Drupal Gin Admin Theme Becomes Default in 2025: Complete Migration Guide for Content Editors and Developers

What's Changing in Drupal's Admin Interface

Gin isn't new. It's been a popular contributed theme that many Drupal sites already use. But making it the default for all new Drupal installations is a big deal.

The timeline:

• December 2025: Drupal 11.3 ships with Gin as the default admin theme
• New sites: Get Gin automatically
• Existing sites: Keep using Claro unless you switch manually
• Future versions: Claro will eventually be removed from core

This change comes from real user feedback. Content editors and site managers have been asking for a more modern admin experience. Gin delivers that.

Why Gin Admin Theme Won Over Claro

Claro served Drupal well, but it showed its age. Gin addresses the complaints people had:

Visual improvements:

• Clean, modern design that doesn't look dated
• Better use of white space
• Improved typography that's easier to read
• Dark mode option for different preferences

Usability fixes:

• Sticky action bar keeps Save/Publish buttons visible while scrolling
• Resizable sidebar navigation
• Customizable colors and branding
• Better mobile experience

Accessibility enhancements:

• WCAG 2.1 AA compliance
• High contrast mode
• Better keyboard navigation
• Screen reader improvements

Sascha Eggenberger, who helped design both Claro and Gin, created Gin to experiment with ideas that couldn't easily fit into core development. That experimentation paid off.

What Content Editors Get with Drupal Gin Theme

If you spend your days creating and managing content in Drupal, Gin makes your work easier.

Always-Visible Actions

The sticky action bar keeps your Save, Preview, and Publish buttons at the top of the screen. No more scrolling to the bottom of long forms to save your work.

Better Navigation

The sidebar gives you quick access to content, media, and other admin tasks. You can collapse it when you need more screen space or switch back to the traditional horizontal toolbar if you prefer.

Personalization Options

Set accent colors that match your organization's brand. Upload your logo. Choose between light and dark modes. These small touches make the admin area feel more like your space.

Less Visual Clutter

Gin removes unnecessary borders and improves spacing throughout the interface. Forms are cleaner. Tables are easier to scan. Everything feels more organized.

What Developers Need to Do for Gin Theme Migration

Most sites will work fine with Gin right away. But you should test and potentially make some adjustments.

Testing Your Admin Pages

If you've built custom admin pages or forms, check how they look with Gin. The theme uses different CSS classes and layout patterns than Claro.

Run through these areas:

• Custom admin forms
• Views admin pages
• Configuration screens
• Any contrib modules with admin interfaces

Updating Custom Code

If you have custom admin themes or overrides, you might need updates. Here's a simple example of setting Gin programmatically:

// Set Gin as the admin theme in settings.php
$config['system.theme']['admin'] = 'gin';

For more complex customizations, check the Gin documentation for the correct CSS classes and markup patterns.

Module Compatibility

Most popular contributed modules work fine with Gin. But check your module list, especially:

• Admin toolbar modules
• Custom dashboard modules
• Field widget modules
• Anything that heavily customizes admin pages

The Gin project page lists known compatibility issues and solutions.

How to Switch to Gin Admin Theme Now

Don't wait for Drupal 11.3. You can start using Gin today.

For New Projects

• Install Drupal normally
• Enable the Gin theme:

  drush en gin

• Set it as your admin theme:

  drush config:set system.theme admin gin

• Configure your preferences at Admin > Appearance > Gin settings

For Existing Sites

• Download Gin from drupal.org/project/gin
• Enable it in your admin interface or via Drush
• Test your admin workflows thoroughly
• Train your content team on any interface changes
• Roll out gradually if you have many editors

Common Issues and Solutions for Gin Theme

Problem: Custom admin pages look broken
Solution: Update your page templates to use Gin's CSS classes. The Gin UI Kit module provides examples.

Problem: Editors complain about the change
Solution: Gin lets users switch back to the horizontal toolbar layout. Show them the customization options.

Problem: Module admin pages don't fit the theme
Solution: Check for module updates. Many maintainers have added Gin support.

Problem: Performance seems slower
Solution: Gin is actually optimized for performance, but clear your caches after installation.

Companion Modules Worth Installing with Gin

Gin works well alone, but these modules make it even better:

• Gin Toolbar: Adds more customization options for the admin toolbar
• Gin Login: Applies Gin styling to the login page
• Gin Layout Builder: Improves the Layout Builder interface
• Gin Gutenberg: Better integration if you use the Gutenberg editor

These aren't required, but they create a more cohesive experience.

Preparing Your Team for Drupal Gin Theme

The interface changes are mostly improvements, but change can be jarring. Here's how to help your team:

Before the switch:

• Show them screenshots or a demo site
• Explain the benefits (sticky save buttons, better navigation)
• Let them know they can customize colors and layout

During rollout:

• Start with a small group of power users
• Gather feedback and address concerns
• Document any workflow changes

After switching:

• Monitor for usability issues
• Encourage editors to personalize their interface
• Keep Claro available as a backup during the transition

What This Means Long-Term for Drupal CMS

Gin becoming the default signals Drupal's commitment to modern user experience. This isn't just a theme change—it's part of Drupal's broader effort to compete with other CMS platforms on usability.

Expect continued improvements to the admin experience. The Gin team is already working on features like improved media management and better mobile editing.

For agencies and developers, this makes Drupal easier to sell. Clients won't be put off by an outdated-looking admin interface. Content editors will be happier, which means fewer support requests.

Getting Ready for Drupal Gin Theme Migration

You don't need to wait until December 2025 to prepare:

• Test Gin on a development site to see how it works with your setup
• Check your contributed modules for Gin compatibility
• Plan your migration strategy if you manage multiple sites
• Train your team on the new interface before you make the switch

The change to Gin represents Drupal's evolution toward a more user-friendly CMS. Whether you're managing content, building sites, or overseeing projects, this update makes your daily work better.

Start testing Gin now so you're ready when it becomes the standard. Your editors will thank you.