# 🎉 Node-RED 5.0.0-beta.5 now available

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784>\
**Category:** News\
**Tags:** docker\
**Created:** [16 April 2026 16:46 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784 "2026-04-16T16:46:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![mbonani](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/mbonani/32/10631_2.png) [@mbonani](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/mbonani)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 11:50 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/21 "2026-04-17T11:50:54Z")

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Separating everything into sections here to avoid adding multiple comments.

## Appearance

By default, 'Theme' is set to 'Light'. Shouldn't it be 'Auto' instead?

> <https://github.com/node-red/node-red/blob/6d624b093668ce5f2c255460b3211c4577887367/packages/node_modules/%40node-red/editor-client/src/js/ui/userSettings.js#L178>

## Sidebar control buttons

It feels weird having the control buttons for the left sidebar on the right side of the screen.

## Dark mode

I love it, but that red-ish accent color doesn't work well with the dark background, at least for my eyes.

The text color in the JSON export dialog needs some adjustments.

 ![SCR-20260417-gbli](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/9/a/9aea559151359759599df8469e3981415691cd12.png)

## Trays animation

I'm probably being picky here, but the opening/closing animation of the trays behind the right sidebar is a little ugly. I think it shouldn't be visible behind the sidebar.

![light](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/d/0/d04c03a2f545f9ff019ecfb549f15a8fbffb688d.gif)  
 ![dark](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/6/d/6d12763ac667f0d21d474f09afb07fe50d96678c.gif)

## Unrelated (?) questions

Are those deprecated variables at the end of the 'colors.scss' file going to be removed?  
I proposed that in [Remove SASS variables marked as deprecated by bonanitech · Pull Request #4767 · node-red/node-red · GitHub](https://github.com/node-red/node-red/pull/4767), which was closed because it got outdated a while ago.

What will be the minimum supported Node version in v5?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ralphwetzel](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/ralphwetzel/32/53713_2.png) [@ralphwetzel](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/ralphwetzel)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 12:24 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/22 "2026-04-17T12:24:25Z")

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> [@knolleary](#):
>
> Would be good to hear what people think about the new drag-n-drop panel arrangement.

👍

One tiny visual:

![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/c/0/c04d80ad9c26fab6eaa4c59501b6121bda4de530.png)

I'd remove that blue border. The other buttons down there don't have it either...

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**Author:** ![jbudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5f8ce5/32.png) [@jbudd](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/jbudd)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 14:53 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/23 "2026-04-17T14:53:50Z")

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This is the Dashboard 2 sidebar on v4.1.8

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/3/4/34805035730d8f9585c134abe61b3c08543f784a.png)

And 5.0 beta 5

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/b/2/b2f146b11bb247b2c20a38b29f36453d00887e91.png)

There is not quite enough height allocated to the sidebar title "DASHBOARD 2.0", so it overlaps the text and buttons below it.

(Firefox browser on Linux)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![knolleary](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/knolleary/32/3_2.png) [@knolleary](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/knolleary)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 15:46 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/24 "2026-04-17T15:46:55Z")

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@jbudd I can see the dashboard sidebar content causes the whole panel to scroll - so that header scrolls off the top, but it scrolls back into view. Is that what you're seeing here? Can you just scroll the panel down to see the toolbar fully?

For me, the behaviour is the same in v4 and v5.

The new headers on the panels are completely outside the container of their content.

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**Author:** ![knolleary](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/knolleary/32/3_2.png) [@knolleary](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/knolleary)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 15:55 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/25 "2026-04-17T15:55:08Z")

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@mbonani

> [@mbonani](#):
>
> Shouldn't it be 'Auto' instead?

Quite possibly. We left the default to light initially as that's what all users will be used to and didn't want to cause a panic. I can see pros/cons either way with that.

> [@mbonani](#):
>
> It feels weird having the control buttons for the left sidebar on the right side of the screen.

