MacOS Dark Mode: How To Enable And Configure It.
Are you looking to take Mac visuals to the next level? Dark Mode is here to help you. Since the feature was first introduced, people have tried to enable dark mode on everything from standalone apps like YouTube to system-wide apps like Windows 10.
The scientific reason is that dark mode does help reduce eye strain. So if you are spending long hours at the computer for work or pleasure, dark mode is one way to reduce harm. But that’s not what made him so popular.
Truthfully, Dark Mode looks cool. It’s fun and more convenient. Of course, this gives everything a more dramatic and mysterious look, but it also makes the content popular. This, in turn, helps you stay focused on what you are doing, while minimizing distracting background with darker colors and tones.
Here’s how to turn on MacOS Dark Mode, along with a few hidden tips on how to get the most out of it.
How to enable macOS Dark Mode
The corresponding full version of Dark Mode is available on macOS Mojave or later. While Dark Mode could be used in High Sierra, it was not system-wide.
Before getting started with Dark Mode, check if your Mac is on the list of supported computers:
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- MacBook models introduced in early 2015 or later.
- MacBook Air models introduced in mid 2012 or later.
- MacBook Pro models introduced in mid 2012 or later.
- Mac mini models introduced in late 2012 or newer.
- iMac models introduced in late 2012 or later.
- iMac Pro.
- Mac Pro models introduced in 2013 or later.
If your Mac is listed, here’s how to turn on dark mode in three easy steps.
- From the Apple drop-down menu, choose System Preferences.
- Open General.
- Under Appearance, you will find options for changing your Mac theme. Light or Dark for macOS Mojave or Light, Dark & ??Auto for macOS Catalina.
In Catalina, the added Auto option will automatically change the theme from light to dark based on the time of day.
How to configure macOS dark mode in apps
Dark Mode is the color scheme your computer accepts and it works across the entire system. This includes built-in Mac apps as well as third-party apps that can use Dark Mode.
To improve performance, you can tweak some applications, their settings, and their dark mode behavior.
In macOS dark mode, Mail automatically sets a dark background for messages. If you prefer a light background, go to Mail Preferences View and uncheck the Use dark background for messages checkbox.
Notes
As with mail, the ability to set the background back to light is in the settings. Clear the Use a dark background for note content check box to restore the desired contrast.
Maps
If for some reason you don’t like the mysterious look Dark Mode gives Maps, that’s easy to fix, too. Choose View from the Application Ribbon menu and uncheck Use Dark Card.
Desktop Image
It will be fair if the wallpaper on your desktop will be in harmony with the stylish new look of your Mac. If you want to reduce distractions, try one of these minimalist desktops for your computer.
If you’ve used a dynamic desktop, dark mode can change it to a still image when you turn it on.
To get it back, go to Apple menu System Preferences Desktop & Screen Saver. Then choose one of the default options or create your own dynamic desktop wallpaper.
These are just a few examples of how to set up dark mode in apps. For other apps, you can find the option to customize it in the View section in the app settings or in the app settings.
Use macOS hidden tips and tricks
For those of you looking to do more with Dark Mode, we have a few more tricks you can use on your Mac. For increased productivity and even more style.
Night Shift
Night Shift is a feature that you can use in dark mode that changes the color of your display based on the time of day. It will make the colors a little warmer and more orange at night to reduce eye strain. A good find for those who spend a lot of time at the computer at night.
To enable Night Shift, go to System Preferences Displays. On the Night Shift tab in the Schedule section, select Sunset to Sunrise. This way, the colors will automatically return to their normal blues at dawn.
Night owl
MacOS Catalina has the ability to automate switching between light and dark modes. If you’re using macOS Mojave, you can use the free Night Owl app to achieve the same effect and more.
With Night Owl, you have complete control over your Mac’s dark mode. You can customize it to switch lighting schemes at specific times of the day, and use a light background in dark mode apps.
After installing the application, an owl icon will appear in the menu bar. You can use it to manually switch between light and dark modes, or set a keyboard shortcut to make it faster.
Make dark mode even darker
That’s right, you can make your Mac even more contrasting and stylish with a hidden darker version of the Dark Mode theme.
To enable it, go to Apple menu System Preferences. In the Accent section, choose Graphite instead of the default blue.
You may not immediately notice the difference, but the theme will become darker and more contrasty. Try switching between different accent colors over time and see which one suits you best.
Master Dark Mode on Mac
According to the developers, macOS Dark Mode helps you focus better on your tasks, thereby helping you stay focused and less time spent.
Are you a fan of dark mode? Does Dark Mode help you focus, or is it another stylish tool for your Mac? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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