> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/administration/settings/choose-your-appearance-light-dark-or-system-theme.md).

# Choose your appearance (Light or Dark)

Essential can display in a light or dark color theme. Your choice is personal to you and follows you across every device you sign in on — set it once on the web and the mobile app picks it up, and vice versa. It affects only your view, not your teammates'.

> **Where to find it:** Web — Settings → Personal Settings → Appearance. Mobile — tap your avatar (top-right) → Settings → Appearance.

## The two options

* **Light** — the classic bright theme. This is the default until you choose otherwise.
* **Dark** — a darker palette that's easier on the eyes in low light.

## Set your appearance on the web

1. Open **Settings → Personal Settings**.
2. In the **Appearance** card, click **Light** or **Dark**. The whole app previews your choice live as you click.
3. Click **Save**.

If you leave the page without saving, the preview reverts to your last saved choice — nothing changes until you Save.

## Set your appearance on mobile

1. Tap your **avatar** in the top-right, then tap **Settings**.
2. Under **Appearance**, tap **Light** or **Dark**.
3. Tap **Save appearance**.

Your saved choice is remembered on the device, so the app opens in the right theme with no flash the next time you launch it. On the web, that saved choice also applies to the sign-in screen.

## Good to know

* The setting is per-user, not per-business — changing it never affects anyone else on your team.
* Because the preference is stored on your account, signing in on a new phone or browser brings your theme with you.
* On the web, **Talk to a human** also follows your appearance choice when the support chat is configured to use its automatic theme.
* Some fixed documents that are meant to print or send the same for everyone — like quote, invoice, and inspection-report previews — always render on a light canvas regardless of your theme, so what you see matches what your customer receives.

## Related guides

* [Choose your default home page](/administration/settings/choose-your-default-home-page.md)
* [Sign in and navigate the mobile app](/field-operations/mobile/sign-in-and-navigation.md)


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