SAP GUI Themes in Comparison: Recommendations for SAP S/4HANA & UX Tips
SAP offers a selection of GUI themes that significantly affect the look and feel and user experience. Whether classic or modern – we’ll show you which themes differ, which are particularly popular and which you should definitely use (or avoid) for SAP S/4HANA.
What are SAP GUI Themes?
SAP GUI themes determine the visual design of the SAP user interface. These include:
Table of Contents
- SAP GUI Themes in Comparison: Recommendations for SAP S/4HANA & UX Tips
- What are SAP GUI Themes?
- Overview: The most important SAP GUI themes
- Which SAP GUI themes are the most popular?
- Recommendation for SAP S/4HANA
- SAP GUI Themes You Should Stop Using
- Differences between the themes at a glance
- SAP GUI Theme Conversion – This is how it works
- Conclusion: More productivity with the right SAP GUI theme
- Colors & Icons
- Types
- Layout Elements
- Usability Functions
The right theme improves the user experience, reduces training effort and ensures a modern working environment.
sap gui themes Settings
Overview: The most important SAP GUI themes
1. Signature Theme
- Classic, grey, tried and tested – but no longer up-to-date
- Many experienced SAP users still use it
- No longer recommended for new systems
SAP Signature Theme
2. Corbu Theme
- Flatter design, but low contrast
- Weaknesses in readability
- Outdated and rarely used
SAP Corbu Theme
3. Blue Crystal Theme
- First approach to Fiori design
- Better than Corbu, but temporary solution
- No longer optimal for S/4HANA
SAP Blue Crystal Theme
4. Belize Theme
- Fiori-inspired, modern & responsive
- Perfect for classic transactions in S/4HANA
- Light & Dark variant available
SAP Belize Theme
5. Quartz Theme
- Standard in SAP Fiori 3
- Minimalist, clean & user-friendly
- Recommended for all S/4HANA systems
SAP Quartz Theme
Which SAP GUI themes are the most popular?
Recent surveys and customer feedback show:
- Quartz Theme is the favorite for new SAP S/4HANA projects
- Belize Theme Remains Popular, Especially in Stable ECC Environments with Fiori Integration
- Signature still has its place among “old hands at SAP”, but will be phased out
Recommendation for SAP S/4HANA
For a modern, future-proof SAP UX, you should:
- Using Quartz Theme – Default in Fiori 3
- Alternatively Belize Theme – especially in hybrid systems with GUI & Fiori apps
- Stop using themes like Signature or Corbu
SAP GUI Themes You Should Stop Using
| Theme | Status | Why avoid? |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | Obsolete | Not compatible with Fiori UX |
| Corbu | Obsolete | Contrast and readability weaknesses |
| Classic GUI | No longer maintained | No modern UX design |
Differences between the themes at a glance
| Theme | Look & Feel | S/4HANA suitable | Modern UI | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | Classic | No | no | Obsolete |
| Corbu | Flat | No | no | Obsolete |
| Blue Crystal | Fiori-like | Restricted | Yes | Transitional |
| Belize | Modern, Fiori UX | Yes | Yes | Recommended |
| Quartz | Minimalist | Yes | Yes | Recommended |
SAP GUI Theme Conversion – This is how it works
- Open SAP GUI
- Menu: Customize > Options > Display
- Choose a theme (e.g. Quartz)
- Restart SAP GUI
Tip: If you want to migrate centrally, your SAP Basis team can also configure the theme system-wide.
Conclusion: More productivity with the right SAP GUI theme
A modern SAP GUI theme is more than just a pretty coat of paint – it’s a real efficiency tool.
If you switch to Quartz or Belize , you will benefit from:
- Better overview & readability
- Uniform look for GUI & Fiori
- Fewer errors due to clearer navigation
- Future-proofing the SAP world
SAP Consulting & UX Optimization
Would you like to know how to make your SAP system more modern and user-friendly?
We will be happy to advise you.
