
Dolibarr is a widely used open-source ERP and CRM that helps businesses of all sizes manage their operations. However, the default Dolibarr interface can sometimes feel basic or not very intuitive for certain users. Fortunately, Dolibarr offers a variety of customization options, including themes, modules, and tweaks that enhance usability and user experience (UX).
In this detailed article, we will explore:
✔ The best methods to customize Dolibarr’s interface
✔ The most popular and efficient themes
✔ Tips to improve user experience and productivity
1️⃣ Why Customize Dolibarr’s Interface?
Dolibarr is a highly modular software that adapts to the needs of different businesses. However, its default interface can sometimes feel too generic or less ergonomic depending on user expectations.
✅ Benefits of Customization
✔ Enhanced ergonomics: A well-adapted interface reduces the time spent searching for functions.
✔ Better user experience (UX): A visually appealing and well-organized environment improves productivity.
✔ Time-saving efficiency: Custom shortcuts and tweaks allow quicker access to essential tools.
✔ Branding consistency: Integrate your company’s colors and branding into Dolibarr’s interface.
Dolibarr provides many customization options that allow users to modify colors, fonts, menus, and even the overall interface appearance.
1️⃣ Choosing and Installing a Custom Theme
Themes are the easiest way to change the visual appearance of Dolibarr without much effort. Several themes are available, both free and paid, offering various design and functionality improvements.
1.1 Where to Find Dolibarr Themes?
You can find reliable themes for Dolibarr on several sources:
✔ Dolistore (https://www.dolistore.com) – The official marketplace for Dolibarr themes and modules.
✔ GitHub and GitLab – Some developers share open-source themes for free.
✔ Specialized vendors – Some independent publishers offer premium themes with support and regular updates.
1.2 The Best Dolibarr Themes for 2025
Here are some of the most popular and well-rated themes among Dolibarr users:
✅ Theme Eldy (Default Dolibarr Theme)
✔ Simple and clean, ideal for quick adoption.
✔ Limited customization options.
✅ Theme MD-Theme
✔ Inspired by Google’s Material Design.
✔ Smooth and responsive interface.
✔ Advanced customization of colors and buttons.
✅ Theme Dolibarr Responsive Dark
✔ Dark interface ideal for reducing eye strain.
✔ Perfect for night workers.
✔ Full dark mode for optimal visual comfort.
✅ Theme NextGestion (Exclusive)
✔ Designed for modern businesses.
✔ Sleek design with professional colors.
✔ Seamless integration with Dolibarr modules.
1.3 How to Install a Theme in Dolibarr
Installing a new theme in Dolibarr is very simple:
1️⃣ Download the theme from Dolistore or another trusted source.
2️⃣ Extract the ZIP archive and place the theme folder in /htdocs/theme/
.
3️⃣ Go to Dolibarr’s admin panel, then navigate to Setup > Display.
4️⃣ Select the new theme and save the changes.
5️⃣ Refresh the page to apply the new design.
1️⃣ Tips to Improve the User Experience
Beyond themes, several adjustments can enhance Dolibarr’s user experience.
2.1 Customizing Menus and Shortcuts
Dolibarr allows advanced menu customization, which helps save time and access key tools faster.
✅ Adding Custom Shortcuts
✔ Go to Home > Setup > Menus.
✔ Enable quick shortcuts to frequently used features (Invoicing, Quotes, Inventory Management).
✅ Reorganizing Menus
✔ Change the order of menus based on your company’s needs.
✔ Remove unnecessary entries to reduce clutter.
2.2 Enabling Full-Screen Mode and Reducing Distractions
✅ Activating Compact Mode
✔ In display settings, reduce the space occupied by icons and margins for a more condensed view.
✅ Hiding Unused Elements
✔ Disable unused modules to speed up the interface and improve readability.
✔ Use user permissions to display only the essential options.
2.3 Adding Custom Widgets and Dashboards
Dolibarr offers widgets to display key information on the homepage dashboard.
✅ How to Add a Widget to the Dashboard?
1️⃣ Go to Home > Setup > Dashboards.
2️⃣ Select the widgets you want (Revenue, Pending Invoices, Recent Clients, etc.).
3️⃣ Organize them to see essential data at a glance.
???? Tip: Use an extension module to add custom charts and statistics.
1️⃣ Optimizing Dolibarr’s Performance
Optimizing Dolibarr’s interface is not just about aesthetics but also about speed and efficiency.
3.1 Enabling Caching to Improve Speed
✔ Go to Setup > Performance and enable browser caching.
✔ Reduce the frequency of SQL queries to optimize display times.
3.2 Reducing Visual Resource Load
✔ Optimize images and icons to speed up page loading.
✔ Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for static assets.
3.3 Securing Dolibarr and Avoiding UI Bugs
✔ Regularly check module and theme updates to prevent conflicts.
✔ Test customizations in a staging environment before applying them in production.
1️⃣ Conclusion: A Personalized and Efficient Dolibarr Experience
⭐ Customizing Dolibarr’s interface helps improve ergonomics, speed, and user efficiency.
???? Best Practices Summary:
✔ Choose a theme that enhances visibility and usability.
✔ Customize menus and shortcuts for quicker navigation.
✔ Add widgets and interactive dashboards for better insights.
✔ Optimize performance to prevent lag and loading issues.
✅ With these tips, you can transform Dolibarr into an ergonomic, powerful tool perfectly tailored to your business needs!