How to Change Discord Layout Back to Classic View (2025)

Discord’s recent interface changes have left many users longing for the familiar comfort of the classic layout. Let me walk you through getting back to that clean, intuitive design we all know and love.

Why the Classic Discord Layout Matters

Remember when Discord felt like home? The classic layout wasn’t just about nostalgia – it offered better channel visibility and smoother navigation between servers. While Discord’s 2025 updates brought some exciting features, they also introduced a learning curve that not everyone wants to tackle.

Steps to Restore Classic Discord Layout

Let’s get your Discord looking familiar again. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Open your Discord settings by clicking the gear icon
2. Navigate to “App Settings”
3. Select “Appearance”
4. Look for “Layout Options”
5. Choose “Classic Layout” from the dropdown menu

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you’re not seeing the classic layout option, don’t worry – I’ve been there too. First, make sure your Discord client is fully updated. Sometimes, running an older version can hide certain settings options. If that doesn’t work, try logging out and back in – I’ve seen this solve the issue for many users in my Discord support community.

Making the Most of Classic Layout

Once you’re back to the classic view, take a moment to customize your experience. I personally love adjusting the sidebar width – just grab the edge and drag it to your preferred size. This little trick makes channel navigation so much more comfortable, especially if you’re managing multiple servers.

Additional Customization Tips

Here’s something many users don’t know: you can still use most of Discord’s new features while in classic layout. The key is understanding which elements are layout-independent. For instance, the new thread features and forum channels work just as well in classic view – they’re just organized in a more familiar way.

Future-Proofing Your Setup

As someone who’s been using Discord since its early days, I’ve learned that saving your layout preferences in your user settings can save you headaches during future updates. Take a screenshot of your current settings – trust me, you’ll thank yourself later if things ever get reset.

Remember, while Discord continues to evolve, you don’t have to embrace every change immediately. The classic layout remains a solid choice for users who value efficiency and familiarity over the latest design trends. And if you’re ever feeling stuck, just remember – you’re not alone in preferring the tried-and-true interface that made Discord great in the first place.

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Steve

16" MacBook Pro video editor. Setup: M2 Max, 64GB RAM & 4TB SSD. Still amazed at the battery life while rendering 4K!

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