Dark Mode is vital not only for improving your Mac’s battery but also for reducing eye strain. Apple understands it and has simplified the process of darkening your Mac screen, making the function compatible with various programs. So let’s check how to turn on Dark Mode on Mac in macOS Ventura or earlier.
- How to enable Dark Mode on Mac
- Use Mac Control Center to switch between Light and Dark Mode
- How Dark Mode works in Mac apps
How to enable Dark Mode on Mac
Use the below steps if you’ve updated your Mac to macOS Ventura or later.
- Click the Apple logo in the menu bar.
- Select System Settings.
- Head to Appearance.
- Choose Dark next to Appearance.
If you’re using macOS Monterey, then you need to click on the Apple logo in the menu bar → select System Preferences → go to General → choose Dark. 
Note: You may also configure the settings to automatically swap between Dark and Light modes.
Use Mac Control Center to switch between Light and Dark Mode
Use Control Center, our Mac’s shortcut carrier, to swiftly switch between Light Mode and Dark Mode. Here’s how it’s done.
- Head to the Control Center icon in the menu bar.
- Select Display.
- Click Dark Mode.
How Dark Mode works in Mac apps
While using Dark Mode, Mac still allows you to specifically use certain apps and their features in Light Mode. Below I’ve demonstrated how:
- Maps: Launch Maps → click Maps on the menu bar → Settings → Under the General tab, check the box in front of Always use light map appearance.
- Mail: Open the Mail app → click Mail in the menu bar → select Settings → Viewing → uncheck Use dark backgrounds for messages.
- Notes: Head to the Notes app → click Notes in the menu bar → Settings → uncheck Use dark backgrounds for note content.
- TextEdit: Launch TextEdit → select View in the menu bar → uncheck Use Dark Background for Windows.
- Safari: You need to disable Dark Mode on Mac to use Safari in Light Mode as it adapts to the default mode of the Mac.
Will you use Dark Mode on Mac?
In addition to the methods mentioned above, you can also use Siri to assist you with switching to Dark Mode on your Mac. The Dark Mode function should not be confused with the Night Shift or True Tone features. Please share your doubts regarding Dark Mode in the comments, and I’ll be sure to respond.
Read more:
For some reason the Messages app still uses white when the system is set to dark mode. . How do I turn on dark mode for the Messages app ?
To fix the dark mode issue in the Messages app on your Mac,
Restart the app > check System Settings to see if Dark mode is enabled > update to the latest version of macOS > reset the app > contact Apple support if the issue persists.