Spending long hours in front of a computer can be tiring for your eyes, especially when the screen is very bright. You've probably felt that way at some point. Eye fatigue after working late, reading articles, or just surfing the web. The good news is that the new Mac operating systems have specific features to make the experience more comfortable and protect your eyes, one of the most popular being dark mode, which you can now also use in Safari, the browser par excellence for Mac users. Let's talk about the Dark mode in Safari for Mac: How to enable it.
El dark mode It is not only an aesthetic trend that is here to stay, but makes a real difference in everyday lifeBy enabling dark mode on your Mac, we not only reduce the screen's brightness, but we also add an elegant and professional touch to the work environment. Safari can automatically adapt to this mode or even go a step further thanks to extensions and tricks that we'll explain in detail. If you're looking to learn how to enable dark mode in Safari for Mac and discover all its possibilities and benefits, this article is for you.
What is dark mode in Safari for Mac and why should you turn it on?
El dark mode is a built-in feature in macOS that transforms the interface of the system and compatible applications to dark and black tones. In the case of Safari, this means that both the browser itself and websites that allow it will display their content on dark backgrounds, reducing exposure to blue light and making browsing more comfortable in dimly lit environments.
The main reasons for everyone to consider activating are:
- Reduction of visual fatigue: Minimizing bright white backgrounds provides more rest for your eyes, especially in dark spaces or during night sessions.
- Improved viewing experience: The softer contrast and predominance of blacks make reading and viewing content more enjoyable.
- Potential battery savings: On OLED displays and some monitors, pure black can help reduce power consumption.
- Higher sleep quality: Less exposure to blue light before bed can translate into more restful sleep.
Furthermore, dark mode is customizable in some ways and adapts to the needs of each user, making it even more attractive to those who spend a lot of time in front of the Mac. You can learn how to automate dark mode on your Mac at this link..
How to enable dark mode in Safari for Mac step by step
Apple has integrated the dark mode option directly into the macOS operating system since Mojave (10.14) onwards. By enabling dark mode on the system, All compatible apps, including Safari, will automatically adopt the new lookHere's the most straightforward procedure:
- Click the Apple icon located in the upper left corner of your screen.
- Choose System preferences.
- Click on General admission.
- In section Appearance, choose Dark. You can also choose Automatic if you want it to change depending on the time of day.
By doing this, you'll instantly see your Mac's interface change to dark tones: the menu bar, Dock, system windows, and, of course, Safari, will display dark backgrounds with light text, providing a new feel when browsing or working. Learn how to automate switching to dark mode based on ambient light..
Tip: If you like versatility, select the option Automatic, and your Mac will switch between light and dark mode depending on the time of day (dark mode turns on automatically at sunset).
Enabling Dark Mode from the Control Center
Since macOS Big Sur, Apple added the Control center to make it easier to access quick features, such as enabling dark mode, without having to go through System Preferences. This method is ideal if you want to conveniently change your appearance several times a day.
- Click on the Control Center icon (two overlapping switches) in the menu bar.
- Enter the section Screen.
- Choose Dark mode to turn it on or off as needed.
The main advantage is the speed and ease with which you can modify the appearance, which is especially useful for those who alternate between bright and low-light environments.
Advantages and important considerations of dark mode in Safari and macOS
In addition to improving the visual comfort and provide a modern and professional feel, dark mode has other implications that you should be aware of:
- Adaptability: With just one click, the entire system (apps, menus, notifications) changes its appearance, allowing you to focus more on the content.
- Wide compatibility: Native apps like Notes, Maps, Mail, and Calendar are adopting dark mode, and many third-party apps have already joined in.
- Options for individual apps: If you have dark mode enabled but prefer certain apps to display with a light background, you can customize it in the app's preferences. For example, in Mail, you can uncheck the "Use dark backgrounds in messages" option.
- Websites and dark mode: Some websites automatically adapt to Safari's dark mode, but not all. For these cases, there are additional alternatives.
What happens if a website doesn't offer dark mode? Specialized solutions and extensions
Although Safari adapts the interface according to the system theme, Not all websites have dark mode support enabled. natively. This can be annoying if you want a consistent experience. Fortunately, there are free and paid extensions that will help you force dark mode on any website.
