How to Make Mac Dark Mode: If you’re someone who spends a lot of time working on your Mac, you might want to consider using Dark Mode. Dark Mode is a feature that replaces the bright and light interface of your Mac with a dark, more subdued one. It’s easier on the eyes, especially if you’re working late at night, and it can even conserve battery life if you have a MacBook.
In this article, we’ll go over the steps on How to Make Mac Dark Mode and customize it to your liking.
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Checking Compatibility
Before we get started, let’s make sure your Mac is compatible with Dark Mode. Dark Mode was introduced in macOS Mojave, so if you’re running an older version of macOS, you won’t be able to use it. To check your macOS version, click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen, then select “About This Mac.” Your macOS version will be listed under “Software Update.”
Turning on Dark Mode
Assuming you have macOS Mojave or later, turning on Dark Mode is simple. Here are the steps:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “General.”
- Under the “Appearance” section, select “Dark.”
That’s it! Your Mac’s interface will now be dark.
Customizing Dark Mode
If you’re not happy with the default Dark Mode settings, you can customize it to your liking. Here’s how:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “General.”
- Under the “Appearance” section, click on “Customize.”
Here, you can adjust the accent color (the color that appears in buttons and highlights), the highlight color (the color that appears when you select text), and the wallpaper. You can also adjust the contrast of the dark interface.
Dark Mode in Apps
Now that you have Dark Mode enabled, you might want to enable it in specific applications. Not all apps support Dark Mode, but many do. Here’s how to enable Dark Mode in a few common apps:
- Safari: Open Safari, click on “Safari” in the top left corner of your screen, select “Preferences,” and click on “General.” Under “Appearance,” select “Dark.”
- Messages: Open Messages, click on “Messages” in the top left corner of your screen, select “Preferences,” and click on “General.” Under “Appearance,” select “Dark.”
- Mail: Open Mail, click on “Mail” in the top left corner of your screen, select “Preferences,” and click on “Viewing.” Under “Appearance,” select “Use dark backgrounds for messages.”
Customizing Dark Mode with Third-Party Apps
While Dark Mode is available for native apps, some third-party apps don’t support it. Fortunately, there are some third-party apps that can help you enable Dark Mode for those apps. Here are a few options:
- NightOwl: NightOwl is a free app that allows you to toggle Dark Mode on and off for both native and third-party apps.
- Dark Mode for Safari: This app is specifically designed to enable Dark Mode for Safari. It’s available for a one-time purchase of $3.99.
- F.lux: F.lux adjusts the color temperature of your display depending on the time of day. It’s not a Dark Mode app per se, but it can help reduce eye strain at night.
How To Enable Dark Mode in Terminal
If you’re a power user, you might spend a lot of time in the Terminal. Enabling Dark Mode in Terminal can help reduce eye strain and make your work more comfortable. Here’s how to enable Dark Mode in Terminal:
- Open Terminal.
- Click on “Terminal” in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select “Preferences.”
- Click on “Profiles.”
- Select the profile you want to enable Dark Mode for.
- Under the “Window” tab, select “Dark” under “Appearance.”
What is the Dark Mode Keyboard Shortcut?
If you find yourself frequently switching between Dark Mode and light mode, you might want to use a keyboard shortcut. Here’s how to create a keyboard shortcut to toggle Dark Mode on and off:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Keyboard.”
- Select the “Shortcuts” tab.
- Click on “App Shortcuts” in the left sidebar.
- Click on the “+” button to add a new shortcut.
- Under “Application,” select “All Applications.”
- Under “Menu Title,” type “Toggle Dark Mode” (without the quotes).
- Under “Keyboard Shortcut,” press the keys you want to use for the shortcut (e.g. Command + Option + D).
- Click “Add.”
Now you can use the keyboard shortcut you created to toggle Dark Mode on and off.
In Conclusion
It is important to note that enabling dark mode will enable you to enjoy your nighttime browsing much more effectively without having to strain your delicate eyes. In the event that you enjoy watching memes or reading novels at night, the dark mode may prove to be a blessing.
As a matter of fact, you should always use dark mode when browsing the internet in a darkened room or at night, as such practices will help protect your eyes from the harmful effects of modern screens.
The Safari browser can be enabled in the dark appearance or night mode on Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads using this method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dark Mode good for Mac?
The Dark Mode makes it easier to stay focused on your work, since darkened controls and windows recede into the background while your content is visible.
What is the keyboard shortcut for Dark Mode on Mac?
Just type ⌘ + Space, or whatever Spotlight keyboard shortcut you have set, and start typing in the file name. The Spotlight is smart enough to autocomplete it, so if you hit Enter, the change will be applied, and the light mode will be changed to dark mode or dark mode to light mode, depending on your current settings.
Does dark mode use more RAM?
As a matter of fact, I asked the first time I heard it whether that was what they meant, but they reiterated that it was a memory.
Does dark mode save laptop battery?
Battery-saving features such as dark mode have become increasingly popular in smartphones. According to a Purdue University study, the option will not have much impact on extending a phone's battery life, as claimed by both Android and iOS.
Does dark mode drain the battery?
In spite of the fact that it does use less battery than a regular light-colored theme, the difference is unlikely to be noticeable “with the way that most people use their phones on a daily basis. “
What key Command is dark mode?
To enable the dark mode using Alt + D, select D and then check the Alt box. Once the changes have been made, click OK to save them. The hotkey can be tested by pressing Alt + D. In case it works, press it again to turn off the dark mode.