# Appearance: choose a dark theme, schedule it and tune the colors

Version 1.38.0, released 2026-09-09. Source: https://vektortms.com/releases/appearance-dark-themes-schedule-and-color-intensity

> The Appearance panel at the bottom of the sidebar offers Light and nine dark themes. Switch to dark automatically for the hours you choose, set how strong status colors look, and soften bright white text.

![Appearance: choose a dark theme, schedule it and tune the colors](https://storage.googleapis.com/vektor-public-storage/changelog/c51593ab-86a9-4508-afa2-d350ad29ba0f.webp)

Dispatch runs early mornings and late nights, and a screen that is comfortable at noon can be tiring at 5 AM. The Appearance panel lets everyone on your team set the dashboard up the way their eyes want it.

## Pick a theme

Choose **Light** or one of nine dark themes. Each card shows a small preview, and the page changes as soon as you click, so you can try them all in a few seconds.

- **Old**: the dark look you already know. If you already work in dark mode, this is where you start.
- **Charcoal**: charcoal gray, a touch lighter than Old.
- **Graphite**, **Slate**, **Midnight**, **Abyss**, **Trench**, **Onyx** and **Total Black**: from neutral gray and blue-gray through deep navy to pure black.

## Auto dark by schedule

![The same Orders board in Light, Graphite, Midnight and Total Black.](https://storage.googleapis.com/vektor-public-storage/changelog/4ed2f31e-a2e2-4a6d-a42c-d9e8a0ad2741.webp "The same Orders board in Light, Graphite, Midnight and Total Black.")

Turn on **Auto dark by schedule** and set **From** and **To**. Between those times the dashboard uses your dark theme, and the rest of the day it stays Light. By default it runs from 8 PM to 7 AM. It follows your computer's clock and switches on its own while the dashboard is open. The schedule uses the dark theme you picked last, so choose the theme first and then turn the schedule on.

## Color intensity

Status chips and row highlights can be quieter or louder in the dark. **Subtle** keeps them soft, **Bright** is the standard, and **Neon**, **Vivid** and **Vibrant** make every status stand out more. Color intensity works with every dark theme except Charcoal.

## Dim white text

![The same rows at Subtle, Bright and Vibrant color intensity.](https://storage.googleapis.com/vektor-public-storage/changelog/607eaa13-6f2e-4bb7-a6a2-9effd7617066.webp "The same rows at Subtle, Bright and Vibrant color intensity.")

Pure white text on a very dark screen can feel harsh late in a shift. **Dim white text** makes it less bright. It is available for Graphite, Slate, Midnight, Abyss, Trench, Onyx and Total Black.

## How to use it

![Left: Midnight with Dim white text on. Right: Auto dark by schedule from 20:00 to 07:00.](https://storage.googleapis.com/vektor-public-storage/changelog/eaecc9b6-ddc7-492f-9a18-3dfd803257bf.webp "Left: Midnight with Dim white text on. Right: Auto dark by schedule from 20:00 to 07:00.")

Click the sun or moon button at the bottom of the sidebar, next to your name, to open **Appearance**. The panel opens at the side of the page, so you can keep working while you try a look. Your choice is saved in this browser, so the dashboard opens the same way next time.