WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will bring chat themes to its web client, allowing users to personalize conversations directly from their browser. The feature has been available on the mobile version for a long time but never made it to the desktop variant.
Chat themes are designed to let users customize the look of their conversations by selecting different colors and wallpapers. It also supports accessibility by allowing users to choose themes that are more comfortable for their eyes.
In a future update, users will be able to choose a default chat theme within the web client settings. These themes will adjust both the message bubble color and the background wallpaper, creating a more consistent and personalized interface.
At present, WhatsApp Web allows users to set wallpapers and add doodle patterns, but broader customization features are not available.
The upcoming feature will also support chat-level customization. This means users will be able to assign different themes to individual conversations instead of applying a single global setting.
This approach will help users visually separate chats. For example, a work conversation could use a simple theme, while a personal group chat could use a more vibrant design.
WhatsApp is working on a total of 49 chat theme options, including the default setting. Many themes will offer slight variations in color tone and intensity, giving users more flexibility.
For example, multiple blue-based themes will be available, including Default Blue, Default Blue Tonal, Default Blue Minimal, Sky Blue, Sky Blue Tonal, Royal Blue, and Royal Blue Tonal. This allows users to select a version that better matches their preference.
Chat themes will only be visible to the user who applies them. Other participants in the conversation will not see any changes to the interface. This ensures that customization remains a personal setting and does not affect how chats appear to others.
The feature is still in development, and WhatsApp is refining how themes are applied across conversations. Once testing is complete, the company plans to release the feature to a group of beta testers before a wider rollout.
