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Dark mode for Mac was created in macOS Mojave as a simple way to toggle the system appearance of the default light theme. The new version of macOS Catalina is a software update that improves the functioning of the dark mode with new features.
The new version of the operating system allows you to plan the activation of dark mode. This is based on the default sunset and sunrise. There are also ways to quickly switch between light or dark themes and define specific apps on their own theme. Read on to master the dark mode for Mac.
To start
Older versions of macOS darkened the Dock and the menu bar, but window chrome and the web only had lighting modes. The Mac has acquired true system-wide dark mode functionality from macOS Mojave.
Dark mode changes the appearance of built-in applications, including Finder, Safari, Photos, and Music. The apps you download and install on your Mac may also support dark mode. The functionality is included on macOS version 10.14 and later, including macOS Mojave and macOS Catalina.
Which Macs are Supported?
Dark mode is a built-in function if your machine can run macOS Mojave or later, including macOS Catalina. These Mac computers are supported:
- MacBook models introduced in early 2015 or later
- MacBook Air models introduced in mid-2012 or later
- MacBook Pro models introduced in mid-2012 or later
- Mac mini models introduced in late 2012 or later
- IMac models introduced in late 2012 or later
- iMac Pro
- Mac Pro models introduced in 2013 or later
How to change the theme
macOS Catalina lets you choose your theme preference the first time you configure or update your Mac. Change of opinion? You can try a different look at any time, or you can set up your Mac to change the theme for day and night.
Click the Apple icon () in the upper left corner of your screen, select System Preferences from the list, then select General in the System Preferences window.
macOS Catalina includes three appearance options:
The appearances of light and dark mode only change when you manually choose a different appearance. Do you prefer to use both options? Auto sets your Mac to automatically switch between light and dark mode based on the time of day.
Application customization
Dark mode in macOS Catalina is a system-wide appearance, but there are a few exceptions. Some apps and features include their own appearance preference to replace the dark mode.
For example, Mail automatically tries to use dark backgrounds for messages when using dark mode. If you like to run dark mode but prefer to read emails with a light background, you can set this preference in Mail → Preferences → Display → deactivate “Use dark backgrounds for messages”. This will only affect the messages and not the chrome of the window around the content of the message.
Dark mode messages in Mail:
Clear messages with dark mode in Mail:
Other customization options include:
- Using a clear-looking map in Maps
- Replacing dark backgrounds in Notes
- Input on white background with dark mode in text modification
These options are available in the Display section of the application menu bar at the top of the screen, or as an option in the Application Preferences.
Advanced features
Want to do more with dark mode? There is an application for that. NightOwl is a free utility for macOS Mojave and macOS Catalina that adds even more control over the dark mode.
For example, you can use NightOwl to activate:
- change your appearance according to specific times of the day you choose
- replacing dark mode to use clear appearances in specific applications
- switch between light and dark mode with a keyboard shortcut
The new Auto mode in macOS Catalina works similar to switching to NightOwl’s sunset / sunrise mode, but automatic switching of appearance was missing in macOS Mojave. Maybe more functionality will come in future macOS updates, but for now, it’s a great menu bar utility to have on your Mac.
Go further
Speaking of apps, there is one more thing to know about dark mode before you master the functionality in macOS Catalina.
Third-party applications that you install and download often include the ability to always use light, dark, or default mode to match the appearance of the system. If this feature is supported, control of it is often included in the Preferences section of the application under the name of the application in the upper left corner of your screen. You can also search for Show in the menu bar for options.
Want to learn more about macOS Catalina and dark mode or have your own tip? Leave a note in the comments below!
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