Since's Animal Crossing: New Horizons' release, talented players have been creating their own custom designs to give their villages the outfits of their dreams. Whether they're trying to look like My Hero Academia's Deku, Final Fantasy VII's Cloud, or even a Persona 5 Phantom Thief, these custom codes make it possible.
If you're interested in trying out one of these custom codes but aren't sure how to use them, keep on reading! Here's a guide on how to use different codes to import any custom design into the game.
Nintendo Switch Online app (QR codes only)
QR codes can be imported to the game through two different methods. The first method is available early on, provided that you have a Nintendo Switch Online account.
Go to your phone (your real-life smartphone, not your in-game phone that Tom Nook gave you) and download the Nintendo Switch Online app. After it's been downloaded, open it up and sign in to your account. From there, the next time you open the app, you should see Animal Crossing: New Horizons on your home screen, under the heading "Game-Specific Services."
Now, open the app as well as your Animal Crossing: New Horizons game at the same time. When you reach the game's title screen, press the minus ("-") button, which will open the settings menu. From there, you can enable NookLink, which is the app that connects your IRL smartphone app with in-game functions.
After completing all of those steps, you now can import custom designs via QR code into your game! Using your IRL phone, go to the Nintendo Switch Online app, click on Animal Crossing, select the "designs" app on NookLink, then scan your QR code with your phone. If it's been scanned successfully, you'll see it in your Customs Designs app on your in-game Nook Phone.
Able Sisters - Custom Design Portal
The other way you can import custom codes is by using the Custom Design Portal, which can be found in the Able Sisters shop. Since it takes a bit of time to open the shop, this method isn't available when you first begin the game. However, this is the only method of importing alphanumeric codes into the game.
Note that you'll need to log into your Nintendo Switch Online account to access the portal.
After you've opened the Able Sisters shop, head to the back of the store where you'll see a bright pink kiosk in the right corner. This is the Custom Design Portal, where you can search up specific custom outfits, look up different designers, and even share your own custom designs. Click "Search by Designer ID" to find a specific outfit; click "Search by Creator ID" to find a specific designer; or click "Post" to upload your own creations.
If you're looking up a specific design or designer, simply enter the code when prompted and the outfit will appear.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.