This is how Facebook's new desktop design looks (and how you can restore the old Facebook))

[Karlston]

This is how Facebook's new desktop design looks (and how you can restore the old Facebook))

Someone at Facebook seems to have flipped a switch as users from all over the world are starting to get invited to try the new Facebook design on the desktop.

 

Facebook revealed plans to redesign the desktop version of the social media site last year. The company wanted to make things less convoluted, easier to use, and introduce new features such as a dark mode for the entire site.

 

Back then, Facebook wanted to launch the new version before March 2020 and it appears that the rollout has started.  Invited users see a small notification at the top on Facebook that invites them to try the new Facebook design. Note that the notification vanishes when you reload or navigate away.

 

Facebook displays a short intro about some of the new features (light and dark mode can be selected right then and there).

 

 

The new interface uses a responsive design that displays content based on screen width and other parameters. If the width of the browser window is sufficient, Facebook displays a traditional but heavily modified three column design.

 

The design features rounded corners and is more colorful than the current design of desktop Facebook. Text appears larger and there is more grayspace; this may lead to extended scrolling sessions as less content is displayed at a time on the visible part of the screen.

 

Zooming in or out, or changing the size of the browser window may help display more content on the screen at the same time.

 

The icon bar at the top provides quick access to  various sections on the site including the homepage, videos, marketplace, groups, and gaming.

 

The new design looks like this when you open a Facebook Page.

 

 

Notice that Facebook displays a two column design when the browser width is too small. Which column it displays depends on the page you are on. If you are browsing your home feed, you get to see the feed and the right column with its contacts.

 

A click on the new menu icon (three horizontal bars) displays the links of the missing left sidebar.

 

Switch between light and dark mode

 

 

The new Facebook design supports a light and dark mode. You can switch between both modes easily at any time doing the following:

1. Select Menu.
2. Toggle Dark Mode which is displayed in the menu as an option.

The change is instant and the page is either displayed using a dark color scheme or a light one depending on the state of the Dark Mode switch.

How to go back to Classic Facebook

 

Facebook users who have tried the new design of the site already may want to go back to the classic version; this is possible currently but it is very likely that Facebook will remove that option eventually from the site.

 

To restore classic Facebook, do the following:

1. Select Menu (a click or tap on the profile icon in the top right corner).
2. There you should see a "Switch to Classic Facebook" option. Activate that to go back.

 

 

Source: This is how Facebook's new desktop design looks (and how you can restore the old Facebook)) (gHacks - Martin Brinkmann)