# Overview

When [Theming](/chat/docs/sdk/react/v13/theming/themingv2/) isn’t enough, customization is the next step. Override specific components to precisely adjust the UI and behavior where you need it.

## Best Practices

- Start with theming before overriding components to keep upgrades easy.
- Override the smallest component that achieves the desired UX change.
- Keep custom UI aligned with default patterns for consistency.
- Document each override and the reason it exists.
- Re-test custom components after SDK updates.

## Showcase of the Default UI Components

### MessageList

![Default MessageList](@chat-sdk/react/v13/_assets/default-message-list.png)

### ChannelList

![Default ChannelList](@chat-sdk/react/v13/_assets/default-channel-list.png)

### MessageInput

![Default MessageInput](@chat-sdk/react/v13/_assets/default-message-input.png)

### ChannelHeader

![Default ChannelHeader](@chat-sdk/react/v13/_assets/default-channel-header.png)

### Thread

![Default Thread](@chat-sdk/react/v13/_assets/default-thread.png)


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This page was last updated at 2026-04-21T07:55:47.800Z.

For the most recent version of this documentation, visit [https://getstream.io/chat/docs/sdk/react/v13/guides/customization/](https://getstream.io/chat/docs/sdk/react/v13/guides/customization/).