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How to Enable Dark Mode on macOS
Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
macOSDark ModeAppearanceInterfaceSettingsAppleSystemComputerDisplayPreferences
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Dark mode on macOS is a feature that changes the appearance of the system to a darker color scheme. It is designed to make it easier to work in low-light environments and reduce eye strain. Dark mode changes the color scheme of the menu bar, dock, system applications, and many third-party applications that support dark mode.
Enabling dark mode on your macOS can be done in different ways depending on your preference and the macOS version you are using. In this detailed guide, we will explore the different ways to enable dark mode, considerations when using it, benefits, and troubleshooting tips.
Why use dark mode?
Dark mode offers several benefits:
- Reduces eye strain: Light colors are less harsh than a bright white background.
- Energy efficient: On OLED screens, dark mode can save battery life because dark pixels consume less power.
- Improved concentration: Darker screens can eliminate distractions, helping you focus better.
- Modern look: Provides a sleek, modern interface that some users find visually appealing.
Steps to enable dark mode via system preferences
The most straightforward way to enable dark mode on your macOS is through System Preferences. Here’s how you can do it:
- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select System Preferences from the dropdown menu.
- In the System Preferences window, click General.
- You'll see an option called Appearance at the top of the General preferences pane.
- Here, you can choose from three options: Light, Dark, and Auto. Select Dark to enable dark mode.
If your selection doesn’t take effect immediately, make sure your macOS is updated to a version that supports dark mode. It was introduced in macOS Mojave (10.14) and is available in all subsequent versions.
Using auto dark mode
The Auto option for Appearance allows your macOS to automatically switch between light and dark mode depending on the time of day. This means it will use light mode during the day and switch to dark mode at night. To enable this setting:
- Go to System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Select General.
- Select Auto in the Appearance section.
This setting offers the advantage of reducing eye strain at night while also maintaining better visibility in daylight.
Enable dark mode using Siri
Siri, the built-in personal assistant on macOS, can help you quickly enable dark mode. Here's how to do it:
- Click the Siri icon in the upper-right corner of your Mac's menu bar or use the shortcut key "Command + Space" to activate Siri.
- When Siri activates, say “Turn on dark mode.”
Siri will respond to your request by enabling dark mode for you. To turn off dark mode later, you can say to Siri again, “Turn off dark mode.”
Dark mode for individual apps
Some apps on macOS, including third-party applications, may provide their own settings to enable dark mode separate from the system-wide settings. Here's how you can find and enable these options:
- Open the app in which you want to enable dark mode.
- Go to the app's preferences (usually found below the app's name in the menu bar).
- Look for the option to enable dark mode or a similar setting, which may read as “Theme” or “Appearance.”
Remember, the availability of dark mode as an exclusive feature will depend on the third-party app version and the app developer's support for this macOS feature.
Keyboard shortcuts and AppleScript
Although macOS does not provide a dedicated keyboard shortcut to turn on dark mode, users can create an AppleScript or use third-party software to specify a shortcut.
Creating an AppleScript
Here's a simple AppleScript you can use to turn on dark mode:
tell application "System Events"
tell appearance preferences
set darkMode to dark mode
set dark mode to not darkMode
end tell
end tell
You can save this script using the Script Editor, which is located in the Utilities folder. Once saved, you can run this script to turn on dark mode whenever you want.
Specifying keyboard shortcuts
To use keyboard shortcuts, consider using a third-party application like Automator or BetterTouchTool to assign a specific key combination to the script you just created.
Things to keep in mind while using dark mode
Although dark mode offers many benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- App support: Not all apps support dark mode. Some apps may stay in light mode, causing a visual mismatch.
- Printing and screenshots: If you often take screenshots or print documents directly from your screen, a dark color may not be ideal.
- Visual preference: Personal preference plays a key role in whether you'll find dark mode comfortable or tedious.
Remember, if you prefer the traditional Light mode, switching back is as simple as undoing your Appearance settings in System Preferences.
Troubleshooting dark mode issues
If you encounter problems with Dark Mode, consider the following troubleshooting suggestions:
- Update macOS: Make sure your macOS is up-to-date. If your system is not up to date with the latest updates, some issues occur, which may include bug fixes related to dark mode.
- Restart your Mac: Restarting is a simple solution that can resolve unexpected problems, including those related to appearance features.
- Compatibility: Check if your version of macOS supports dark mode. Versions prior to Mojave do not natively support this feature.
- Third-party apps: Verify if the third-party apps you use are compatible with macOS's dark mode. Some may require updates or settings adjustments within the app.
Dark mode on older macOS versions
For macOS versions prior to 10.14 (Mojave), a system-wide dark mode is not available. However, macOS Sierra and later can use "Night Shift", which reduces blue light emissions, providing some of the benefits of dark mode without changing the interface theme.
Third-party solutions
For older versions, there are third-party solutions that simulate dark mode. These often come with limitations and potential performance issues. Always do your due diligence by researching the software and making sure it is trustworthy before installing it.
Conclusion
Enabling dark mode on macOS is a great way to potentially reduce eye strain, save battery life, and enjoy a visually appealing interface. Whether switching manually through System Preferences, opting for Auto, using Siri, or handling dark mode for individual apps, there are many ways to customize your experience. With the steps and tips provided, changing the appearance of your macOS system and resolving any issues should be straightforward.
Remember, if you find it’s not right for you, reverting to light mode or exploring other display settings is always an option. As Apple and app developers continue to advance their products, more and more apps will support dark mode, improving your user experience.
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