Obsidian 1.0 introduces a new default theme, a versioning system, and over 400 new CSS variables that simplify theme creation. Theme authors must rename their CSS file from obsidian.css to theme.css, add a manifest.json with minAppVersion, and update their community-themes.json entry to remove the legacy flag. The new CSS variables abstract most UI elements onto the body element, reducing the need for complex high-specificity selectors and enabling parity between Reading mode and Live Preview. New features to account for include user-customizable accent colors, three title bar style options, repositioned sidebar toggle buttons, and a disabled-by-default view header. Design guidelines cover a 4px grid system for spacing, OS-consistent cursor conventions, and icon design rules aligned with the Lucide icon library.
Table of contents
OverviewMigrating your theme to the new versioning systemHow to design themes for v1.0+New 1.0 features and modes to considerDesign guidelinesSort: