Hacking & Customization
reMarkable 2 Custom Templates: The Ultimate Guide to Installing & Creating Your Own (2026)
The reMarkable 2 is a masterpiece of hardware design, but its software has always been a bit… rigid. Out of the box, you are given a standard set of roughly 50 templates—lined paper, grids, perspective charts, and a few basic checklists. For the average user, this is fine. But you aren’t the average user. You want a specific Cornell Note layout with a 20% margin. You want a sheet music staff with 6 lines instead of 5. You want a daily planner that perfectly matches your workflow.
This desire leads thousands of users down the rabbit hole of **remarkable 2 custom templates**. Unlike other tablets where changing the background is a simple setting, reMarkable makes you work for it. In 2026, there are two distinct ways to get custom layouts on your device: the “Easy Way” (PDFs) and the “Hard Way” (System Hacks). In this guide, we break down both methods, explain the risks, and show you how to design your own pixel-perfect grids.
The Big Confusion: PNG vs. PDF
Before you try to install **remarkable 2 custom templates**, you must understand how the device thinks. It handles “Templates” and “Documents” differently.
1. Native Templates (PNG/SVG)
These are the background layers you select from the “Layer” menu (e.g., Grid, Lines). They live in a hidden system folder on the device.
The Benefit: They repeat automatically. If you add a new page to your notebook, it keeps the template.
The Drawback: Installing them requires hacking the device.
2. Document Templates (PDF)
This is simply a PDF file you upload. You write on top of it.
The Benefit: Safe, easy, and supports hyperlinks.
The Drawback: You can’t change the background grid on the fly. You have to duplicate pages manually.
Most people searching for “templates” are actually better off using the PDF Method.
Method 1: The PDF Workaround (Safe)
If you don’t want to risk bricking your $400 device, use this method. It is the only method officially supported by reMarkable Support.
How to do it:
- Create or download your template as a PDF file.
- Open the reMarkable Desktop or Mobile app.
- Drag and drop the PDF into the app.
- Open the file on your tablet.
The “Duplicate” Trick:
Since this is a PDF, you can’t just hit “New Page” to get a blank version of your custom grid. Instead, you must go to the “Page Overview” (the four-square icon), long-press your custom page, and select Duplicate. This creates a fresh copy for you to write on.
Method 2: Native Installation (Advanced)
If you absolutely must have your **remarkable 2 custom templates** appear in the official “Layers” menu alongside the default grids, you need to hack the system. This involves uploading PNG files to the device’s internal Linux storage.
The Process (Simplified):
You cannot just drag and drop. You need to use SSH (Secure Shell) to access the device’s root directory. You will upload your PNG file to the /usr/share/remarkable/templates/ folder and then edit a code file called templates.json to tell the device the new file exists.
If looking at code scares you, do not do this manually. Use a third-party tool instead.
Tools You Will Need
To install native **remarkable 2 custom templates** safely, the community has built excellent software.
- RCU (reMarkable Connection Utility): This is the gold standard. It costs around $12 but provides a drag-and-drop interface for installing templates. It handles the JSON coding for you.
- eInkPads Template Installer: Another popular paid tool that simplifies the process for Mac and Windows users.
- Free Scripts (GitHub): If you are comfortable with Terminal/Command Line, there are free scripts available, but they offer zero customer support if things go wrong.
How to Design Your Own (Canva Specs)
Want to make your own **remarkable 2 custom templates**? You can use Canva, Photoshop, or Figma. The secret is getting the dimensions right.
For reMarkable 2:
- Resolution: 1404 x 1872 pixels
- DPI: 226 DPI
- File Format: PNG (for native) or PDF (for import)
For reMarkable Paper Pro:
- Resolution: 1620 x 2160 pixels
- DPI: 229 DPI
Critical Design Tip: Avoid pure black (#000000) for your lines. It creates too much contrast and looks harsh on e-ink. Instead, use a dark gray (around #404040) for a more “printed” look.
The “Update” Warning
There is one massive annoyance with native **remarkable 2 custom templates**.
Every time reMarkable updates the software (which happens every few months), your custom templates will disappear.
The update overwrites the system folder, deleting your custom PNGs and resetting the templates.json file. You will have to reinstall them every single time. This is why tools like RCU are valuable—they can “restore” your templates with one click after an update. If you use the PDF Method (Method 1), your files are safe and never get deleted.
Final Verdict
Is it worth installing **remarkable 2 custom templates**?
Yes, if:
- You use a specific layout (like sheet music or Cornell notes) every single day.
- You are technically comfortable and own the RCU software.
No, if:
- You just want a planner. (Use a PDF Planner instead).
- You get frustrated by software updates breaking things.
- You are afraid of “Terminal” windows.
Skip the Hack. Get the PDF.
Don’t mess with system files. Download our ready-to-use PDF templates that work instantly without hacking.