Dark Mode or Light Mode: Which is Best?

The Debate between Dark Mode or Light Mode has reached fever pitch in the wake of the ever-modernizing digital experience. There is always someone who goes dark mode and swears how good it is for the eyes compared to light mode and there’s those who go in for the first striking light mode. So which of this two, dark mode or light mode? is actually beneficial to you?

A very simple example, whether you are one who simply enjoys the minimalism, dark mode comes with advantages that run deeper than just plain appearance. However user friendliness is the key of dark mode in some of the most widely used platforms and apps and try to understand what made it so popular and how to turn it on for a more user friendly way of using the app.

Dark Mode vs. Light Mode

Dark mode features have been widely introduced to common societies and it is regarded as an excellent eye candy in comparison to the normal light theme counterparts. The reason why this is increasingly being embraced among the applications and even on websites is both functional and aesthetic. Quite rather a number of individuals can stand dark mode due to reduction of glare and bright light especially with low light.

Dark mode reduces the brightness of the screen by using black and white contrast where white is the darkest color and black the lightest which reduces blue light released from the screen, leading to adverse effects such as inability to sleep and discomfort in long term screen exposure.

Dark Mode In Modern Platforms

Dark mode on WordPress

Dusky Dark Mode is the top dark mode plugin for WordPress, enhancing your website with a seamless, eye-friendly dark mode that reduces eye strain and boosts traffic. It offers predefined presets to match your site’s aesthetic and allows real-time customization. Get The Most Customizable Dark Mode Experience With Dusky Dark Mode. Fine-tune Colors, Match Your Os Theme Automatically, And Enjoy Seamless Dark Mode Transitions. Dark Mode Is Your Ultimate Solution For A Beautiful, Comfortable, And Stylish Website Surfing Experience.

Check out 8 Best WordPress Dark Mode Plugins In 2024

How to enable dusky dark mode  on WordPress

Step 1- Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard. Navigate to the Plugins Section: Once logged in, find the “Plugins” option on the left-hand sidebar of your WordPress dashboard.

Step 2- Click on “Add New” Search for “Dusky Dark Mode”: In the search bar, type “Dusky Dark Mode” and hit Enter.

Step 3- Install the Plugin: Once the Dusky Dark Mode plugin appears in the search results, click on the “Install Now” button next to it. Activate the Plugin: After installation is complete, click on the “Activate” button to activate the Dusky Dark Mode plugin.

Video Tutorial: 

Dark Mode on Google Docs Desktop

Google Docs being a go-to for millions of professionals, writers, and students, it doesn’t yet offer a native dark mode for desktop. Why? Google Docs is designed to mimic a real sheet of paper, where white backgrounds are the norm. However, users can still utilize browser extensions such as Dark Reader to give Google Docs a dark theme, reducing eye strain during long writing sessions. This workaround makes a significant difference, especially for those working at night or in low-light conditions.

While Google Docs doesn’t offer a native dark mode for desktop, there’s a workaround:

1. Install the Dark Reader extension for your browser.
2. Once installed, click on the extension icon and toggle it on for Google Docs.
3. Adjust the brightness and contrast settings to your preference.

Coursera Dark Mode

Coursera, the hub for online learners, lacks an official dark mode, which can be a challenge for students spending hours on the platform. With a growing awareness of eye fatigue and productivity, it’s surprising that dark mode isn’t available. However, with the use of browser tools like Night Eye, learners can transform the platform’s blinding white interface into a softer, more comfortable experience. Studies suggest that dark mode can improve focus, making it easier to dive deep into learning modules.

For a more comfortable learning experience on Coursera:

1. Install the Night Eye browser extension.
2. Navigate to Coursera and click on the Night Eye icon.
3. Toggle dark mode on and customize the settings as needed.

Dark Theme on Google Calendar

Google Calendar on mobile devices does offer a dark theme, but it’s not just about aesthetics. Studies on dark mode suggest that reduced blue light exposure can help maintain healthier sleep patterns, especially for those managing busy schedules late into the night. The dark theme on Google Calendar can be easily enabled via system settings on both Android and iOS, helping users manage their time without feeling overwhelmed by a bright display.

Google Calendar offers native dark mode support on mobile devices:

For Android:

1. Open your device’s Settings.
2. Go to Display > Dark theme.
3. Toggle on “Dark theme” or schedule it for specific hours.

For iOS:

1. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness.
2. Select “Dark” mode or set it to automatically change with sunrise/sunset.

Dark Mode on Reddit App

Reddit’s “Night Mode” is a prime example of how dark themes can transform a browsing experience. For users spending hours scrolling through threads and discussions, this feature not only improves comfort but also saves battery life on mobile devices with OLED screens. Night Mode can be easily toggled in the app’s settings, giving users control over their experience.

