How to Turn Off Dark Mode on Mac: A General Guide

Dark mode has become the new normal for many users, especially for Apple product enthusiasts. It is a setting that is visually appealing, and it provides a great experience when using the device. However, sometimes, switching back to the regular light mode can be a little tricky, and it isn’t always obvious how to do it. In this article, we will show you how to turn off dark mode on your Mac with twelve easy steps. We’ll also provide some useful tips to help you along the way.

Steps to Turn Off Dark Mode on Mac

Step 1: Click on the Apple Menu

The first thing to do when turning off dark mode on your Mac is to click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen. A dropdown menu will appear where you can access a range of options.

Step 2: Select System Preferences

In the dropdown menu, select “System Preferences” to access the settings for your Mac.

Step 3: Click on General

Once you are in System Preferences, click on “General.” This is where you will find the setting for Light or Dark mode.

Step 4: Select Light Mode

Under Appearance, select “Light Mode” to turn off dark mode. This setting will change your device’s appearance to the regular light mode.

Step 5: Use Hotkeys to Toggle Between Light and Dark Mode

If you want to switch between light and dark mode instantly, you can use the hotkeys “Command+Shift+A”. This will toggle between the two modes.

Step 6: Use Siri to Switch Modes

If you prefer voice control, you can use Siri to switch modes for you. Simply say “Hey Siri, turn off dark mode” or “Hey Siri, turn on light mode.”

Step 7: Schedule Light and Dark Mode

You can schedule your Mac to switch between light and dark mode automatically. To do this, go to System Preferences, click on “General,” and select “Automatically adjust dark mode.”

Step 8: Use Night Shift Mode Instead

If you don’t want to turn off dark mode completely, you can use Night Shift mode instead. This setting changes the color temperature of your screen at night to reduce eye strain.

Step 9: Use Accessibility Options

If you have visual impairments, you can use the accessibility options to customize your Mac’s appearance. Go to System Preferences, click on “Accessibility,” and select “Display” to adjust settings like contrast and display colors.

Step 10: Reset Your Mac’s NVRAM

If you’re still having issues switching off dark mode, you can try resetting your Mac’s NVRAM. To do this, restart your Mac and hold down “Command + Option + P + R” until the computer restarts again.

Step 11: Update Your Mac’s Software

If all else fails, try updating your Mac’s software to see if there are any available updates that can fix the issue.

Step 12: Contact Apple Support

If you’re still having trouble turning off dark mode on your Mac, contact Apple support for further assistance.

Explanation

Now that you know how to turn off dark mode on your Mac, let’s take a closer look at some of the steps. The first step is to click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen. This is where you can access a range of options, including System Preferences. Once you are in System Preferences, click on “General” to find the light or dark mode setting. Under Appearance, select “Light Mode” to switch back to the regular light mode.

Alternatively, you can use hotkeys to toggle between light and dark mode or use Siri for voice control. You can also schedule your Mac to switch between light and dark mode automatically or use Night Shift mode to reduce eye strain. If you have visual impairments, you can also customize your Mac’s appearance using the accessibility options. If none of these steps work, try resetting your Mac’s NVRAM, updating its software, or contacting Apple support.

Tips and Tricks

Tip 1: Use Night Shift Mode Instead

If you don’t want to turn off dark mode completely, you can use Night Shift mode instead. This setting changes the color temperature of your screen at night to reduce eye strain.

Tip 2: Customize Your Dock

You can customize your Dock’s appearance by going to System Preferences, clicking on “Dock,” and selecting “Light.” This will change the color of your Dock to match the light mode on your Mac.

Tip 3: Use Dark Mode For Specific Apps

If you want to use dark mode for specific apps, go to System Preferences, click on “General,” and select “Allow wallpaper tinting in windows.” This will enable dark mode for certain apps like Safari.

Tip 4: Use Keyboard Shortcuts

You can use keyboard shortcuts like “Command + Option + Control + T” to switch between light and dark mode in Safari.

Tip 5: Use Third-Party Apps

If you want more control over dark mode on your Mac, consider using third-party apps like Lunar, which allows you to customize the color temperature of your screen.

Tip 6: Avoid Using Dark Mode Before Bed

Research has shown that using devices in dark mode before bed can affect your circadian rhythm and disrupt your sleep. Consider switching to light mode at night or using Night Shift mode instead.

Tip 7: Use Dark Mode for Battery Savings

If you’re using a MacBook, using dark mode can help save your battery’s life because darker pixels require less power than brighter ones.

Tip 8: Use Dark Mode for Eye Strain Relief

Dark mode can be easier on the eyes, especially if you’re working in a low light environment or staring at a screen for long periods.

Tip 9: Use Dark Mode to Reduce Glare

If you’re working outside or in a bright area, dark mode can reduce glare and make it easier to read your screen.

Tip 10: Experiment With Different Settings

There are many different ways to use dark mode on your Mac, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the settings that work best for you.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Turning Off Dark Mode on Mac

Dark mode is a popular feature on Mac that users enjoy because it reduces eye strain and saves battery life. However, some users may prefer the classic light mode or just want to switch back and forth between these modes. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of turning off dark mode on Mac.

