Design

Designs are custom-made patterns comprised of 32x32 pixels that can be created in each game (excluding Doubutsu no Mori) through an editing interface. The created design can be applied to clothing, umbrellas, hats, carpeting, and wallpaper. Designs can also be placed as paintings and, from Wild World onward, overlaid on the ground. Designs that are placed on the ground will prevent anything from growing or spawning in that tile and, prior to New Horizons, cause items dropped from trees and fallen balloon presents to disappear if there is not enough space for them to land. In Animal Crossing only, players can also place a design on their front door. In Wild World, Wendell will give out a unique design depending on the type of edible item he is given. In New Leaf and New Horizons, designs can be used to customize furniture. Befriending Sable in the latter game will unlock a variety of pre-made designs that can be applied to certain furniture.

Designs can be displayed in the Able Sisters where villagers may start wearing them and other players may copy the designs for themselves. In Animal Crossing: Wild World and Animal Crossing: City Folk, each player may hold 8 designs on them at a time, although the latter game allow 64 additional designs to be stored with Mabel. Animal Crossing: New Leaf ups the design limit to 10 designs and Mabel will store 72 designs. Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer allows the player to hold 120 designs. Animal Crossing: New Horizons allows up to 90 designs and 90 pro-designs to be held as of version 1.9.0 though this is shared between all players on the island. Mabel no longer stores designs, but the player can upload up to 130 of their own designs to share with other players. Unlike previous games, there is no way for the player to store designs made by others.

Color palettes

A design can feature up to 15 different colors. From Animal Crossing until City Folk the editor has 16 pre-configured color palettes that can be selected, however the exact colors within each palette are fixed and cannot be changed. New Leaf has 12 pre-configured color palettes and New Horizons has 14 palettes, but in both games the individual colors in the palette can be fully customized from an expanded range of shades. New Horizons introduces a full HSV color spectrum, allowing for a vastly greater selection of possible colors.

New Leaf and New Horizons designs support transparency, though in the former game transparency is not actually displayed in-game and will instead be rendered as the first color in the design's palette. As there is no in-game mechanism to add transparency in New Leaf this can generally only be achieved through third-party tools. New Leaf designs with transparency information will display this properly if they are imported into New Horizons via NookLink.

Transparency is displayed in New Horizons as an additional color selection that cannot be modified, and does not appear on the palette when creating pro designs. Transparency will be rendered as white if the design is applied to certain objects, such as the Plain Wooden Shop Sign or the town's flag.

Animal Crossing and Doubutsu no Mori e+Wild WorldCity FolkNew Leaf and Happy Home Designer

Palette	Colors
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Palette	Colors
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Colors
1	2	3	4



5	6	7	8



9	10	11	12



13	14	15	16

Palettes
1	2	3	4	5	6





7	8	9	10	11	12

Colors

Pro designs

Beginning in City Folk, pro designs (formatted as Pro designs in City Folk), which are comprised of multiple different patterns that are applied to different parts of clothing, can be created. Tops can be comprised of separate patterns for the left sleeve, right sleeve, front, and back. New Leaf introduces new styles of pro designs, such as sleeveless and long-sleeve shirts, dresses with all three options for sleeves, and designs that can be applied to the face-cutout standee Public works project. The categories of pro designs that can be created in New Horizons is greatly expanded from previous games, with the addition of sweaters, hoodies, coats, round and balloon-hem dresses, robes, baseball caps, and wide-brim hats. The 1.9.0 Free Update introduces umbrellas, uchiwa fans, and handheld flags, and reintroduces face-cutout standees.

It costs 350 Bells to create a pro design in City Folk, 500 Bells in New Leaf, and is free in Happy Home Designer and New Horizons, though in the latter the Custom Design Pro Editor upgrade must first be purchased for 800 Nook Miles. Variety goods can only be created after purchasing the Custom Design Pro Editor+ upgrade introduced in 1.9.0.

Style		Appearance by game
Style		City Folk	New Leaf	New Horizons
Tops
	Tank top
	Short-sleeve tee
	Long-sleeve dress shirt
	Sweater
	Hoodie
	Coat
Dress-Up
	Sleeveless dress
	Short-sleeve dress
	Long-sleeve dress
	Round dress
	Balloon-hem dress
	Robe
Headwear
	Horned hat			Import from 3DS only
	Brimmed Cap
	Knit cap
	Brimmed hat
Variety Goods
	Umbrella			v1.9.0
	Uchiwa fan			v1.9.0
	Handheld flag			v1.9.0
	Face-cutout standee			v1.9.0

Furniture customization

Icon for furniture with custom designs applied.