Reddit’s official app includes a night mode:

1. Open the Reddit app.
2. Tap Open profile menu in the top-right corner.
3. Tap the moon icon or go to Settings > Dark Mode.
4. Choose between “Dark mode” or “Auto dark mode” based on your device settings.

Dark Mode on Canvas

Canvas a widely-used learning management system (LMS), still doesn’t offer a native dark mode. But given the long hours students and educators spend navigating course materials, dark mode could greatly improve user comfort. Until then, browser extensions like.Turn Off the Lights can help simulate the dark mode experience, minimizing the eye strain that comes with late-night studying.

For a darker Canvas experience:

1. Install the Dark Reader browser extension.
2. Click on the extension icon while on Canvas.
3. Select the night mode option to darken the interface.

Dropbox Dark Mode

Dropbox’s mobile apps have embraced dark mode, making file management a less glaring experience for users. Dark mode not only offers visual relief but can also conserve battery life on OLED screens. For professionals accessing files on the go or working into the night, dark mode is a productivity booster—helping you stay focused without the harsh glow of a white screen.

For Android and iOS:

1. Open the Dropbox app.
2. Tap the Account icon or Menu.
3. Go to Settings > Theme.
4. Select “Dark” or “System Default.”

Duolingo Dark Mode

Learning languages late at night? Duolingo’s dark mode is your new best friend. Available on both Android and iOS, this feature creates a sleek, easy-to-read interface that’s less straining on your eyes. It’s ideal for learners who want to squeeze in a few lessons before bed without disrupting their sleep patterns with bright light.

Learn languages comfortably with Duolingo’s dark mode:

For Android and iOS:

1. Open the Duolingo app.
2. Tap the profile icon.
3. Go to Settings > Theme.
4. Choose “Dark” or “System Default.”

Google Cloud Dark Mode

Despite Google Cloud’s growing popularity among developers and businesses, the platform doesn’t yet support dark mode. However, browser extensions like Dark Night Mode can modify the interface to create a less taxing experience for those who spend hours coding or managing cloud resources. Considering the intense focus required for such tasks, a dark theme could contribute to higher productivity and less visual fatigue.

For a more comfortable Google Cloud experience:

1. Install the Dark Reader Chrome browser extension.
2. Navigate to the Google Cloud Console.
3. Click on the extension icon and enable dark mode.

Google Workspace Dark Mode

Google Workspace’s mobile apps—such as Gmail, Docs, and Sheets—do offer dark mode, bringing a more sophisticated and comfortable experience to users. This feature is especially useful for those who spend their workdays managing emails, documents, and spreadsheets. Dark mode not only saves energy but can also lead to fewer headaches and less eye strain over time.

Google Workspace mobile apps (Gmail, Docs, Sheets) support dark mode:

For Android and iOS:

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• Open any Google Workspace .
• Tap the menu icon > Settings > Theme.
• Select “Dark” or “System Default.”

Grammarly Dark Mode

While Grammarly helps improve your writing, it doesn’t yet support dark mode on its desktop app. Still, there are workarounds. Users can enable dark mode through browser extensions, improving the readability of their work without overwhelming their eyes with the default bright interface. Given that Grammarly is often used during long writing sessions, dark mode could be a highly requested feature in the future.

While Grammarly’s desktop app doesn’t have native dark mode, try this:

1. Install a dark mode browser extension like Dark Reader.
2. Enable it while using Grammarly’s web interface.

Conclusion

Dark mode offers significant benefits for those who spend long hours in front of screens, particularly in low-light environments. It can reduce eye strain, minimize exposure to blue light, and potentially improve sleep patterns. On the other hand, light mode remains a staple for those who prefer a bright, especially in well-lit settings which may aid in maintaining alertness and readability.

Ultimately, the choice between dark and light modes should be informed by personal preference, specific situational needs, and the type of device used. Many platforms and apps now offer the flexibility to switch between dark mode and light mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main benefits of using dark mode?

Reduces glare and blue light exposure, which can decrease eye strain and help maintain natural sleep rhythms.

Are there any downsides to using dark mode?

In brightly lit environments, dark mode can make text harder to read and increase eye strain for some users.

Can using dark mode save battery life?

Yes, on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, dark mode can significantly reduce power consumption because black pixels are effectively turned off.

How do I enable dark mode on my device or applications?

Most devices and applications include an option in the settings menu where you can switch to dark mode. Refer to specific app settings or device display settings.

Is dark mode better for everyone?

Not necessarily. While dark mode can be beneficial for many, particularly in dim lighting, some users may find light mode better for visibility and concentration during the day or in well-lit areas.

Does dark mode improve productivity?

It can, particularly for individuals who are sensitive to bright light or who are working during the night. Reduced eye strain can lead to longer and more comfortable working sessions.