Fair comment. We wanted to keep all the sidebar controls together. I can point to other applications that do a similar thing. For example, VSCode puts all of its sidebar toggles together in one place:

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/7/2/7291c0c9c663c4445963517f00e17e91ddf77ecc.png)

> [@mbonani](#):
>
> Dark mode

Fair comments. The goal here was to get feedback on it and to help us fine tune it.

> [@mbonani](#):
>
> Trays animation

With the slide animation, it felt odd having it appear out of no where, and with the panel overlaying the workspace appearance, this is the result. We'll likely leave it as-is for now, but something to revisit.

> [@mbonani](#):
>
> Are those deprecated variables at the end of the 'colors.scss' file going to be removed?

A PR to remove them would be welcome 🙂

> [@mbonani](#):
>
> What will be the minimum supported Node version in v5?

NR5 will recommend Node 24 (which will also be the default node version in the docker container). The _minimum_ supported version... we haven't introduced anything that requires Node 24 to be the minimum - it's always a challenge to pick a version for that. We want to ensure a smooth upgrade path, but equally recognise that the npm ecosystem moves forward faster than we do sometimes.

Is there a particular version you have in mind?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![mbonani](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/mbonani/32/10631_2.png) [@mbonani](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/mbonani)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 16:16 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/26 "2026-04-17T16:16:35Z")

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@knolleary, thanks for the answers.

> [@knolleary](#):
>
> A PR to remove them would be welcome 🙂

Done.

> <https://github.com/node-red/node-red/pull/5642>
>
> \- \[x\] Bugfix (non-breaking change which fixes an issue)
> \- \[\] New feature (non-…breaking change which adds functionality)
> 
> 
> 
> \## Proposed changes
> 
> 
> 
> As discussed in \[the forums\](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/25), I'm proposing removing the SASS variables marked as deprecated since May 27, 2021.
> 
> \## Checklist
> 
> 
> \- \[x\] I have read the \[contribution guidelines\](https://github.com/node-red/node-red/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md)
> \- \[\] For non-bugfix PRs, I have discussed this change on the forum/slack team.
> \- \[\] I have run \`npm run test\` to verify the unit tests pass
> \- \[\] I have added suitable unit tests to cover the new/changed functionality

As mentioned in [my previous PR](https://github.com/node-red/node-red/pull/4767#issuecomment-2174403185), there are also some CSS selectors marked as deprecated. Should I open another PR to remove them?

> [@knolleary](#):
>
> Is there a particular version you have in mind?

Not really. I only asked that because I noticed this.

> <https://github.com/node-red/node-red/blob/6d624b093668ce5f2c255460b3211c4577887367/package.json#L126-L128>

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jbudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5f8ce5/32.png) [@jbudd](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/jbudd)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 16:16 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/27 "2026-04-17T16:16:41Z")

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> [@knolleary](#):
>
> Can you just scroll the panel down to see the toolbar fully?

Well I was not scrolling up or down and of course I can not now duplicate the situation where the sidebar is wide enough to show all 3 tabs Layout, Theming & Client Data, yet the scrollbar is shown.

I'm sure you are right, the overlap is just because of the position of the scrollbar.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![knolleary](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/knolleary/32/3_2.png) [@knolleary](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/knolleary)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 16:36 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/28 "2026-04-17T16:36:46Z")

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Refining the selection border - tightening up the padding and fixing the border radius. Does this look better?

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/b/a/bac9f2cc23824bffa3249f068e436345189a5c3e.png)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![marcus-j-davies](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/marcus-j-davies/32/103435_2.png) [@marcus-j-davies](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/marcus-j-davies)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 16:45 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/29 "2026-04-17T16:45:27Z")

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Just adding to this convo

can you make the border the same colour as the Node that is selected, with a slight darker shade. - or a very slight drop shadow?

Feel free to shoot that down (with an automatic if needed)  
Other than my input - I dont have any negative feedback

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dceejay](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/dceejay/32/38_2.png) [@dceejay](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/dceejay)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 17:56 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/30 "2026-04-17T17:56:25Z")

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Re min version I would suggest 22 - as that is still just available for armv6 (Pi 0 and 1) and is still a supported LTS version.

