What is dark mode?
Dark mode is a style that replaces the traditional light background with dark text with a dark background with light text.
How do I activate dark mode?
Dark mode can be activated by selecting a dark appearance in your computer’s operating system (Mac, iPhone/iPad, PC, Android). The site will automatically detect your OS setting and adjust the appearance accordingly.
You can also activate dark mode through the light switch toggle. The light switch is located in a few different places:
Site header, between the Log In and Menu buttons (desktop only)
Popout menu
Account page > Profile tab (registered / paying users only)
I activated dark mode, but the site content/comments aren’t displaying in dark mode. What do I do?
You likely have an outdated version of the site’s stylesheet – a stylesheet is what makes the site look as it does in light and dark mode. You may need to clear cache in your browser or do a hard refresh to see the updated dark mode stylesheet. Some tips to do this:
- On a Mac, command + R to hard refresh
- On a PC, CTRL + F5 to hard refresh
- In Safari, navigate to Develop > Empty Cache
Do I have to be a registered user or subscriber to use dark mode?
Nope! All users can experience dark mode, if desired, via your operating system settings or by using the light switch toggle in the locations described above.
Do I have to use dark mode? I like the site as it is.
Nope! You can continue to experience the site exactly as is. If your operating system setting has automatically turned on dark mode, use the light switch toggle to turn it off, as desired.
What are the advantages of using dark mode?
Everyone experiences the web through a personal lens and a site’s appearance can influence whether a user immediately leaves the site or makes it a part of their daily routine. Users who value dark theme cite the following reasons:
Less disruptive to others in low-light conditions
Reduces eye strain and dry eyes in low-light conditions
More comfortable for users who are sensitive to light, who struggle to read dark text on a white background, have cataracts, or experience migraines
Less blue light emitted from your device; blue light can keep you awake longer if you use your device before bed
Can use less energy so that your phone’s battery lasts longer
I think dark mode is great! Why isn’t the site like this all the time for everyone?
Giving people choices when browsing on the web is important. Dark mode isn’t right for everyone all of the time. Some users find dark mode uncomfortable when reading long-form articles. Light mode can be more comfortable during the day. And some users, especially those with astigmatism, can find that light text on dark mode gives them a headache.