In New Leaf and New Horizons, the player can use one of their custom designs to customize the pattern part of a furniture item. Uniquely, a special yellow leaf icon is displayed and furniture that features a custom design cannot be dropped on the ground.

In New Leaf

This section is a stub. You can help by expanding it.

In New Horizons

Bold italics indicate a part of the furniture that can be customized by the player.

Customizable furniture in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Item	Customization requirements	Body part	Pattern
Baby bed	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Frame	Blanket
Baby chair	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Cushion
Bathroom stall	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Color	Side/Back
Beach chairs with parasol	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Chair color	Parasol color
Beach towel	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Towel
Bistro table	5 customization kits Cyrus: 3,800 Bells	Table color	Parasol color
Blue corner	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells		Ring curtain
Bunk bed	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Frame	Bedding
Castle tower	13 customization kits Cyrus: 10,400 Bells	Variation	Emblem
Castle wall	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Variation	Emblem
Changing room	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Frame	Curtain
Clothesline	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells		Drying shirt
Clothesline pole	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Drying shirt
Copy machine	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Color	Printed paper
Corner clothing rack	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Color	Displayed clothing
Curtain partition	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Curtains
Digital scale	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Base pattern
Director's chair	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Fabric
DJ's turntable	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Frame	Flag
Donut stool	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Seat design
Dress mannequin	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Dress color
Drink machine	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Advertisement panel
Drum set	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Bass drum head
Effects rack	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Color	Sticker area
Electric guitar	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Sticker area
Elegant bed	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Frame	Duvet cover
Elegant chair	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Frame	Fabric
Elegant console table	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Cloth
Elegant dresser	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Cloth
Elegant sofa	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Frame	Fabric
Examination-room desk	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Variation	Radiogram
Fence	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Sign
Floor lamp	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Stand color	Lampshade
Floor seat	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Cushion
Futon	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Bedding
Game-show stand	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Answer
Giant teddy bear	8 customization kits Cyrus: 6,400 Bells	Design	Ribbon
Hammock	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Cloth
High chair	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Base color	Fabric
Horizontal organizer	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Stored-item design
Inspection equipment	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Color	Monitor
Iron hanger stand	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Color	Shawl
Ironing board	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Ironing board
Ironwood bed	8 customization kits Cyrus: 6,400 Bells	Lumber type	Bedding
Kimono stand	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells		Kimono
Kotatsu	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells		Blanket
Large covered round table	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Top cloth	Undercloth
Loft bed with desk	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Frame	Bedding
Log bed	6 customization kits Cyrus: 4,500 Bells	Lumber type	Bedding
Log chair	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Lumber type	Cushion
Log decorative shelves	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Lumber type	Mat
Log dining table	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Lumber type	Placemats
Log extra-long sofa	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Lumber type	Cushions
Log garden lounge	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Lumber type	Pillow
Log round table	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Lumber type	Tablecloth
Loom	5 customization kits Cyrus: 3,800 Bells		Knitting
Low screen	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Screen
Mama bear	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Design	Shirt
Merchandise table	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Variation	Curtain
Milk can	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Style
Minicar	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Sticker
Neutral corner	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells		Ring curtain
Nordic chair	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Frame	Fabric
Nordic low table	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Color	Fabric
Nordic lowboard	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Color	Fabric
Nordic shelves	6 customization kits Cyrus: 4,500 Bells	Color	Fabric
Nordic sofa	5 customization kits Cyrus: 3,800 Bells	Frame	Fabric
Nordic table	6 customization kits Cyrus: 4,500 Bells	Color	Fabric
Open wooden shelves	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Paint color	Framed photo
Outdoor bench	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Seat
Outdoor folding chair	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame color	Seat color
Outdoor table	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Table
Papa bear	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Design	Ribbon
Paper lantern	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Paper
Pet bed	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Cushion
Pile of zen cushions	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells		Upholstery
Plain wooden shop sign	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Flier
Plastic bench	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Backboard logo
Plastic clothing organizer	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Stored items
Poolside bed	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Frame	Bed mat
Poster stand	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Poster
Ranch bed	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Frame	Comforter
Ranch lowboard	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Cloth
Ranch tea table	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Cloth
Reception counter	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Paper under the counter
Red corner	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells		Ring curtain
Refrigerator	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Sticker area
Retro gas pump	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Lamp
Retro transportation stop	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Color	Advertisement
Rock guitar	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Sticker area
Safety barrier	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Board
Scattered papers	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells		Writing
Scooter	5 customization kits Cyrus: 3,800 Bells	Color	Sticker
Shopping cart	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells		Handle color
Short simple panel	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Panel
Simple bed	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Pillow and mattress color
Simple chair	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Cushion color
Simple panel	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Panel
Simple small dresser	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Cloth
Simple sofa	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Fabric color
Simple stool	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Fabric color
Simple table	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Cloth
Sloppy bed	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Bedding color
Sloppy sofa	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Discarded clothing
Sloppy table	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Discarded magazines