Advantages of Turning Off Dark Mode on Mac:

  1. Improved visibility: Some users may find the lighter background easier to read and navigate.
  2. More vibrant colors: Turning off dark mode can make colors appear brighter and more vivid.
  3. Less distraction: A light background may be less distracting for some users, making it easier to focus on the task at hand.
  4. Consistency: If you prefer light mode on other devices, turning off dark mode on Mac can create consistency across your devices.
  5. Ease of use: If you are used to the classic light mode, turning off dark mode can make navigating your Mac easier.
  6. Compatibility: Some apps may not support dark mode, so turning it off can ensure compatibility with all your apps.
  7. Better for editing photos and videos: Turning off dark mode may make it easier to see the details in your photos and videos while editing.
  8. Easier to see menus and controls: In some cases, menus and controls may be easier to see on a light background.
  9. Accessibility: For users with visual impairments, a lighter background may be more accessible.
  10. Personal preference: Some users simply prefer the classic light mode for personal reasons.

Disadvantages of Turning Off Dark Mode on Mac:

  1. Increased eye strain: A bright, white background can cause eye strain, especially in low light conditions.
  2. Reduced battery life: Using light mode can reduce battery life on devices with OLED screens, such as MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar.
  3. More glare: If you are working in a bright environment, a light background may cause glare and be difficult to see.
  4. Not ideal for low light conditions: When using your Mac in a dark environment, a light background may be too bright and cause discomfort.
  5. Less stylish: Some users may find the classic light mode less stylish than the sleek design of dark mode.
  6. Less immersive: Turning off dark mode may reduce the immersive effect that some users enjoy when using their Mac.
  7. Not ideal for certain tasks: In some cases, a light background may not be ideal for tasks like video playback or reading ebooks.
  8. Not consistent with other devices: If you prefer dark mode on other devices, turning it off on your Mac may create inconsistency across your devices.
  9. Compatibility issues: Some apps may not support light mode, so turning it off may cause compatibility issues with certain apps.
  10. Personal preference: Some users simply prefer the sleek design and reduced eye strain of dark mode.

Ultimately, whether or not to turn off dark mode on Mac is a matter of personal preference and needs. Consider the advantages and disadvantages listed above when deciding which mode to use, and switch back and forth as needed to maximize your Mac experience.

FAQ

1. What is dark mode on Mac?

Dark mode on Mac is a feature that allows you to use an alternative color scheme on your computer’s user interface. Instead of the traditional white or light gray background with dark text, dark mode applies a dark background with light text.

2. Why would I want to turn off dark mode on my Mac?

While dark mode can be easier on the eyes in certain environments, some people find it difficult to read or navigate in, and prefer the traditional light mode. Additionally, some applications and websites may not display properly in dark mode.

3. How do I turn off dark mode on my Mac?

To turn off dark mode on a Mac, go to System Preferences, then select General. From there, click the Appearance tab and select “Light” instead of “Dark.”

4. Are there keyboard shortcuts to switch between dark and light mode on Mac?

Yes, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Command + Option + Control + T” to toggle between dark and light mode on Mac.

5. Can I schedule dark mode to turn on and off automatically?

Yes, you can schedule dark mode to turn on and off automatically by going to the System Preferences General option and selecting “Automatic” for the Appearance setting. From there, you can set a schedule for when you want dark mode to be active.

6. Will turning off dark mode affect my battery life?

Turning off dark mode is not likely to have a significant impact on your Mac’s battery life.

7. Can I turn off dark mode for specific applications?

Yes, many applications allow you to manually switch between dark and light modes in their own settings or preferences.

8. Why doesn’t dark mode work properly on some websites or applications?

Dark mode is a relatively new feature and some websites and applications may not have updated their code or design to work properly with it yet.

9. Can I use dark mode on a Mac with an external display?

Yes, dark mode works on both your Mac’s built-in display and external monitors.

10. Will turning off dark mode affect my Mac’s accessibility settings?

Turning off dark mode should not have any impact on your Mac’s accessibility settings.

11. Can I customize the colors of dark mode on my Mac?

No, the colors of dark mode on Mac are set by default and cannot be customized.

12. Will turning off dark mode impact the appearance of my desktop background?

No, turning off dark mode should not have any impact on the appearance of your desktop background.

13. Is it possible to completely disable dark mode from my Mac?

No, while you can turn off dark mode for most applications and the system interface, it is a default feature in Mac OS that cannot be completely disabled.

How to Turn Off Dark Mode on Mac

Mac users who prefer a brighter, more colorful interface may find themselves struggling with dark mode. It can be a bit too harsh on the eyes, particularly if you’re working in an environment with a lot of natural light. Fortunately, getting rid of dark mode on your Mac is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps.

Conclusion and Closing

In conclusion, turning off dark mode on your Mac is incredibly easy. Whether you prefer the classic look of macOS or simply want to switch things up for a little while, this is a great way to do it. Just remember to take care of your eyes by adjusting your display settings as needed, and you’ll be ready to go. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!