How To Access Free Custom Design Items In Animal Crossing New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers players multiple avenues to obtain free in-game items through custom design codes. These codes allow players to download clothing, accessories, and decorative patterns created by Nintendo and other players. The primary method for accessing these free items involves using the Custom Design portal located in the Able Sisters fashion shop. To utilize this feature, players must have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and have unlocked the Able Sisters shop in their game. Once these prerequisites are met, players can use specific Design ID codes to download items directly or use Creator ID codes to browse all designs from a particular creator.

Nintendo periodically releases official free items through the Custom Design system. For example, to celebrate the upcoming year, Nintendo released three 2026-themed items. Players can claim a 2026 Knit Cap using Design ID MO-4BF9-FR90-X513, a 2026 Hoodie using Design ID MO-05W4-BPK8-3R2F, and a 2026 Flag using Design ID MO-T5KK-WX8Y-VKP0. These items feature the number "2026," fireworks artwork, and a bright purple colorway. To redeem these items, players must head to the Able Sisters shop, interact with the kiosk at the back of the store, and search for the items using the provided Design IDs. Alternatively, players can search for Nintendo's Creator ID, MA-6818-1746-6029, to access all official designs from Nintendo. After locating the correct designs, players need to press Save to download them to their Nook Phone. These free items are not time-sensitive for redemption, so players can claim them at their convenience.

In addition to seasonal items, Nintendo has released other free custom designs, including Mario-themed content. To celebrate Mario's 35th anniversary, Nintendo added Mario and Luigi's signature outfits, including shoes, hats, and satchels. However, these outfits were missing eyebrows, so additional free face paint designs for eyebrows were made available. Players can get Mario and Luigi Eyebrows for free using Design ID MO-XR5N-QX35-N2WP. Wario's eyebrows, which are thicker, are also available for free using Design ID MO-BQ8Y-G052-J9JY. Other related Mario designs include MO-2RJX-6JM8-BXS2, MO-TD9G-NN80-MQDH, and MO-F8DG-GD16-LYGC. These face paint designs can be accessed through the Custom Design Kiosk in the Able Sisters fashion shop.

Beyond official Nintendo releases, the Animal Crossing community creates and shares a vast array of custom designs. Players can use custom codes, also known as "paths," for various purposes, including clothing, floor tile designs (invisible squares used for item placement), and customized patterns on simple panels to create building facades. The game allows players to customize many items with custom codes. To apply a custom design to an item, players can select "customize something" and scroll to the pencil icon to access their custom designs. For example, simple panels can be customized to look like building facades. Players can use techniques like "artfully deceptive design" by creatively placing items such as simple panels, decorative pillars, storefronts, stalls, bookshelves, and gazebos to create the illusion of entire buildings and cityscapes. Layering is key to adding depth; for instance, terraforming behind ground-level simple panels and placing additional panels on a higher level can create a two-story bookstore look.

Finding custom codes involves several methods. Players can search on the internet for specific designs, such as "red brick building code ACNH," to find a plethora of designs. When a design is found, players should record the Creator ID to search in the Custom Designs Portal. It is important to distinguish between a Creator Code and a Design Code. A Creator Code, which always starts with "MA," shows all creations that a person has ever uploaded. A Design Code, which always starts with "MO," gives access to a specific design. Using a Creator Code is recommended as it allows players to discover other cool designs from the same creator. Alternatively, players can use the custom design portal to search by criteria without using Google. For example, a player might search for a specific character design like Blathers or Brewster directly within the portal.

The custom design portal is a feature of the Custom Design Pro Editor, which is unlocked after gaining access to the Able Sisters shop. Players can also use their Nook's Phone to access custom designs. To wear a custom design as clothing, players can select "Custom Designs" on Nook's Phone, open the "Pro Designs" tab, choose a clothing item, and select "Wear." They can also change outfits with a wardrobe or changing room by clicking "Get changed," selecting a clothing type, pressing the round "Pro Designs" icon, and choosing the desired clothing item. For face paint, players can launch "Custom Designs" on Nook's Phone, choose a design, and select "Wear" then "Face Paint." Alternatively, they can use a mirror and choose "Custom Design" in the "Face Paint/Other" tab to preview the design. Players can also edit the colors of designs to better match their skin tone, hair color, or clothing.

One example of a custom design is a sleeveless dress inspired by Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's," which works best with the hair tiara available at Able Sisters' fashion shop. Its Design ID is MO-JK35-L46N-0BRG. Another is a Marinière t-shirt sleeveless outfit with Design ID MO-RK34-W03Y-T29V. There are also various face paint designs available, such as MO-SQQX-K2HW-M9W5, MO-1P8F-Q12H-CJNK, MO-R2CX-8WRW-K743, and MO-HHT2-TQFQ-52ML.

To access the custom design portal, players must have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription and a stable internet connection. The portal is located in the Able Sisters shop. Players should ensure they have unlocked the shop before attempting to use the portal. Once at the kiosk, they can choose to search for designs by Design ID or Creator ID. After entering the code, they can save the design to their Nook Phone. The saved designs can then be used as described above.

The ability to use custom codes significantly enhances the creative potential in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It allows players to personalize their islands, avatars, and experiences beyond the standard game items. From creating realistic building facades to designing unique clothing and accessories, the custom design system is a powerful tool. Nintendo's official releases, such as the 2026 items and Mario anniversary content, provide free, high-quality designs for players to enjoy. The community-driven aspect ensures a constant flow of new and innovative designs, which can be found through online searches or directly within the game's portal.

In summary, obtaining free custom design items in Animal Crossing: New Horizons requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and unlocked access to the Able Sisters shop. Players can use specific Design IDs to download official items like the 2026 Knit Cap, Hoodie, and Flag, or use Creator IDs to browse a creator's entire portfolio. The system also supports community creations, which can be used for clothing, face paint, and decorative purposes. By utilizing the Custom Design portal, players can significantly expand their customization options and bring unique creative visions to their islands.

Sources

1. Nookmart: How to Use Custom Codes
2. Gamerant: Animal Crossing New Horizons Codes January 2026
3. ACNH: Designs