Salesforce Classic to Lightning Migration in 6 Easy Steps

Salesforce Classic has been around for more than a decade, but it’s quickly becoming outdated. In fact, Salesforce reports that over 80% of customers now use Lightning Experience as their primary interface, and all new features are built exclusively for Lightning.

That means staying on Classic isn’t just about comfort, it risks missing out on productivity gains, new AI capabilities, and future Salesforce innovation.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why migrating from Salesforce Classic to Lightning matters, the challenges to expect, and the step-by-step process to make your transition smooth.

What Is Salesforce Lightning?

Salesforce Lightning is the modern user interface and development framework that has replaced Salesforce Classic. It’s designed to make the CRM faster, more intuitive, and more customizable for both admins and end users.

Where Classic offered a basic, list-driven interface, Lightning delivers a modern, app-based experience with drag-and-drop builders, dynamic pages, and mobile-first design. 

Key differences between Classic and Lightning:

• Modern UI: Sleeker layouts, customizable homepages, and responsive design for desktop and mobile
• Lightning App Builder: Create custom apps, dashboards, and pages without heavy coding
• Einstein AI: Access built-in predictive insights, scoring, and recommendations
• Dynamic forms & pages: Personalize layouts by role, team, or record type
• Enhanced reporting: Interactive dashboards and real-time filters make data easier to analyze

Pro tip: If Classic was about “keeping records,” Lightning is about using data to act, making it a game-changer for productivity and decision-making.

Step-by-Step: Salesforce Classic to Lightning Migration

Migrating from Classic to Lightning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking the process into clear phases, you can minimize disruption and maximize adoption.

Step 1: Evaluate Readiness

Start by assessing your current Salesforce setup. 

This step identifies what works, what doesn’t, and what needs updating (estimated timeline: 1 week):

• Run the Lightning Experience Readiness Check in Salesforce
• Identify features, objects, and customizations that may not translate directly
• Prioritize which areas need updates or replacements

Pro tip: Create an inventory of your org’s customizations early—this saves time later when testing Lightning compatibility.

Step 2: Plan the Migration

Next, map out your approach. 

A clear roadmap keeps the project aligned and on track (estimated timeline: 1–2 weeks):

• Define the scope, timeline, and responsibilities
• Decide whether to migrate all users at once or roll out in phases
• Involve business stakeholders to align goals with user needs

Step 3: Customize & Optimize for Lightning

Now it’s time to adapt Salesforce for Lightning. Use this stage to rebuild and streamline workflows (Estimated timeline: 2–4 weeks):

• Rebuild workflows using Lightning Flow
• Customize pages with Lightning App Builder and Dynamic Forms
• Review and update Visualforce pages for Lightning compatibility

Pro tip: Don’t just “lift and shift” Classic layouts, take advantage of Lightning’s flexibility to simplify processes.

Step 4: Train & Onboard Users

Get your team ready to adopt the new experience. 

Training ensures users feel confident from day one (estimated timeline: 1–2 weeks):

• Offer role-specific training sessions
• Provide cheat sheets or quick-start guides for common tasks
• Designate “Lightning Champions” within teams to support peers

Step 5: Roll Out in Phases

Don’t launch to everyone at once. 

A phased rollout lowers risk and allows for refinement (estimated timeline: 2–6 weeks):

• Launch with a pilot group of power users
• Gather feedback and refine workflows
• Gradually expand rollout to all users once processes are stable

Step 6: Monitor & Improve

Finally, track adoption and continuously optimize. 

Lightning migration is an ongoing process:

• Use adoption dashboards to track who’s using Lightning and how
• Collect feedback regularly to identify pain points
• Continue optimizing page layouts, automations, and reports

Pro tip: Celebrate quick wins, showing how Lightning saves time or improves reporting helps drive lasting adoption.

Why Migrate from Salesforce Classic to Lightning?

Salesforce has made it pretty  clear: all new updates and features are built for Lightning only.

You should migrate because you will:

• Future-proof your CRM: Classic is no longer receiving updates, meaning you’ll miss out on innovation if you don’t switch
• Boost productivity: The modern interface, customizable dashboards, and app-based navigation make reps more efficient
• Smarter selling with AI: Einstein AI insights, like lead scoring and opportunity recommendations, are only available in Lightning
• Customization made easy: Lightning App Builder and Dynamic Forms allow admins to tailor layouts and workflows without heavy coding
• Improved user experience: A mobile-first design helps reps stay productive on the go, whether in the office or out in the field

Stronger reporting & analytics: Interactive dashboards give managers real-time visibility into pipelines and team performance

Salesforce Lightning Migration Services

Not every Salesforce org can handle a Lightning migration on its own. For complex setups, custom integrations, or large user bases, bringing in migration services can save time, reduce risk, and ensure adoption.

What Migration Services Typically Include

A Salesforce-certified consulting partner can help with every stage of the migration:

• Readiness assessment: Running the Lightning Readiness Check and identifying risks
• Customization support: Rebuilding workflows, Visualforce pages, and Classic features for Lightning
• Data migration: Ensuring records and reports remain consistent across the transition
• User training: Building onboarding programs, quick-start guides, and role-based sessions
• Change management: Driving adoption with communication plans and ongoing support

Make Your Salesforce Lightning Migration a Success

Migrating from Salesforce Classic to Lightning is more than a technical project, it’s about empowering your team with the tools they need to work faster and smarter. With the right planning, services, and adoption strategies, you can ensure a smooth transition and unlock Lightning’s full potential.

Cirrus Insight helps make that shift seamless by reducing manual work and improving adoption.

With Cirrus Insight, your team can:

• Sync emails and calendars automatically into Salesforce → (link to [Salesforce Data Management Guide] blog)
• Update opportunities and tasks directly from the inbox with the Sidebar → (link to [Salesforce Productivity Tools] blog)
• Track email opens, clicks, and replies to boost engagement → (link to [Salesforce Mass Email Guide])
• Book meetings instantly with calendar scheduling → (link to [Salesforce Sales Efficiency Tips])
• Drive adoption after migration by giving reps Salesforce tools where they already work → (link to [CRM Adoption Strategies] blog)

Bottom line: Salesforce Lightning migration sets the stage, and Cirrus Insight helps your team make the most of it every day.

FAQs: Salesforce Classic to Lightning Migration

1. Is Salesforce Classic going away?

Salesforce has not announced a shutdown date for Classic, but no new features are being added. All innovation is focused on Lightning, which means staying on Classic puts you behind competitors.

2. How long does a Lightning migration take?

It depends on your Salesforce org. Small organizations with minimal customizations may complete migration in a few weeks, while large enterprises with complex workflows may take several months.

3. Can I use Salesforce Classic and Lightning at the same time?

Yes. Users can switch between Classic and Lightning during the transition period. However, long-term success depends on fully adopting Lightning, since Classic is no longer updated.

4. Do I lose data when migrating to Lightning?

No. Your core Salesforce data remains intact. What may require adjustment are page layouts, workflows, and Visualforce pages, which sometimes need reconfiguration for Lightning.

5. What are the biggest challenges of Lightning migration?

• Rebuilding custom workflows and Visualforce pages
• Training users on a new interface
• Ensuring third-party integrations still work
• Managing project costs and timelines

6. How much does Salesforce Lightning migration cost?

Costs vary based on the complexity of your org, number of users, and whether you hire migration services. A small business might manage internally, while enterprises often invest in Salesforce-certified partners.

7. Do I need migration services, or can I do it in-house?

If your Salesforce org is simple, in-house admins may be able to manage. For larger, customized environments, migration services help avoid downtime, maintain data quality, and ensure adoption.