Table of contents
- When you’re building apps in Oracle APEX, functionality often comes first — and rightly so. But even if your app works like a dream, a clunky or outdated look can hurt user trust and engagement. The good news? You don’t need to be a CSS wizard to create slick, modern-looking APEX applications.
- 1. Use Universal Theme Properly (and Update It)
- 2. Stick to One Font and Color Palette
- 3. Declutter the UI – Less is More
- 4. Use High-Quality Icons and Images
- 5. Polish Forms and Interactive Grids
- Finally
When you’re building apps in Oracle APEX, functionality often comes first — and rightly so. But even if your app works like a dream, a clunky or outdated look can hurt user trust and engagement. The good news? You don’t need to be a CSS wizard to create slick, modern-looking APEX applications.
Here are 5 easy, practical tips that will instantly boost your app’s visual polish — no design degree required.
1. Use Universal Theme Properly (and Update It)
Don’t reinvent the wheel. APEX’s Universal Theme is powerful and constantly updated with UI/UX improvements.
✅ Make sure you're using the latest version of the theme (you can update it via Shared Components → Themes).
✅ Use Theme Roller to quickly switch color schemes, font families, or spacing.
✅ Choose a pre-built style (like Vita Dark, Vita Light) to give your app an instant facelift.
🔍 Pro Tip: Use the “Dark Mode Toggle” template component. It’s native, easy to implement, and users love it.
2. Stick to One Font and Color Palette
Nothing screams “unfinished app” like multiple fonts and random colors. Stick with one font family and a cohesive color scheme.
Use the Theme Roller to define your primary, secondary, and accent colors.
Avoid manually setting colors on page elements unless absolutely necessary.
Try Coolors to generate color palettes.
🎨 Consistency in fonts and colors creates visual harmony — and users notice.
3. Declutter the UI – Less is More
A clean layout = a professional app. That means:
Remove unused buttons or regions.
Group related items with Cards or Collapsible Regions.
Hide complex logic behind modals or dynamic actions.
Use icons sparingly, only where they truly add clarity.
🧹 Clean UIs not only look better but are easier to use and maintain.
4. Use High-Quality Icons and Images
Avoid blurry or mismatched icons. Instead:
Stick to Font APEX or Font Awesome icons for buttons and navigation.
If you use images, ensure they’re optimized and consistent in size and style.
Upload a proper favicon and app logo under Shared Components → User Interface → Global Settings.
📌 A small touch like a custom favicon makes your app feel like a real product.
5. Polish Forms and Interactive Grids
These are often the busiest parts of any app — and the easiest to mess up. Here’s how to clean them up:
Use Icon Buttons instead of text where space is limited.
Use placeholders in form fields to guide the user.
Group fields logically using Field Groups or Regions.
In IGs, disable unnecessary columns and enable row highlighting or alternating row colors for readability.
✍️ Bonus: Add simple validation messages and tooltips — it improves UX and shows attention to detail
Finally
Professionalism in your Oracle APEX app doesn’t have to mean spending hours fine-tuning CSS or mastering graphic design. With just a few thoughtful adjustments—like using the Theme Roller, optimizing forms, and leveraging built-in templates—you can create an app that looks sharp, functions smoothly, and leaves a lasting impression.
Remember, the devil is in the details: even small changes can make a big difference in how users perceive your app. So get started today and watch your APEX app transform into a professional masterpiece!