How to Change Discord Sidebar Color

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Discord, a popular communication platform among gamers, communities, and professionals alike, offers various customization options to enhance the user experience. While the app comes with a slick and modern interface, many users are left wondering if and how they can modify specific visual elements—like the sidebar color—to better reflect their aesthetic preferences or improve readability.

TL;DR: Discord doesn’t natively support changing the sidebar color. However, users can utilize themes through third-party tools like BetterDiscord or use Discord’s own Light/Dark mode and Accessibility settings to alter appearance indirectly. Caution is advised when using unofficial modifications, as they may violate Discord’s Terms of Service.

Contents

Understanding the Sidebar in Discord

The sidebar in Discord typically refers to the area found on the left of the application, which includes server lists, channel listings within a selected server, or direct messages depending on the view. The visual design of this sidebar remains consistent across most instances unless modified by the user through available settings or external tools.

By default, Discord allows users to toggle between Light and Dark themes, which also affects the sidebar appearance, but there are no built-in options specifically for changing the sidebar’s color independently from the rest of the interface.

Option 1: Use Discord’s Built-in Appearance Settings

While Discord doesn’t natively allow granular sidebar customization, users can still adjust their general interface settings by following these steps:

  • Open Discord.
  • Click on the gear/settings icon near your username at the bottom-left.
  • Navigate to “Appearance” under App Settings.
  • Choose between “Light” or “Dark” themes.
  • Adjust “Message Display” options (Cozy or Compact) for additional visual changes.

Although this doesn’t directly change just the sidebar color, the entire theme—including the sidebar—will adopt the selected mode’s style.

Option 2: Use BetterDiscord for Advanced Customization

For those who want more control over the aesthetic of their Discord layout—including custom sidebar colors—BetterDiscord is the most well-known solution. It’s an unofficial client modification that allows users to apply custom themes and plugins.

Steps to Change Sidebar Color via BetterDiscord:

  1. Download and install BetterDiscord.
  2. After installation, restart Discord—BetterDiscord should be integrated automatically.
  3. Download a custom CSS theme (many can be found on websites like BetterDiscord Themes).
  4. Place the downloaded theme into the BetterDiscord Themes Folder:
    Settings > Themes > Open Themes Folder.
  5. Enable the theme in your BetterDiscord settings interface.
  6. If desired, open the theme’s CSS file in a text editor and manually tweak color codes related to the sidebar.

Example CSS snippet:

.sidebar-2K8pFh {
  background-color: #2C2F33 !important;
}

By editing the class associated with the sidebar, you can personalize its appearance exactly how you want it.

Important Disclaimer:

BetterDiscord is not officially supported by Discord. Using such tools can technically violate the platform’s Terms of Service (ToS). Though many users use it without issue, there’s a risk of account action. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.

Option 3: Use Accessibility Settings for Contrast Tweaks

Discord includes an Accessibility section under settings, which allows for some visual modifications that might help users who want better contrast or more clearly separated visual spaces—including the sidebar.

  • Go to Settings > Accessibility.
  • Adjust the “Saturation” and “Brightness” sliders.
  • Enable “Dark Sidebar” or similar contrast-enhancing options if available (feature availability may depend on Discord’s update versions).

While this still doesn’t allow for full color choice freedom, it can serve to make the sidebar easier to differentiate visually, particularly for those with visual impairments.

Option 4: Try Discord Themes and Skins via Other Mods

Beyond BetterDiscord, there are several other modding communities that provide skins and UI overhauls. For example:

  • Powercord – Another mod for Discord with theme capabilities. It is a competitor to BetterDiscord and appeals more to developers.
  • GooseMod – A modular client modification which supports themes and has a different integration mechanism. Slightly less invasive than BetterDiscord.

Each of these mod options allows for themes where sidebar colors can be changed either directly through settings or by tweaking theme files manually.

Why Users Want to Change Sidebar Color

There are various reasons why someone might wish to alter the sidebar’s color on Discord:

  • Visual Comfort: Some users find dark or light sidebars reduce eye strain.
  • Personal Aesthetics: Custom color schemes enhance the look and feel that matches the user’s taste.
  • Neurodivergent Needs: Changing background and interface colors can help users with ADD, autism, or other conditions create a more suitable UX.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Back Up Your CSS Files: If you’re editing theme files manually, make backups before making changes.
  • Follow Updates: Mods and themes may break as Discord updates. Stay involved with the modding community for the latest patches.
  • Avoid Shady Downloads: Only download themes or plugins from trusted sources to avoid malware or phishing risks.

Conclusion

While the official Discord app limits direct sidebar customization, adventurous users have ample opportunity to tweak colors and styles through tools like BetterDiscord or Powercord. It’s essential to weigh the value of customization against the risks involved when using third-party modifications.

For most users, small tweaks available through Discord’s native settings may be sufficient. For others seeking the ultimate personalized experience, custom CSS with third-party tools is the way forward—just keep in mind the importance of security, functionality, and compliance with Discord’s policies.

FAQs

  • Q: Can I change the sidebar color in Discord without third-party tools?
    A: No, Discord does not currently offer a built-in feature to independently change the sidebar color beyond theme selections like Light or Dark mode.
  • Q: Is BetterDiscord safe to use?
    A: BetterDiscord is widely used and generally safe when downloaded from its official website. However, it’s important to note that it is against Discord’s Terms of Service and may pose a risk to your account.
  • Q: Will I get banned for using BetterDiscord?
    A: While many users have used BetterDiscord without issue, there is always a small risk as it violates Discord’s ToS. Using malicious plugins or exploiting the app can increase that risk significantly.
  • Q: Do I need to know how to code to change the sidebar color?
    A: Basic knowledge of CSS can help, but many pre-built themes are plug-and-play. Editing colors manually is optional and only necessary for fine-tuning.
  • Q: What class targets the sidebar in Discord’s CSS?
    A: Typically, class names like .sidebar-2K8pFh or similar are used. These may change with Discord updates, so inspect tools or theme documentation for current class references.