Using Themes¶
Control Center supports multiple visual themes to suit your preferences and environment.
Changing Your Theme¶
Step 1: Go to Settings¶
- Click your name in the top-right corner
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu
Step 2: Choose Your Theme¶
Find the "Theme Preference" dropdown and select:
- System Default - Automatically matches your device's theme
- Light - Always use the light theme
- Dark - Always use the dark theme
Step 3: Save¶
Click the Save button at the bottom of the page.
Your theme will change instantly!
Theme Options Explained¶
🌞 Light Theme¶
Perfect for well-lit environments: - Bright, clean appearance - Dark text on light backgrounds - Traditional color scheme - Easy to read in daylight
Best for: - Office environments - Daytime use - High-brightness displays - Shared screens
🌙 Dark Theme¶
Optimized for low-light conditions: - Dark backgrounds throughout - Light text for reduced eye strain - Gentle on the eyes - Modern appearance
Best for: - Evening use - Dimly lit rooms - OLED/AMOLED screens (saves battery) - Extended reading sessions - Reducing blue light exposure
🖥️ System Default¶
The smart choice: - Follows your operating system's theme - Automatically switches between light and dark - No manual switching needed - Respects your system-wide preferences
Best for: - Users who change themes throughout the day - Consistency with other applications - Automatic day/night switching - Modern operating system integration
How System Theme Works¶
When you select "System Default", Control Center automatically detects your device's theme preference:
macOS¶
- Follows System Preferences > General > Appearance
- Auto-switches with "Auto" mode based on time of day
Windows¶
- Follows Settings > Personalization > Colors > Choose your color
- Can be set to light, dark, or automatic
Linux¶
- Follows your desktop environment's theme setting
- Varies by DE (GNOME, KDE, etc.)
The Smart Part¶
When your system theme changes (e.g., at sunset), Control Center automatically switches too - no page reload needed!
Features¶
Instant Switching¶
Themes change immediately when you select them. No need to refresh the page or log out.
Remembers Your Choice¶
Your theme preference is saved and will be the same: - On different pages - After logging out and back in - On different devices (once you save on each) - Across browser sessions
No Flash¶
When you load a page, the correct theme applies instantly. You won't see a "flash" of the wrong theme.
Works Everywhere¶
Every part of the application respects your theme: - Navigation and menus - Forms and inputs - Tables and lists - Pop-up windows - Notifications - Text editors - Charts and graphs
Screenshots¶
Light Theme¶
Clean and professional appearance for daytime use
Dark Theme¶
Easy on the eyes for evening sessions
Tips & Tricks¶
Quick Theme Testing¶
Want to try different themes? 1. Change your theme in settings 2. Browse around the application 3. If you don't like it, come back and change it again 4. Your preference saves automatically when you click Save
Battery Saving (OLED Screens)¶
If you have an OLED display (many modern phones, tablets, and laptops): - Dark theme can significantly save battery life - Black pixels on OLED are actually "off" - Consider using dark theme when on battery power
Eye Strain Reduction¶
If you experience eye strain: - Try dark theme in low-light environments - Use light theme in bright environments - Let system theme switch automatically - Consider taking regular breaks regardless of theme
Accessibility¶
Both themes meet WCAG accessibility standards: - Sufficient contrast ratios for all text - Clear visual indicators for interactive elements - Color is not the only means of conveying information
Frequently Asked Questions¶
Q: Will my theme choice affect other users?¶
A: No, each user has their own theme preference. Your choice only affects what you see.
Q: Does the theme change affect mobile?¶
A: Yes! Your theme preference works on all devices once you're logged in.
Q: Can I schedule theme changes?¶
A: Use "System Default" - most operating systems can schedule light/dark mode based on time of day.
Q: What if I don't see the theme option?¶
A: Contact your administrator. The theme system may need to be enabled or updated.
Q: Does dark theme save data/bandwidth?¶
A: No, themes only change how the page looks. The data transferred is the same.
Q: Can I customize the colors?¶
A: Individual users cannot customize colors, but administrators can. See the administrator documentation.
Q: Which theme is better?¶
A: It's personal preference! We recommend: - Light during the day - Dark in the evening - System to switch automatically
Q: Why does my theme reset sometimes?¶
A: This shouldn't happen. If it does: 1. Make sure you clicked "Save" after selecting your theme 2. Check that your browser isn't blocking cookies/storage 3. Contact your administrator if the problem persists
Technical Notes¶
Browser Requirements¶
Modern browsers support theme switching: - Chrome/Edge (version 88+) - Firefox (version 85+) - Safari (version 14+) - Opera (version 74+)
Older browsers will display the light theme only.
Privacy¶
Your theme preference: - Is stored in the database (when logged in) - Is also stored locally in your browser for fast loading - Does not track or collect any additional information - Can be changed at any time
Need Help?¶
If you experience any issues with themes:
- Try clearing your browser cache
- Chrome/Edge: Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Delete (Mac)
- Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Delete (Mac)
-
Safari: Cmd+Option+E (Mac)
-
Try a different browser
-
This helps identify if it's browser-specific
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Check with your administrator
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They can verify the theme system is properly configured
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Report the issue
- Include your browser name and version
- Describe what you see vs. what you expect
- Include screenshots if possible
Enjoy your personalized Control Center experience! 🎨