If you frequently use Google Workspace apps like Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, or Google Calendar, enabling dark mode can make your workflow more visually appealing and easier on the eyes.
Dark mode, also known as night mode, is a popular feature that reduces eye strain by changing the color theme of an interface to darker shades. This is particularly useful when working in low-light environments, making the screen more comfortable to look at and potentially saving battery life on devices with OLED screens.
In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to enable dark mode across various Google Workspace apps on different platforms, including Google Chrome on desktop, Mozilla Firefox, and Android devices. Whether you’re using a browser or a mobile app, we’ll provide detailed instructions to help you activate dark mode for a more comfortable and personalized experience.
How to Enable Dark Mode on Google Workspace Apps on Google Chrome Desktop
To enable dark mode in Google Workspace apps on Google Chrome, you can use the built-in Chrome flags. This method is particularly useful for users who spend long hours on their desktops and prefer a darker theme for all their Google apps.
- Access Chrome Flags
Open Google Chrome and type “chrome://flags” in the address bar, then press Enter. This will take you to the Chrome Flags page, where you can access experimental features.
- Search for the Dark Mode Flag
In the search box at the top of the page, type “dark mode” to filter the relevant flags. Look for the “Auto Dark Mode for Web Contents” option and select “Enabled” from the drop-down menu. Here’s a brief explanation of each available option:
Enabled: This setting simply forces dark mode on all web content by inverting the colors. This is the most basic and straightforward implementation, making the entire page use a dark theme.
Enabled with simple HSL-based inversion: HSL stands for Hue, Saturation, and Lightness. This method of color inversion is based on modifying these three properties to create a dark mode effect. It’s a simpler inversion method that might not account for all the nuances in image and element rendering but generally gives a satisfactory result.
Enabled with simple CIELAB-based inversion: CIELAB is a color space that separates lightness from color information (chrominance). This option uses the CIELAB model to invert colors, which may result in more accurate or visually pleasing dark modes, especially for more complex color schemes.
Enabled with simple RGB-based inversion: RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue, which are the primary colors used in digital displays. This option inverts colors based purely on their RGB values. This is another basic inversion technique that could lead to less refined dark modes compared to HSL or CIELAB-based methods.
Enabled with selective image inversion: With this option, Chrome will selectively invert colors only for images while leaving the rest of the web content as is. This can help maintain the integrity of images while still applying a dark theme to other parts of the page.
Enabled with selective inversion of non-image elements: This option applies dark mode only to non-image elements on the page, such as text, backgrounds, and UI elements, without altering the images. This helps to avoid any distortion in images caused by color inversion.
Enabled with selective inversion of everything: This setting applies selective inversion to all elements on the page, including images and other elements. It attempts to apply a more balanced dark mode while minimizing the drawbacks of full inversion.
Enabled with selective image inversion based on transparency and number of colors: This advanced option further refines how images are treated in dark mode by considering the transparency and color complexity of the image. This setting can potentially provide the best balance between maintaining image quality and achieving a dark theme.
Disabled: This option turns off dark mode, rendering web content in its default color scheme without any inversion or modifications.
- Relaunch Chrome
After enabling the dark mode flag, you’ll need to restart Chrome. Click on the “Relaunch” button at the bottom of the page to apply the changes. Chrome will close and reopen with the dark mode applied to all web content, including Google Workspace apps.
- Use Google Drive, Docs, etc. in Dark Mode
Open Google Drive or any other Google Workspace app in Chrome to see the dark mode in action. The interface should now have a darker theme, making it easier on your eyes, especially in low-light conditions.
How to Enable Dark Mode on Google Workspace Apps on Mozilla Firefox
If you are using Mozilla Firefox, you can easily enable dark mode across Google Workspace apps by installing the Dark Reader extension. This method allows you to customize the appearance of web pages and is a great way to achieve a consistent dark theme across all your online workspaces.
- Install the Dark Reader Extension
Open Firefox and go to the Mozilla Add-ons website. Search for “Dark Reader“ and click on “Add to Firefox” to install the extension. Once installed, Dark Reader will automatically apply a dark theme to all web pages, including Google Workspace apps.
- Use Google Drive, Docs, etc. in Dark Mode
After installing the Dark Reader extension, navigate to Google Drive or any Google Workspace app in Firefox. You should see that the app now uses a dark theme, providing a consistent experience across all your Google tools.
How to Enable Dark Mode on Google Workspace Apps on Android
For Android users, enabling dark mode on Google Workspace apps is straightforward and can be done directly through the app settings. This method is ideal for those who use Google Drive, Google Docs, or Google Sheets on their mobile devices and prefer a darker interface.
- Open Google Drive Menu
Open the Google Drive app on your Android device and tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner to open the main menu.
- Navigate to Settings
In the menu, scroll down and tap on “Settings” to access the app’s settings.
- Select Theme Option
In the settings menu, find the “Choose Theme” option and tap on it. This will allow you to select the theme for your Google Drive app.
- Enable Dark Theme
Select “Dark” from the theme options. This will apply a dark theme to Google Drive and other Google Workspace apps on your Android device.
- Verify Dark Theme
After selecting the dark theme, navigate through the app to ensure the dark mode is enabled. The interface should now display darker colors, making it more comfortable to use in low-light conditions.
Related: How to Enable Dark Mode on Google Sheets
Enabling dark mode in Google Sheets can make a significant difference in your user experience. While Google Sheets does not have a built-in dark mode on all platforms, there are several methods you can use to achieve a darker interface, whether you are using an Android, iPhone, or desktop PC. In our other guide, we show you how to enable dark mode on Google Sheets on Android, iOS, and Desktop PCs.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Mode in Google Workspace Apps
Can dark mode help save battery life on all devices?
