


4. Schedule Changes for Peak Hours

Use background scheduling to show ads and promotions during busy hours and more playful designs during slower times. Adjusting visuals based on traffic helps target the right audience at the right time.

Keeping backgrounds dynamic makes your lanes more exciting. It gives customers a reason to pay attention. The more visually engaging the experience, the more likely they'll come back.

Start Using Custom Backgrounds to Boost Your Business

Every lane is a blank canvas. Use it to create experiences that keep guests returning and drive new revenue. 

Test different backgrounds, highlight promotions and offer premium event packages.


Not sure where to start? 

Try uploading a background for your next event or partner with a local business for ad space. 

A small change can lead to big returns.


Your lanes are already lit. 
Now make them work for you! 
For further assistance of inquiries, contact Unreal Bowling today.