How to Change the Header Image on a Rust Server

Last modified on Nov 3, 2022 in rust

By Dalton Whalen

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Overview

When playing on a Rust dedicated server, you may find the default server header to be repetitive and desire something unique. Luckily, Rust servers allow you to set a header image to allow your server to stand out. Setting a Rust header image can be tedious if you are unfamiliar with the instructions, so we have created this Apex Hosting guide to ease you through the setup process.
 

Header Image Requirements

• 512×256 or 1024×512 dimensions
• .png or .jpg format
• Uploaded to a URL-sharing site such as Dropbox.

Preparing your Image

1. Locate the header image you desire.
2. Go to an image resizing site and upload your chosen image.
3. Select Dimensions and then enter one of the above sizes.
   
4. Press Resize to adjust the image.
5. Once complete, press Download and save the image to a safe location.
   
6. Use a site such as Dropbox to upload your server banner.
7. Once uploaded, ensure you obtain and copy a share link.
   

Setting the Header through Customizations

1. Proceed to the Apex Server Panel and stop the server.
2. Access the Customizations tab on the left-hand side.
3. Locate the Server Header Banner text field.
   
4. Enter your share link from earlier into the text field.
5. If using a dropbox link, change the ending dl=0 to dl=1.
   
6. Restart the server to load up the image.

Setting the Header through FTP

1. Proceed to the Apex Server Panel and stop the server.
2. Navigate to the FTP File Access and log in.
3. Enter the server folder, open your world folder, then enter the cfg folder.
   
4. Locate the server.cfg file and press Edit to the far-right.
5. Enter the following line:

 

server.headerimage "[URL Goes Here]"

6. Replace [URL Goes Here] with your image link.
7. If using a dropbox link, change the ending dl=0 to dl=1.
   
8. Press Save once complete and restart the server.

Common Issues

The image has a question mark:
There are many reasons why this may occur, however it is often caused by an incorrect requirement. Ensure that the image is one of the correct sizes and is the correct file type. Otherwise, ensure that the site you uploaded the image to allows for proper share links, otherwise the server cannot locate it for use.

The header image is blank:
This usually occurs if the image changed while Rust was open on your device. To fix this, restart both the server and the game. Once this is done, the image should properly appear on the server list.

The image is low quality:
Unfortunately, Rust often lowers the quality of custom images compared to the default server header. If it is very low quality, make sure you are using 1024x512 instead of 512x256 for a larger picture.