- Night Eye: This extension allows you to apply dark mode to almost any website you visit. It's very easy to install and has many customization options. Just add it to Safari and activate it whenever you want.
- DarkReader: Very popular among those who browse a lot, it allows you to control the appearance of each page, adjust brightness, contrast, and change the dark color palette.
- Midnight Lizard: It offers extensive possibilities for customizing dark themes on websites, even adapting the colors of links and backgrounds to your preferences.
- Turn Off the Lights: A free extension that transforms the look of any web page on your Mac, allowing you to turn Night Mode on or off as needed and customizing the colors to suit your tastes.
These extensions are available in the Safari App Store and other extension stores. You can find more information and tutorials at This guide on enabling dark mode in Chrome or in TweetDeck for Mac update with dark mode.
Customize dark mode in different Mac apps
One of the advantages that Apple offers with its dark mode is the ability to customize how it is displayed in each applicationSome users prefer to work with some apps on a dark background and others with a classic light background, especially in apps like email, maps, or notes. Here are some examples:
- E-Mail: To keep your email messages on a white background, open Mail, go to Preferences, select the Display tab and uncheck “Use dark backgrounds in messages.”
- Maps: Go to Preferences in the Maps app and select the “Always use light map appearance” option. In older versions of macOS, you'll need to go to the menu bar and uncheck “Use dark map.”
- Notes: If you prefer to always have your note content on a light background, go to Notes, go to Preferences, and uncheck the “Use dark backgrounds for note content” option.
Safari and Reader Mode: Another Way to Enjoy Dark Mode on the Web
Another alternative to see web pages in dark mode from Safari is to use the function Reader ModeWhen you access an article, you can activate Reader Mode. If you already have dark mode enabled, Safari will also display the article's content with a dark background, provided the website allows it. This is especially useful for long reads, informative articles, or blogs.
To activate Reader Mode:
- Open an article in Safari.
- Click the Reader Mode icon (it looks like four stacked lines) in the address bar.
- The content will change to a simple format, and if you have dark mode, the background will automatically be dark.
This ensures you a comfortable and continuous reading at any time of day, even without relying on extensions. If you'd like to learn more, check out how to activate reader mode in .
When is dark mode most useful in Safari?
Dark mode is recommended in many situations, but especially in these:
- Work or study nights: Eye strain is significantly reduced, allowing you to spend more time in front of the computer without discomfort.
- Low-light environments: There's no need to squint or strain your eyes due to the contrast between the screen and the surroundings.
- Travels: If you use your Mac on airplanes, trains, or in dimly lit cafes, Dark Mode is less conspicuous and more comfortable, and it also saves some battery life on laptops with specific display technologies.
- Programmers and content creators: Many professionals prefer to work against a dark background to improve focus and reduce fatigue, especially in technical tasks such as programming, video editing, or graphic design.
Additional tips and common problems
However comfortable and attractive it may be, dark mode in Safari for Mac, some questions or issues may arise. Here are some helpful tips:
- Dark mode does not affect all sites: Don't be alarmed if a website continues to display with a light background. You can use the extensions we discussed earlier to fix this.
- Maximum customization: If the automatic option doesn't suit your habits, you can manually switch between light mode and dark mode as many times as you like.
- Dynamic desktop backgrounds: If you use one, the background may change to a static image when you activate dark mode. You can adjust this in Desktop & Screensaver preferences.
- Update your system: Remember that these features are available starting with macOS Mojave. If you're running an earlier version, consider upgrading to enjoy the full benefits.
If any third-party app doesn't follow the dark mode pattern, you can check how to enable dark mode on or on other compatible apps.
It's important to experiment with the different options to adapt your Mac's environment to your needs, mixing modes and settings until you find the most comfortable combination for you.
Dark Mode in Safari for Mac has revolutionized the user experience, allowing you to work and browse more comfortably, elegantly, and healthily. The ability to customize every detail and use extensions to unify the experience across all websites makes it an essential tool for those who want to take care of their vision and improve the appearance of their system. Put the steps and tips explained into practice and see how your daily life changes using Dark Mode in Safari for Mac.
