---
title: Customize a flow
sidebar_label: Flow interface
---

Typically, settings for flows are defined as defaults in the [Brand settings](../../../sys-mgmt/brands/index.md). However, it’s important to note that some flows are executed before the specific user is authenticated and thus before authentik can determine which user is viewing the flow (for example, the `default-authentication-flow`!). Consequently, using default settings for all flows ensures a more consistent user experience.

Two settings that you can configure per flow are the _background image_ for the flow, and the _layout_.

## Customize a flow's background image

You can define a:

- Default background image for all flows, set in the instance's [brand](../../../sys-mgmt/brands/index.md)
- A background image for [one or more specific flows](../../../add-secure-apps/flows-stages/flow/index.md#flow-configuration-options) (overrides the default)

## Set the layout for a flow

To define the layout for a flow, edit the flow and, under **Appearance settings > Layout**, select how the UI displays the flow when it is executed: with stacked elements, content on the left or right, and the sidebar on the left or right.