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**Author:** ![AllanOricil](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/allanoricil/32/106911_2.png) [@AllanOricil](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/AllanOricil)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 20:31 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/31 "2026-04-17T20:31:01Z")

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Way better. Did you guys got the inspiration from my flow diff tool?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![knolleary](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/knolleary/32/3_2.png) [@knolleary](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/knolleary)\
**Post date:** [17 April 2026 20:34 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/32 "2026-04-17T20:34:44Z")

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No. I haven't looked at your tool.

Having a selection highlight that borders the element with a small gap is a super common pattern. I can point to a dozen existing tools that use that sort of style.

You keep making aggressive and unfounded accusations of us stealing your work, so I'm simple not going to look at your work.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![bakman2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/bakman2/32/6207_2.png) [@bakman2](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/bakman2)\
**Post date:** [18 April 2026 05:25 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/33 "2026-04-18T05:25:27Z")

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Instead of using a padded border, perhaps applying a blend-mode to the background color+border color of the node would be more subtle and still 'obvious', although i personally never had a problem with the current selection, still blend modes could be used for it as well.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![gerry](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/gerry/32/21604_2.png) [@gerry](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/gerry)\
**Post date:** [18 April 2026 14:59 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/36 "2026-04-18T14:59:42Z")

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@knolleary I like your mockup? or beta whatever, I don't like the idea of making the highlight the same colour as then it's not really a highlight, too easy for my eyes to blend them together and miss it

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dceejay](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/dceejay/32/38_2.png) [@dceejay](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/dceejay)\
**Post date:** [18 April 2026 15:23 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/37 "2026-04-18T15:23:32Z")

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Agree, multiple selected nodes would look a mess (imho) and then you will have edge cases of white nodes (eg comment) with white border on white background. (Ditto black) Better to have one “this is selected” colour. (Even if it can then be styled/themed)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![knolleary](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/knolleary/32/3_2.png) [@knolleary](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/knolleary)\
**Post date:** [18 April 2026 15:29 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/38 "2026-04-18T15:29:52Z")

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Yes, we want a consistent colour to indicate the selected state.

As part of the focus of NR 5 has been a general accessibility review of the default theme, we've made lots of small changes to things that haven't been touched for a long time.

Having just the border of the node change colour when selected didn't pass accessibility testing consistently. Having the small gap between the node and the selection 'halo' helps solve those problems as it doesn't rely on just a change in colour to show the state, and works well regardless the body colour of the node.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![TotallyInformation](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/totallyinformation/32/31_2.png) [@TotallyInformation](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/TotallyInformation)\
**Post date:** [19 April 2026 10:37 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/39 "2026-04-19T10:37:24Z")

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> [@knolleary](#):
>
> we've made lots of small changes to things that haven't been touched for a long time

Really hoping to see a gradual reduction in the use of `px` sizing as well. Not only does that hamper accessibility, it also hampers the adjustability of the UI.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dougle03](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/dougle03/32/32979_2.png) [@dougle03](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/dougle03)\
**Post date:** [22 April 2026 11:16 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/40 "2026-04-22T11:16:58Z")

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Altogether a really nice selection of updates to the UI, well done.  
Would echo the dark mode making the grid invisible, I'm quite OCD so need everything to line up...🙏

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Steve-Mcl](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/steve-mcl/32/4826_2.png) [@Steve-Mcl](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Steve-Mcl)\
**Post date:** [22 April 2026 13:45 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/41 "2026-04-22T13:45:41Z")

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> [@dougle03](#):
>
> dark mode making the grid invisible, I'm quite OCD so need everything to line up

But what if there was no grid... 🤯

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dougle03](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/dougle03/32/32979_2.png) [@dougle03](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/dougle03)\
**Post date:** [22 April 2026 14:51 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-5-0-0-beta-5-now-available/100784/42 "2026-04-22T14:51:10Z")

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> [@Steve-Mcl](#):
>
> But what if there was no grid... 🤯

Disaster.... 😢

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