The long-term effects of spending hours in front of a screen have been widely studied, and one of the biggest concerns is eye fatigue. If you're a student with all your coursework online or your job requires you to be on a computer, avoiding screen time isn’t always an option. But you can manage it and one simple way is by reducing blue light exposure by switching to dark mode.
Since Google Chrome is one of the most widely used browsers, many people prefer working with it. In this article, I will share different ways you can enable Chrome dark mode to make your screen easier on the eyes.
Change System Settings (Windows & Mac)
One way to enable dark mode in Chrome is by changing your system’s appearance settings. This method applies dark mode not only to Chrome but also to all system apps, providing a consistent experience across your device. It’s the ideal choice for those who prefer using dark mode across all applications.
Windows
If you're a Windows user looking to switch Chrome to dark mode, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: To change your Windows display mode, press "Windows + I" to open Windows Settings.
Step 2: In the Windows Settings menu, click on the "Personalization" tab on the left pane. This section contains all Windows customization options.
Step 3: On the next screen, select the "Colors" option.
Step 4: Scroll down to the "Choose your mode" section, where you can select "Dark" from the dropdown menu to switch to dark mode.
MacOS
If you're using a Mac, the dark mode setting is found within the General settings. Follow these steps to enable it:
Step 1: On your Mac device, click on the “Apple” icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Next, click on "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: A System Preferences window will open. Here, click on the "General" option.
Step 4: On the next screen, you will find the "Appearance" section with three options: Light, Dark, and Auto. Click on "Dark" to change your Mac’s appearance to dark mode.
Switching your system to dark mode provides a complete solution for users who prefer a darker interface. It ensures that most apps automatically adjust to dark mode.
However, while using Chrome with these settings, I noticed that dark mode isn't fully applied in some areas. If you encounter this issue, there are additional steps you can take to force dark mode in Chrome, which I’ll cover next.
Change Chrome Settings
Next, we have Chrome’s built-in dark mode settings, which allow you to enjoy a fully dark-themed browsing experience across the entire Chrome interface. These settings are easy to adjust and can be accessed directly within Chrome’s settings. Let’s take a look:
Step 1: Open Chrome on your system and click on the Chrome Menu (three dots) in the top-right corner.
Step 2: In the Chrome menu, scroll down and select "Settings" to open Chrome Settings.
Step 3: The Chrome Settings tab will open. Click on the "Appearance" tab on the left panel.
Step 4: On the screen, you will see all Chrome display and appearance options. Go to the "Mode" field and select "Dark" from the dropdown menu.
Step 5: Chrome will now switch to dark mode. Simply head over to the address bar and continue your browsing experience in dark mode.
This method provides a native dark mode experience across Chrome’s entire interface, including settings, history, and even installed extensions. It enhances visual comfort and ensures a consistent dark theme throughout your browsing.
Use Chrome Web Store Extensions
Another simple way to enable dark mode on Chrome is by using a browser extension. There are plenty of dark theme extensions available that can instantly switch your browsing experience to a darker interface. However, before installing one, it’s a good idea to disable any other night mode extensions you may have to avoid compatibility issues. Here’s how you can use a Chrome extension to enable dark mode:
Step 1: Open the Chrome Web Store in your Chrome browser and search for a Dark Mode extension.
Tip: Make sure to install a reputable extension with good user reviews.
Step 2: Click on the Dark Mode extension that best suits your needs. For this guide, we are using Dark Mode for Chrome, as it has over 1 million users and strong credibility.
Step 3: On the extension’s page, click "Add to Chrome" to install it on your browser.
Step 4: A security pop-up will appear, outlining the permissions required by the extension. To proceed, click "Add Extension".
Step 5: Once the installation is complete, access Dark Mode for Chrome by clicking on the "Extensions" icon in the Chrome toolbar.
Tip: You can pin the extension for quicker access.
Step 6: The Dark Mode for Chrome extension includes a simple toggle switch. To enable Dark Mode, turn the “Dark Mode” toggle to the right.
The downside to using a Chrome extension for dark mode is that while it may turn Chrome itself dark, it won’t necessarily apply to all websites. Only sites that support dark mode will actually change, while others will remain bright as usual. This can be frustrating, especially if you use Chrome for productivity tools like Google Docs, which won’t be affected by the extension. So while it’s a quick fix, it’s not the most reliable solution if you’re looking for a fully dark workspace.
Use WPS Office – A More Flexible Dark Mode
If you’re someone who enjoys using free and reliable productivity tools like Google Docs, you may have noticed that even when you enable dark mode on Chrome, Google Docs itself doesn’t change. This can be frustrating, especially if you prefer a darker interface to reduce eye strain.
WPS Office not only offers a free alternative with cloud storage and AI-powered features, but it also provides a more customizable experience. Unlike Chrome’s dark mode, which applies a blanket setting across all sites, WPS Office lets you adjust dark mode settings for specific applications like Word, Spreadsheet, or Presentation. This means you can tailor your workspace exactly to your preference, making it more comfortable and efficient.
Step 1: Open WPS Office on your system and click on the “Global Settings” icon in the top-right corner, next to the “Customer Support” icon.
Step 2: From the Global Settings drop-down menu, select “Themes” to access the WPS Office theme settings.
Step 3: In the Theme Settings window, go to the “Skin” tab, where you will find the Clear and Comfort skins.
Step 4: To enable dark mode, hover over the "Clear (Dark Beta)" skin and choose the "Dark" option.
This simple method lets you switch to dark mode in WPS Office, creating a more comfortable and personalized workspace. You can also select the "Auto" option to sync WPS Office with your system’s display settings.
FAQs
1. Why isn’t my Chrome dark mode working?
If Chrome’s dark mode is not working as expected, verify that your system theme is set to Dark Mode. Additionally, consider reapplying Chrome’s built-in dark theme or removing any extensions that may be causing conflicts with the setting.
2. Does Chrome support per-tab or partial dark mode?
No, Chrome does not support per-tab or partial dark mode. Its dark mode settings apply universally across all tabs and windows.
3. Can I combine system dark mode and Chrome extension dark mode?
Yes, you can enable both system dark mode and a Chrome extension for dark mode simultaneously. While system dark mode adjusts Chrome’s interface, the extension applies dark mode to website content. However, using both at the same time may result in visual inconsistencies.
4. Why is WPS Office better?
WPS Office offers a superior dark mode experience by allowing users to customize dark themes for each application module separately. Unlike Chrome, which applies dark mode only to the interface and relies on extensions for website darkening, WPS Office provides a consistent dark theme across menus, toolbars, and document backgrounds.
Work Efficiently with WPS Office
Running your tools in dark mode can be more beneficial than you might realize. With the increasing exposure to blue light from screens, the long-term effects are still not fully understood, but we already know that excessive blue light can lead to eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep.
If you spend most of your day on a computer, switching to dark mode can make a real difference in reducing strain and making your screen easier on the eyes. If your current productivity tool doesn’t offer a dark mode option despite enabling Chrome dark mode, you can consider WPS Office, which not only includes all the essential productivity features but also allows you to work comfortably with its customizable dark mode settings.
