- WhatsApp Web now allows you to apply themes that simultaneously change the color of the bubbles and the background.
- It is possible to configure a general design for all conversations or assign individual styles to specific chats.
- The customization is private, so the visual changes are only visible to the user who applies them.
- There are third-party browser extensions that allow you to use external images as a background using URLs.
If you spend a large part of your workday or free time glued to your computer, you'll know that WhatsApp Web's interface has long been quite bland. Until recently, we were limited to choosing between light and dark mode, which left a feeling of emptiness for those of us who want our digital environment to have a more personal and less monotonous touch.
The good news is that Meta has decided to change this, implementing a series of visual customization tools that are now available in both the browser and the desktop application. This update aims to make the PC experience virtually identical to the mobile experience, allowing us to move away from that rigid aesthetic and give our conversations a much fresher feel.
The arrival of chat themes on the desktop
WhatsApp has begun rolling out a feature that allows users to change the color and background of their chats directly from their computer. While initial reports suggested up to 49 possible combinations, in the early stages of the beta program, users have had access to around 27 predefined themes —a number that is still more than enough to vary the interface's appearance.
The most interesting thing is that these themes don't just change one thing; they coordinate the color of the message bubbles and the background . This prevents us from having to blindly experiment with combinations, since the designs are optimized to make everything look harmonious, from minimalist pastel palettes to much more vibrant and saturated colors.
How to get started with the setup
For those who already have the feature enabled, the process is quite intuitive. Everything is managed from the settings page, specifically in a section called Chat Theme . There, the options are presented in a grid that allows you to quickly compare styles.
- First, you need to enter the platform's settings section.
- Next, access the Chat Theme menu to see the available designs.
- Take advantage of real time preview which appears on the right to see how the chat will look before giving the go-ahead.
- If you get tired of the design, you can always revert to the original look by choosing the first option on the list.
In addition to pre-designed packages, WhatsApp offers some flexibility for those who appreciate the finer details. It's possible to combine backgrounds and colors independently , and even decide whether to keep or remove those typical decorative doodles that often adorn the background of conversations.
Global customization versus individual chats
One of the most useful advantages of this update is its flexibility. If you want your entire WhatsApp to have a consistent look, you can apply a general theme from the settings. However, if you prefer to differentiate your work chats from group chats with friends or your partner, you can assign a specific design to each conversation by going to the chat's info screen.
It's crucial to emphasize that this entire setup is strictly private . This means that even if you choose a radioactive background or a garish color, only you will see it on your screen. Other participants will continue to see their own settings or the default design, thus preventing anyone from having to put up with the aesthetic preferences of others.
External alternatives and tricks for advanced users
For those who lack the patience to wait for official updates or who are looking for something beyond the default colors, there are community-created solutions. Some developers have created extensions for Chromium-based browsers that allow you to force custom wallpapers using JavaScript code.
These tools typically work by leveraging thumbnail URLs from platforms like YouTube or GIFs from Tenor and Giphy. While they require manual installation in developer mode and editing internal files to change the image, they offer a solution for those who want a completely unique background and aren't afraid of tinkering with browser code.
The evolution of WhatsApp Web towards a more adaptable environment is a logical step. By integrating these options, the platform not only improves its aesthetics but also helps to visually organize information and makes long chat sessions much more pleasant, closing the technological gap that existed between the mobile app and the desktop version.
