How Do You Get the Old Wikipedia Layout Back?

Wikipedia recently introduced a new layout, but not everyone is thrilled with the change. Whether it’s for familiarity, functionality, or a cleaner experience, many users want to revert to the old Wikipedia layout. If you’re one of those users, you’re in luck. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to restore Wikipedia’s classic look.

Why Did Wikipedia Change Its Layout?

Wikipedia regularly updates its interface to improve user experience, mobile responsiveness, and accessibility. These updates usually aim to make the platform more user-friendly, but not all users appreciate the changes. The new layout might feel unfamiliar, cluttered, or just not as efficient for browsing and editing.

Fortunately, Wikipedia offers an option to switch back to the old layout if you prefer it.

How to Get the Old Wikipedia Layout Back

There are several methods to restore Wikipedia’s old layout, depending on whether you’re a registered user or browsing as a guest. Follow these steps to easily switch back:

Method 1: For Logged-In Users

If you have a Wikipedia account, you can permanently change the layout back to the old version. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Wikipedia account.
2. Go to the top-right corner of any Wikipedia page and click on your username.
3. From the dropdown menu, select Preferences.
4. In the Preferences menu, click on the Appearance tab.
5. Under the “Skin” section, you’ll see several layout options. Choose Vector (2010) to revert to the old design.
6. Scroll down and click Save to apply your changes.

This will permanently switch your layout to the older version whenever you’re logged in.

Method 2: For Non-Logged-In Users (Using URL Trick)

If you don’t have a Wikipedia account or don’t want to log in, you can still access the old layout using a simple URL trick. Here’s how:

1. Open any Wikipedia article or page.
2. In the URL bar, add ?useskin=vector at the end of the page URL.
   • Example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page?useskin=vector
3. Press Enter, and the page will reload with the old layout.

This method works for individual pages, but you’ll need to add the ?useskin=vector parameter each time you open a new article. For a more permanent solution, consider creating a Wikipedia account and following Method 1.

Method 3: Using Browser Extensions

For a more automated approach, you can use browser extensions to force Wikipedia to load the old layout every time you visit. Some extensions allow you to customize how websites appear by injecting CSS or altering page scripts.

Search your browser’s extension store for tools that allow page customization, such as Stylus or Tampermonkey. After installation, you can apply a custom script to automatically load Wikipedia’s old layout whenever you visit.

Benefits of the Old Wikipedia Layout

Users prefer the old Wikipedia layout for several reasons:

• Familiarity: The older version is more familiar to long-time users who are accustomed to its structure and navigation.
• Simplicity: The old layout is often seen as cleaner and more straightforward, without the extra design elements of the new version.
• Efficiency: For some, the older version feels faster and easier to use, especially when browsing multiple articles or editing.

Will Wikipedia Keep the Old Layout Option?

Wikipedia’s development team often tests new designs, but they tend to retain options for users to switch back to previous versions. As of now, you can still revert to the old layout, but it’s unclear how long this option will be available.

Conclusion

Switching back to the old Wikipedia layout is quick and easy, whether you’re logged in or not. Registered users can make a permanent change in their preferences, while casual visitors can use the URL trick to browse individual pages with the classic design. For a fully automated solution, consider using browser extensions. By following these methods, you can enjoy Wikipedia’s old layout and browse the site the way you prefer.