Small covered round table	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Top cloth	Undercloth
Small LED display	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Frame	Display
Small mannequin	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Shirt color
Spaceship control panel	10 customization kits Cyrus: 8,000 Bells	Light color	Main monitor
Stacked fish containers	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Color	Label
Stall	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Frame	Curtain
Standard umbrella stand	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Color	Favorite umbrella
Standing electric sign	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Frame	Sign design
Standing shop sign	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Frame	Sign design
Steel trash can	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Signage
Storage shed	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Door decoration
Storefront	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Color	Posters
Strategic meeting table	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Light color	Screen
Street lamp with banners	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Banner color
Study carrel	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Posting
Study chair	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Seat
Table with cloth	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells		Tablecloth
Tokonoma	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Hanging scroll
Torii	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Framed item
Transit seat	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Frame	Seat color
Upright locker	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Sticker area
Upright organizer	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Stored-item design
Utility wagon	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Fabric color
Vehicle cabin seat	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Seat color	Headrest cover
Vertical banner	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Pole color	Flag design
Vintage TV tray	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Tray
Wedding welcome board	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Design	Board
Wheelchair	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Seat
Wide display stand	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Displayed item
Wooden box	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Paint color	Label
Wooden double bed	6 customization kits Cyrus: 4,500 Bells	Paint color	Bedding
Wooden field sign	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Sign design	Back design
Wooden mini table	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Paint color	Tablecloth
Wooden simple bed	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Paint color	Bedding
Wooden stool	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Paint color	Seat
Wooden table	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Paint color	Tablecloth
Yacht	13 customization kits Cyrus: 10,400 Bells	Variation	Logo
Yoga mat	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Color
Zen bench	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Cover color
Zen cushion	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Upholstery
Baby bear	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Design	Shirt
Backlit sign	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Frame	Text
Bath bucket	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Inside design
Bottle crate	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Logo
Bottled beverage	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Beverage color	Label
Cartoonist's set	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Tracing-table color	Manuscript paper
Clipboard	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Paper
Cube light	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Color
Cushion	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Cover
Cutting board	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Color	Towel
Decorative bottles	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Label
Decorative plate	5 customization kits Cyrus: 3,800 Bells	Stand color	Design
Desktop computer	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Screen
Dessert carrier	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Variation
Dispenser	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Label
Document stack	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells		Writing
Donation box	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Color	Label
Elegant lamp	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Stand color	Fabric
Fax machine	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Printout
Fish container	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Label
Framed photo	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Variation
Fresh-food trays	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Contents	Stickers
Glass jar	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Contents	Label
Ironing set	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Handkerchief design
Laptop	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Screen
Magazine	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Feature
Magazine rack	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Magazine
Makeup pouch	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Makeup color	Pouch color
Mug	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Design
Painting set	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Cup color	Drawing paper
Popcorn snack set	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Flavors	Popcorn bucket
Professional headphones	6 customization kits Cyrus: 4,500 Bells	Color	Logo
Record box	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Sticker
Skateboard	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Sticker
Snack	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Contents	Packaging color
Spray can	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Label
Stack of clothes	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Clothing
Stacked bags	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Variation
Stacked bottle crates	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Logo
Stacked magazines	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells		Genre
Sturdy paper bag	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Design
Table lamp	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Lampshade
Table setting	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Tableware	Placemat
Tablet device	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Color	Screen
Tabletop POP display	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		POP design
Tea set	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	China color	Mat color
Toothbrush-and-cup set	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Cup color	Cup design
Unfinished puzzle	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Puzzle image
Unfolded reference sheet	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Content
Wooden music box	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells	Paint color	Lid design
Autograph cards	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Variation	Signature
Bulletin board	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Style	Displayed image
Corkboard	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Favorite card
Diner neon clock	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Clock face
Fancy frame	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Frame	Art genre
Framed poster	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Frame	Poster design
Glow-in-the-dark stickers	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells		Variation
Hanging scroll	7 customization kits Cyrus: 5,200 Bells	Color	Design
Light-bulb sign	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Variation
Wall-mounted LED display	3 customization kits Cyrus: 2,400 Bells		Display
Drapery	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Color
Festival lantern	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Hanger	Lantern pattern
Festival-lantern set	4 customization kits Cyrus: 3,100 Bells	Hanger color	Lantern pattern
Hanging cube light	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Color
Hanging guide sign	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Color	Pictogram
Hanging monitor	2 customization kits Cyrus: 1,700 Bells	Color	Display
Hanging sign	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells		Variation
Horizontal split curtains	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Curtain rod	Curtain design
Vertical split curtains	1 customization kit Cyrus: 1,000 Bells	Curtain rod	Curtain design

