Salesforce Classic vs Lightning: What’s the Difference?

For businesses using Salesforce, understanding the difference between Salesforce Classic vs Lightning is about productivity, flexibility, and future-proofing your CRM.

What Is Salesforce Classic?

Salesforce Classic is the original user interface (UI) that powered Salesforce for years. It features:

• A simple, text-based layout

• Basic dashboards and reports

• Limited customization through Visualforce pages and page layouts
  

For businesses using Salesforce, understanding the difference between Classic and Lightning is about productivity, flexibility, and future-proofing your CRM.

Classic is reliable and familiar, especially for users who have been working with Salesforce for a long time. However, it lacks modern design, productivity features, and the flexibility today’s businesses need.

What Is Salesforce Lightning?

Salesforce Lightning (also called Lightning Experience) is the modern UI designed to boost user productivity and make Salesforce more customizable and engaging.

Launched in 2015, Lightning includes:

• Drag-and-drop components via Lightning App Builder

• Advanced dashboards and interactive charts

• Lightning Web Components (LWC) for developers

• Improved mobile experience

• AI-powered tools like Einstein
  

Lightning focuses on user experience, flexibility, and helping businesses build apps faster.

Key Differences: Salesforce Classic vs Lightning

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you see what sets them apart:

Feature / Aspect	Salesforce Classic	Salesforce Lightning
User Interface (UI)	Older, text-heavy, minimal styling; more like traditional web apps	Modern, dynamic UI with cards, components, and responsive design
Customization	Limited customization through Visualforce pages and page layouts	Highly customizable using Lightning App Builder, components, and drag-and-drop
Development Model	Primarily Visualforce and Apex	Lightning Web Components (LWC), Aura components, App Builder, plus Visualforce
Productivity Tools	Basic list views and dashboards	Enhanced list views, Kanban boards, Path, Einstein AI, and advanced dashboards
Home Page	Static, same for everyone	Customizable per user, role, or profile with components like news, tasks, and charts
Reports & Dashboards	Standard reporting; fewer visualization options	Better visuals, interactive charts, and filters
Mobile Experience	Not fully optimized; relies on Salesforce1 app	Fully responsive and built for seamless mobile experience
Einstein AI	Limited or no AI features	Access to AI tools like Einstein Opportunity Scoring and Predictions
User Adoption	Familiar to long-time users, but dated look	Modern, user-friendly; designed to improve adoption and productivity
Future Development	Limited enhancements; mostly maintenance	Ongoing innovation, new features released by Salesforce only for Lightning

Why Move to Salesforce Lightning?

Salesforce Classic still works—but it isn’t getting new features. Here’s why thousands of organizations are moving to Lightning:

• Modern User Experience: Easier navigation, better visuals, and faster adoption.

• Customization: Build pages tailored to roles or teams without code.

• AI & Automation: Leverage Einstein for smarter sales, service, and marketing.

• Better Reporting: Advanced dashboards, real-time insights, and filters.

• Mobile-First: Consistent experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile.

• Continuous Innovation: New Salesforce features are released only for Lightning.
  

How to Switch from Classic to Lightning

Moving to Lightning takes planning, but it unlocks huge value. Here’s a simplified process:

1. Readiness Check: Use the Salesforce Lightning Experience Readiness Report to see what needs updating.

2. Define Use Cases: Identify critical processes and customizations to migrate.

3. Redesign Pages: Use Lightning App Builder to customize pages.

4. Test & Pilot: Launch a pilot group to gather feedback.

5. Train Users: Offer training sessions and resources to boost adoption.

6. Go Live: Roll out in stages, monitor, and optimize.
   

Tip: Work with a certified Salesforce partner to ensure a smooth migration.

Real-World Example

A global manufacturing company migrated from Classic to Lightning and:

• Reduced data entry time by 25%

• Increased sales pipeline visibility through dynamic dashboards

• Empowered reps to manage opportunities on mobile during site visits
  

The move wasn’t just about new UI; it changed how teams worked every day.

Final Thoughts

The difference between Salesforce Classic and Lightning is more than just design. Lightning brings: 1. Modern UX 2. Customizable pages 3. AI tools 4. Mobile-first design 5. Faster innovation

If your organization still uses Classic, now is the time to explore the benefits of Lightning and switch to productivity, efficiency, and smarter workflows with CSL.

Ready to make the switch to Salesforce Lightning?

Partner with Cloud Science Labs to plan a smooth migration, empower your teams, and take full advantage of Lightning’s productivity, customization, and AI-driven insights.