> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.agencyhandy.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Customize Your AgencyHandy Workspace Color Schemes

> Apply your brand colors to the AgencyHandy sidebar and interface — primary color, background, text, and hover states — visible instantly to all users.

The Appearance settings give you full control over how your AgencyHandy workspace looks. You can align the platform's color scheme with your agency's brand identity by customizing the primary color, sidebar background, sidebar text color, and the hover highlight color for sidebar navigation items. Every change you save takes effect immediately across the entire workspace for all users — no page refresh required.

<Note>
  Only **Super Admins** and **Admins** can access and modify Appearance settings. If you don't see this option under **Workspace Config**, ask your Super Admin to review your role.
</Note>

## Accessing Appearance Settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Workspace Config">
    From the left navigation menu, click **Workspace Config**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Appearance">
    Click **Appearance** (sometimes labeled **Visual Settings**) from the submenu.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Customizing Each Visual Element

### Primary Color

The primary color is applied to buttons, active links, highlighted states, and key interface elements throughout the platform.

* Pick a color that reflects your core brand identity.
* This is the most impactful color setting because it appears everywhere in the UI.

### Sidebar Background Color

The sidebar background sets the base shade of the left navigation panel.

* Use a color that creates a clear visual separation between the sidebar and the main content area.
* Dark backgrounds with light text generally perform best for readability.

### Sidebar Text Color

The sidebar text color controls the label color for all navigation items in the left menu.

* Always choose a color that has strong contrast against your sidebar background color.
* Poor contrast makes links harder to read and reduces accessibility.

### Sidebar Hover Background Color

This color appears as the background highlight when a user moves their cursor over a sidebar navigation item.

* It signals interactivity and helps users understand which item they are about to click.
* Choose a color that is visibly distinct from both the default sidebar background and the active item color.

***

## Applying Your Color Choices

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the color picker for each field">
    Click the color swatch next to any of the four appearance fields — Primary Color, Sidebar Background, Sidebar Text Color, or Sidebar Hover Background Color — to open the color picker.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter a hex code or pick a color">
    Type your brand's exact hex code (e.g., `#3B5BDB`) directly into the input field, or use the visual picker to select a shade.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview the changes">
    Review how the updated colors look in the sidebar and across the interface before saving.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Save Changes">
    When you're happy with the result, click **Save Changes**. The updated appearance is applied globally and instantly to all users in the workspace.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Keep a record of your brand's hex color codes somewhere accessible (a brand style guide or notes file). You'll want to reuse the exact same values consistently — especially if you ever need to reset and reconfigure your appearance settings.
</Tip>

***

## Resetting to Default Theme

If you want to remove all custom branding and restore the original AgencyHandy color scheme, click the **Reset Default Settings** button on the Appearance page.

<Warning>
  Resetting to defaults permanently discards all custom color changes. This action cannot be undone. If you want to preserve your current settings, note down your hex codes before resetting.
</Warning>

***

## Color Contrast Best Practices

Good color contrast is not just a design preference — it directly affects readability and accessibility for your team and clients.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Aim for WCAG AA contrast ratios" icon="eye">
    For normal body text, use a contrast ratio of at least **4.5:1** between text and background. For large text or icons, a ratio of **3:1** is acceptable. Use a tool like [WebAIM Contrast Checker](https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/) to verify.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Avoid low-contrast combinations" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    Don't pair colors like light grey text on white, or yellow text on white — these fail accessibility standards and strain the eyes over long sessions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Test hover states deliberately" icon="arrow-pointer">
    Hover colors should be noticeably different from both the resting state and the active state. If they look the same, users lose important visual feedback.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Stay consistent with your brand" icon="paintbrush">
    Use the same primary color here as on your website, proposals, and invoices. Consistency builds recognition and professionalism across all client touchpoints.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Important Notes

* **Instant global effect:** All saved appearance changes are applied immediately across the entire workspace. Every logged-in user sees the update on their next navigation action.
* **One active theme:** There is no multi-theme support — one set of colors applies to the whole workspace for all roles.
* **Role restriction:** Only Super Admins and Admins can make appearance changes. Regular team members and clients cannot modify colors.
* **Reset is permanent:** The **Reset Default Settings** button cannot be undone, so use it only when you intentionally want to remove all custom colors.