What is darkmode?
Dark mode is a visual setting for software where the background is dark (usually black or dark gray) and the text or icons are light-colored. It flips the typical light‑on‑dark color scheme to reduce brightness and create a more subdued look.
Let's break it down
- Color scheme: background → dark, foreground (text, icons) → light.
- Implementation: can be built into the operating system, individual apps, or websites using CSS.
- Trigger: users can enable it manually, schedule it to follow sunrise/sunset, or let the device switch automatically based on ambient light.
- Technical side: often uses a separate set of style rules rather than simply inverting colors, to keep images and logos looking correct.
Why does it matter?
- Reduces eye strain in low‑light environments.
- Saves battery life on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens because dark pixels use less power.
- Improves focus for some users by minimizing visual clutter.
- Provides an accessibility option for people with light sensitivity.
Where is it used?
- Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.
- Popular apps: Twitter, Instagram, Slack, VS Code, Spotify.
- Websites: many modern sites offer a dark theme toggle, often using CSS variables.
- Gaming consoles and video players also include dark UI options.
Good things about it
- Comfortable viewing at night or in dim rooms.
- Extends battery life on certain screens.
- Gives a sleek, modern aesthetic that many users prefer.
- Can help users with visual impairments or migraines.
Not-so-good things
- Some content (like bright images or PDFs) may look washed out or harder to read.
- Not all websites or apps support dark mode, leading to inconsistent experiences.
- In bright daylight, a dark screen can be harder to see than a light one.
- Poorly designed dark themes can cause low contrast, making text difficult to read.