Wikipedia’s Old Design is Back

What is Wikipedia?

Wikipedia is a free illustration where each page exposes, defines, and explains a concept, a character, an institution, or a company… It becomes, thus, a framework that allows the collection, storage, and circulation of information in a structured way. Wikipedia is a non-profit distribution whose financing is based on donations, and its website is open to anyone who wishes to register on its website.

As it is edited collaboratively and with thousands of users writing all over the world, Wikipedia is usually updated with the latest news, standing out from traditional encyclopedias as well as in its online interpretation. In addition, its editors form news from different countries and diverse cultures, which allows getting rid of biased reporting. It is not used only one single belief or aspect in addition to that of the users’ surplus.

How to get the classic Wikipedia design?

It should be noted that this change does not affect the mobile version of Wikipedia (especially its usability), since it has its design. Also, it is important to clarify that at the time of writing this, the new version of Wikipedia does not yet appear in the Spanish version of this site. You can see it only in English. However, it should appear in all Wikipedia languages in the next few days.

Wikipedia has been using the same design for 10 years, so it’s time to try a new look. Now, if you don’t like the way Wikipedia looks now, here’s how to go back to the old Wikipedia design. It’s easy and won’t take you more than 5 minutes. To change Wikipedia’s layout permanently you need to have an account on the online encyclopedia. Thus, regardless of the device from which you enter Wikipedia, you will see the design of your choice without modifying anything again (if you are logged in). In short, follow these steps to return to the old Wikipedia design:

1. If you don’t already have one, click this link to create your Wikipedia account.
2. Once you are logged in with your account, go to the Preferences section by clicking on your user icon in the upper right corner. Or simply click this link to go to Wikipedia Preferences.
3. Go to Appearance and choose the Vector legacy (2010) option. You can also use the “Minerva Neue” (the mobile one), “MonoBook” (the one used from 2004 to 2010), or “Timeless” themes, but we don’t recommend you to use them because they are not well optimized for current devices.
4. And if you want to use the original Wikipedia theme, the only option you have is to go to Nostalgia.wikipedia.org, although this version is not fully functional.

Note

Older Wikipedia themes still work, but they are not as well optimized for modern browsers and accessibility requirements. For example, if you need to use a screen reader, you’re probably better off with the newer Vector theme.

What is MonoBook?

MonoBook is an even older desktop theme, which served as the default layout on Wikipedia from 2004 to 2010. Unfortunately, you can only access the original Wikipedia layout dating back to 2001; you cannot switch to that layout on the regular site.