This task is one section of Odoo administration: seven setup tasks for admins, with 6 related tasks on one page.
1. Turn it on from Settings
Open the Settings app, scroll to Developer Tools, and click Activate the developer mode. Odoo then shows Deactivate the developer mode.
Expected: a bug icon appears, and Settings shows the technical menu for a database administrator.
2. Turn it on from the address bar
Add ?debug=1 to the end of the database URL, for example https://example.odoo.com/odoo?debug=1. Use ?debug=0 to turn it off.
Use ?debug=assets only when you are debugging JavaScript. You can also open the command palette with Ctrl+K or Cmd+K and type debug.
3. Use the technical menu carefully
The bug icon opens tools for the screen you are on, such as fields, filters, and actions. The technical menu in Settings holds database structure, security, and actions.
Do not edit a view, a group, or an automated action unless you know the effect and can restore it. Odoo warns that some of these tools are advanced.
4. Turn it off when you are finished
Click Deactivate the developer mode, or load the page with ?debug=0. Leave it off for people who only record daily work.
Developer mode applies to the browser session. It does not give a user access rights they do not already have.
5. Frequently asked questions
Is developer mode the same as debug mode?
Yes. Odoo documents developer mode as debug mode. Both names refer to the same switch.
Does turning it on change my data?
No. Activation only reveals tools. Records change when you use one of those tools.
Can every user activate it?
A user can activate it for their own session when Settings shows Developer Tools. It does not add access rights.
6. Related articles and next steps
Menu labels can vary with your Odoo version, installed apps, and permissions.
Odoo documents this as developer mode, also called debug mode, in the Odoo 19 developer mode page.
Continue learning
Describe the version, hosting, and workflow you want to improve. Email OdooMatrix to discuss the next step.