For as long as I can remember, Discord’s desktop UI has felt dull and monotonous, especially compared to its more vibrant and friendly mobile counterpart. If you’ve felt the same way, there’s good news! Discord just dropped a major desktop update, revamping its entire interface with fresh new themes, improved spacing options, and more.
This update is a big one, and Discord detailed all the changes in a recent blog post. One of the standout additions is the new Onyx theme, a true dark mode designed specifically for OLED monitors and laptop displays.
The Onyx theme isn’t the only addition Discord has also introduced a darker grayish overlay called “Dark,” both of which are available for free. This means users without Discord Nitro now have access to four free themes. Additionally, Discord has added a new “UI Density” option, allowing users to customize the spacing in the channel list and overall interface for a more personalized experience.
Beyond the UI overhaul, Discord has quietly revamped its in-game overlay, now featuring draggable widgets similar to the Xbox Game Bar. This update makes it easier to keep track of channel updates and manage your server while gaming.
The update also addresses a major issue where the Discord overlay negatively impacted FPS and game performance. According to Discord’s Vice President, Peter Sellis, “This new version of the Overlay delivers a snappier, faster experience, focused around what you care about most.”
With these changes, the Discord app feels more user-friendly and visually refined. While the older layout may have felt outdated or clunky to some, this redesign brings a fresh and modern touch. However, long-term users might find certain aspects, like the Onyx theme’s increased color saturation, a bit jarring.
What do you think of Discord’s new desktop redesign? Are you enjoying the changes, or are you looking for ways to bring back the old UI? Share your thoughts in the comments!
