https://bugs.documentfoundation.org/show_bug.cgi?id=173445
Bug ID: 173445
Summary: [UI/UX] Restrict application accent colors to the
Notebookbar Tab Bar only to reduce visual noise
Product: LibreOffice
Version: 26.8.0.3 release
Hardware: All
OS: All
Status: UNCONFIRMED
Severity: enhancement
Priority: medium
Component: UI
Assignee: [email protected]
Reporter: [email protected]
Description:
In LibreOffice 26.8, application-specific accent colors (Blue for Writer, Green
for Calc, Yellow for Draw) were added to the Tabbed layout (Notebookbar). While
the branding color concept is good, the current visual implementation creates
significant distraction and cognitive strain:
GTK / Linux interface: The accent color floods the entire toolbar/ribbon
container below the tabs, causing poor icon contrast and visual clutter.
Windows / Fluent interface: A pale accent border wraps around the toolbar area,
creating an unnecessary visual frame that distracts users from the document
canvas.
Proposed Solution:
Limit the application accent color exclusively to the Tab Bar strip (top
section). The active tab and the toolbar background beneath it should remain
clean white (or standard theme background) to ensure optimal readability, icon
contrast, and a modern aesthetic.
Steps to Reproduce:
1. Open any LibreOffice module (Writer, Calc, or Draw) in version 26.8.
2. Enable the Tabbed User Interface via View > User Interface > Tabbed.
3. Observe how the accent color fills or borders the toolbar options area below
the tab buttons.
Actual Results:
The accent color covers or frames the toolbar section below the tab bar,
leading to high visual noise and reduced contrast for tools and dropdowns.
Expected Results:
The accent color is applied only to the top Tab Bar strip. The active tab and
the tool options panel beneath it remain neutral white/gray.
Reproducible: Always
User Profile Reset: Yes
Additional Info:
Please refer to the PDF attachment (UI_Improvement_Proposal.pdf) which contains
the complete mockups illustrating the issue and the proposed UI redesign for
Writer, Calc, and Draw under both GTK and Windows interfaces.
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