Discord's sidebar color changes with your theme choice, not custom settings

Discord does not have a built-in option to change only the sidebar color. The sidebar — the left panel showing your servers and direct messages — is tied to your overall theme selection. You can pick between Discord's default dark theme, light theme, or use a third-party mod like BetterDiscord to customize colors beyond what the official app offers. Most people who want a different sidebar look are actually looking for one of these two paths: switching to the light theme if the dark sidebar feels too heavy, or installing BetterDiscord if they want precise control over specific UI elements.

The official Discord app gives you only two theme choices in settings, and both affect the entire interface including the sidebar. If neither built-in theme matches what you want, a client mod is the only way forward — though using mods carries a small risk that Discord could restrict your account if they detect it, since mods technically violate Discord's terms of service.

Key Takeaways

  • Discord's sidebar color is locked to your theme choice: dark theme gives a dark sidebar, light theme gives a light sidebar, with no in-between option in the official app.
  • To change your theme, open User Settings, select Appearance, and toggle between Dark and Light — this is the only official way to alter sidebar appearance.
  • BetterDiscord is a third-party mod that lets you customize sidebar color and other UI elements precisely, but using it risks account restrictions since it violates Discord's terms.
  • Browser-based Discord (Discord Web) uses the same theme system as the desktop app and has no additional color customization options.

How to switch between Discord's built-in themes

Open Discord and look for the user icon in the bottom left corner of the sidebar. Click it to open the menu, then select User Settings. In the left sidebar of settings, find and click Appearance. You will see a Theme section with two options: Dark and Light. Click whichever you prefer. The change takes effect immediately across your entire Discord window, including the sidebar.

The dark theme uses a charcoal sidebar with lighter text. The light theme uses a pale gray sidebar with darker text. Neither can be adjusted further within Discord's official settings. If you find the dark theme too dark or the light theme too bright, switching between them is the only official adjustment available.

Why Discord doesn't offer sidebar-only color changes

Discord's interface is built as a unified design system where the sidebar, message area, and all other panels share a coordinated color palette. Allowing users to change only the sidebar would break that visual consistency and create thousands of possible color combinations that Discord's design team would have to test and support. It is simpler for Discord to offer two complete, tested themes than to let users mix and match individual elements.

This is a deliberate trade-off: consistency and simplicity for users and developers, in exchange for less customization. Many other chat apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams make the same choice.

Using BetterDiscord for custom sidebar colors

BetterDiscord is a third-party mod that injects custom code into Discord, letting you change the sidebar color, fonts, spacing, and dozens of other elements. You download and install BetterDiscord on your computer, then add CSS themes or plugins that override Discord's default colors. Popular themes like Catppuccin or Nord are available free on the BetterDiscord website.

The catch: using BetterDiscord violates Discord's terms of service because it modifies the official client. Discord's systems can detect mods, and while many users run BetterDiscord without consequence, there is a real risk that your account could be restricted or suspended if Discord decides to enforce the rule. This risk is small but not zero. If you decide to use BetterDiscord, understand that you are accepting this possibility.

To install BetterDiscord, visit betterdiscord.app, download the installer for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux), run it, and follow the prompts. Once installed, you can browse and download themes from the BetterDiscord website, then place them in your BetterDiscord themes folder. Restart Discord and the theme will load.

What happens if you use BetterDiscord

If you install BetterDiscord, Discord may flag your account as using a modified client. In most cases, nothing happens — Discord tolerates BetterDiscord use but does not officially support it. However, Discord has the right to restrict or suspend accounts using mods, and they have done so in the past, though it is uncommon. If you are concerned about account safety, stick to the official light and dark themes.

BetterDiscord also requires you to reinstall it after each Discord update, since updates can break the mod. You will need to keep the BetterDiscord installer and your chosen theme files on hand so you can restore them quickly.

Sidebar color on Discord Web and mobile

Discord Web (the browser version at discord.com) uses the same theme system as the desktop app. You can switch between dark and light themes in the same way — User Settings, Appearance, Theme — but you cannot customize sidebar colors further. BetterDiscord does not work on the web version.

Discord's mobile apps for iOS and Android also offer only dark and light themes with no additional customization. If you need a custom sidebar color, you must use the desktop app with BetterDiscord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the sidebar darker or lighter without using BetterDiscord?

No. Discord's official app offers only two themes, and the sidebar color is locked to whichever theme you choose. If neither the dark nor light sidebar works for you, BetterDiscord is the only option within Discord itself. Some users also adjust their monitor brightness or use their operating system's dark mode to change how the entire screen appears, but that affects everything on your screen, not just Discord.

Will Discord ban me for using BetterDiscord?

Bans are uncommon but possible. Discord's terms prohibit client mods, and their systems can detect BetterDiscord. Most users who run it face no consequences, but there is a real risk. If account safety is your priority, use only the official light and dark themes.

Does BetterDiscord work on Mac and Linux?

Yes. BetterDiscord has installers for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The installation process is the same on all three: download the installer from betterdiscord.app, run it, and restart Discord.

Can I change the sidebar color on Discord mobile?

No. The iOS and Android apps offer only dark and light themes, with no way to customize individual elements. Mobile Discord is less customizable than desktop Discord.

What if I switch back to the official theme after using BetterDiscord?

Uninstalling BetterDiscord removes the mod from your Discord client. Your account itself is not flagged permanently — you can use BetterDiscord, uninstall it, and return to the official app without lasting consequences. However, if Discord detects you using a mod at the moment of detection, they could act on that detection regardless of whether you uninstall later.