Includes data sourced from the Data Spreadsheet for Animal Crossing New Horizons, compiled and edited by 6480, noizhub, Ricky, chaiinchomp, saberslime, robotic_scarab, mollumisc, sunmarsh, kyrokey, obstinateRixatrix, jackiwi, Zalex, SuperHamster, kait, hyuum, Azarro, Czarcasm, cinnamon_swirlix, astronomyfortwo, Welcius, glowtopia, BriKun, Alyrei, dodocodes.com, StevieCoops, sneeze, Shiny190, TwistedPeach, LavaToaster, capstone, vmario, rocklamp, Alexis, Aeon, and PanchamBro.

Sharing

The Custom Designs Portal is where designs can be shared and pulled from in New Leaf.

New Leaf and Happy Home Designer can generate QR codes to share custom designs. To unlock the feature in New Leaf, the player must first befriend Sable who will bring in a new sewing machine that will allow them to create and read QR codes. In Happy Home Designer, the machine is available in the upstairs of Nook's Homes after completing the lesson "Even More Designs" in exchange for 5 Play Coins. QR codes are stored as images on the SD card inserted into the Nintendo 3DS. Normal designs use one QR code, but pro designs are comprised of four separate codes. Once the codes have been scanned, a slot must be selected for the design to be saved to.

New Horizons is backwards compatible with QR codes created for these previous titles via the NookLink service of the Nintendo Switch Online app for iOS and Android (Face-cutout standees can only be imported after an update following the release of the 1.9.0 Free Update). The app can scan valid QR codes, saving up to one design at a time and overwriting any previously scanned design. The player must then select the Download function of the Custom Designs NookPhone app to import the design from the app into the game itself. Imported designs retain the formats used in New Leaf, which have different appearances and dimensions to the changed formats used in New Horizons. Importing a Horned hat pro design from New Leaf is the only way to obtain this style of headwear in New Horizons. Although Happy Home Paradise introduces the ability to apply custom designs directly to a character when remodelling their home, designs that were imported from a Nintendo 3DS title cannot be used.

Designs that are created in New Horizons can be shared after befriending Sable once again. In this game, shared designs do not use QR codes. Instead they are uploaded to Nintendo's servers and can be shared with other players by having them input an alphanumeric code. A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for this service.

In all games, imported designs cannot be modified. The metadata for each design contains the author's name, their town name, and a hidden identifier. Should this metadata somehow match that of another player, the game will treat the design as if it is their own and allow them to modify it.

Official designs

Main article: List of official designs

Each game in the Animal Crossing series has several designs that have been created by Nintendo. These can be found as the default selection of player-held designs, and a distinct selection are displayed in Able Sisters. Some designs are shown in strategy guides for Animal Crossing, and certain Animal Crossing-e cards can be scanned with an e-Reader to receive exclusive designs. In City Folk, several unique designs were distributed as DLC and were received from Wendell. In New Leaf, many officially-created designs were made available through QR codes on the official website, and others could be directly retrieved from Wendell in Nintendo's official dream towns. In New Horizons some designs have been made available from the official Nintendo design address on the Custom Design portal.