Dark Mode on Discord

If you’re a regular user of Discord on desktop, you’ve likely noticed some major visual changes recently. Discord has officially rolled out a refreshed user interface that brings it closer to its mobile counterparts, and the centerpiece of this update is the long-awaited full dark mode, known as Onyx. But that’s just the beginning. Let’s break down everything that’s new in Discord’s desktop UI refresh — and what it means for your experience.

A True Dark Mode: Say Hello to Onyx

Discord users have been requesting a true dark mode for years — especially those with OLED displays that benefit from deeper blacks and power savings. The new Onyx dark mode answers that call with a fully black interface that’s easy on the eyes and perfect for nighttime browsing or extended gaming sessions.

Previously, Discord’s “Dark” theme was more of a charcoal gray than a true black. Now, users can choose between four themes on the desktop app:

Light – For bright, traditional app usage

Dark – The classic gray-dark style

Midnight – A darker variant with modern contrast

Onyx – The new full black dark mode for OLED displays

These options allow for a greater degree of personalization, and the Onyx theme particularly stands out for those who want a more immersive, distraction-free look.

A Cleaner, Mobile-Inspired Layout

One of the goals of the update is to create visual consistency across all platforms. Discord’s mobile app has long enjoyed a cleaner, more legible layout, and now the desktop version is catching up. That includes:

Refined spacing across the app, making it easier to read and less visually cluttered

A resizable channel list, giving you more control over your workspace

Improved illustrations and color schemes that better reflect Discord’s evolving brand identity

These changes were introduced to reduce visual noise and cognitive overload — a helpful touch for users who juggle multiple servers or conversations simultaneously.

A Smarter Call Interface

One of the more functional UI upgrades is found in the call interface. You’ll now see a new status bar during voice or video calls that clearly indicates whether your microphone is muted or your camera is off. This change improves usability for meetings, streaming sessions, or just chatting with friends, helping avoid those awkward “you’re muted” moments.

Revamped Game Overlay: More Power, Less Lag

Beyond the visual facelift, Discord has also completely revamped its game overlay, a feature that has long allowed gamers to access Discord while playing. The old overlay could impact performance, as it directly hooked into game windows. The new one? Not so much.

According to Peter Sellis, Discord’s SVP of Product, the new overlay is faster, more efficient, and customizable. It features:

Independent widgets, similar to Microsoft’s Xbox Game Bar

Stream watching directly in the overlay, so you can view a friend’s gameplay without minimizing your own

Custom placement, letting you drag widgets anywhere on your screen

Better game compatibility, with fewer issues triggered by anti-cheat engines

This new design not only minimizes the performance hit but also makes multitasking much easier — whether you're managing a guild, moderating a stream, or keeping up with chat mid-match.

A Unified Experience

All of these changes aren’t just cosmetic. They reflect Discord’s broader strategy: creating a more unified experience across desktop and mobile platforms. Whether you’re switching devices or helping a friend troubleshoot, the app now feels more consistent and intuitive.

As Peter Sellis notes, the goal is to "enhance legibility, reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed by visual noise, and maintain consistency across desktop and mobile devices." In essence, Discord wants to make things feel simpler and work better for every kind of user — whether you're gaming, working, studying, or just hanging out.

Final Thoughts: A Welcome Refresh

Discord’s new UI — especially the Onyx dark mode — marks a significant improvement in both form and function. It’s a much-needed update that prioritizes clarity, customization, and performance. For power users and casual chatters alike, this refresh is a step in the right direction.

Whether you’re looking for a cleaner look, better voice controls, or a more capable game overlay, Discord’s desktop update has something for everyone.

Have you tried the new Onyx dark mode yet? Drop into your Settings and give it a spin — your eyes might just thank you.