IntelliJ IDEA 2024.1 Help

User interface themes

The interface theme defines the appearance of windows, dialogs, buttons, and all visual elements of the user interface. By default, IntelliJ IDEA uses the Darcula theme in Classic UI and the Dark theme in New UI unless you changed it during the first run.

Change the UI theme

  1. In the Settings dialog (Ctrl+Alt+S) , select Appearance & Behavior | Appearance.

  2. Select the UI theme from the Theme list:

    • Dark: IntelliJ IDEA default dark theme

    • Light: IntelliJ IDEA default light theme

    • Light with Light Header: default light theme with a light header

    • IntelliJ Light: traditional light theme for IntelliJ-based IDEs in Classic UI

    • High Contrast: theme designed for users with color vision deficiency

    • Darcula: alternative dark theme

    Click Get More Themes to install a custom theme as a plugin from JetBrains Marketplace

    Settings | Appearance & Behavior | Appearance
  3. Optionally, select a color scheme from the Editor color scheme list.

    The default color scheme for the current theme is indicated in the list.

Select Sync with OS to let IntelliJ IDEA detect the current system settings and use the default dark or light theme accordingly. If your OS is set up to auto-switch between day and night modes, the IDE will automatically toggle between light and dark themes too.

It is also possible to create your own UI themes for IntelliJ IDEA and customize the built-in themes. For more information, refer to IntelliJ Platform SDK Documentation.

Productivity tips

Use the quick switcher

  1. Press Ctrl+` or select View | Quick Switch Scheme from the main menu.

  2. In the Switch popup, select Theme, and then select the desired interface theme.

Create shortcuts

Last modified: 17 July 2024