Yes, dark mode can help save battery life particularly on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens. On these screens, black pixels are completely turned off, thus saving energy. However, the impact on devices with LCD screens is less significant since the backlight remains lit even when displaying dark colors.
Are there alternative extensions to Dark Reader for Firefox that can be used to enable dark mode?
Yes, aside from Dark Reader, Firefox users can try extensions like Midnight Lizard or Super Dark Mode, which offer similar functionalities. These extensions provide customizable settings to adjust color schemes, brightness, and contrast to suit individual preferences, ensuring a comfortable browsing experience across all websites, including Google Workspace apps.
Does enabling dark mode in browser extensions slow down my browsing experience?
While some users may experience a slight slowdown, this is largely dependent on the computer’s performance capabilities and the number of tabs open. Extensions like Dark Reader process web pages in real-time to apply dark themes, which can consume additional CPU resources. If performance issues arise, consider adjusting the extension’s settings or temporarily disabling it for complex websites.
Is it possible to activate dark mode on Google Workspace apps using Google Chrome on iOS?
While the specific Chrome flags for dark mode are not available on Chrome for iOS, users can enable dark mode in individual Google Workspace apps through each app’s settings if available, or use the system-wide dark mode settings on their iOS device, which will apply to all apps that support dark mode including Google Workspace apps.
Can I enable dark mode in Google Workspace apps while using Safari on a Mac?
Yes, enabling dark mode in macOS’s system preferences will affect Safari and subsequently any websites that support automatic dark mode switching, including Google Workspace apps. Alternatively, users can explore browser extensions that specifically apply dark themes to web content in Safari.
What are the benefits of using the ‘Simple HSL-based inversion’ for dark mode in Chrome flags?
The ‘Simple HSL-based inversion’ is effective as it modifies the hue, saturation, and lightness values of colors to generate a dark theme that maintains a balance between readability and visual comfort. This option avoids some of the color distortion typical of other inversion methods, making it a preferred choice for users who find sharp contrasts and color accuracy important.
How can productivity be affected by using dark mode in Google Workspace apps?
Using dark mode can lessen eye strain and reduce glare, particularly in low-light environments. This may help decrease visual fatigue, allowing users to work for longer periods without discomfort. Additionally, the reduced glare can make it easier to focus on text, potentially boosting concentration and productivity.
Does switching to dark mode affect document formatting in Google Docs or Sheets?
Dark mode changes only the user interface and display themes in Google Docs, Sheets, and other Workspace apps and does not impact the actual formatting of documents. The colors, fonts, and layout in your documents remain unchanged, ensuring consistency across different viewing modes and when printing.
Is there a way to automatically switch between dark and light modes based on time of day in Google Workspace apps?
Currently, Google Workspace apps do not automatically switch between dark and light modes based on time of day. Users need to manually adjust the theme settings either in each app’s preferences on mobile or by using system settings on desktop environments that support this feature.
Do all Google Workspace apps on Android have a dark mode option?
Most main Google Workspace apps on Android, such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive, support a dark mode setting. To enable it, users need to go into the app’s settings and select the theme option, although availability and exact settings might vary slightly depending on the app version and device.
Can dark mode reduce the glare from my screen?
Yes, dark mode significantly reduces the amount of light emitted by device screens, thereby cutting down on glare. This can make viewing screens in a dark environment more comfortable, with reduced risk of eye discomfort or fatigue, which is particularly beneficial during extended use.
How do I ensure dark mode is applied to all my opened tabs in Firefox when using an extension like Dark Reader?
To ensure dark mode is applied consistently across all open tabs in Firefox when using Dark Reader or similar extensions, go to the extension’s settings menu and select the option to apply the dark theme globally. Make sure to check the preferences within the extension to confirm that no exceptions are set for specific websites unless intended.
Will using dark mode in web apps like Google Docs interfere with how my documents print?
No, enabling dark mode on web apps affects only how content is displayed on the screen and does not alter the print settings. Documents will print according to their original formatting, ensuring that what is printed matches the intended document design and color scheme.
Is there a way to customize the degree of darkness or contrast when using dark mode on web browsers?
Yes, many browser extensions for dark mode, like Dark Reader, offer sliders or settings for adjusting brightness, contrast, and even sepia effect. These adjustments allow users to fine-tune how content is displayed, enhancing readability and comfort according to individual preferences.
Can enabling dark mode help with digital eyestrain if I use screens extensively?
Dark mode can be beneficial in reducing digital eyestrain by minimizing screen glare and decreasing the amount of bright light emitted, which helps relax the eyes during prolonged exposure to screens. This is particularly advantageous during evening hours or in dimly lit environments, potentially reducing the risk of headache and improving overall visual comfort.
Related: How to Enable Office Dark Mode for Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
Though Microsoft Office has a dark mode, you may have noticed that it doesn’t apply by default. You can enable Outlook dark mode, Word dark mode, and Excel dark mode by changing your theme in just one of the apps. In our other guide, we show you how to enable Microsoft Office dark mode for your desktop and online apps of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
Related: How to Make a Google Form / Google Survey
Google Forms is a web-based application that allows you to create and share online forms and use as a free survey maker with multiple question types. You can use Google Forms for various purposes, such as collecting feedback, conducting research, organizing events, testing knowledge, and more. Google Forms is part of the Google Workspace suite of productivity tools that integrates with other Google services like Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and Sheets. In our other guide, we show you how to create a Google Form, how to share your poll, and where you can view results.
Related: How to Change Default Font Style, Line Spacing, and Font Size in Google Docs
When you create a document with Google Docs, it defaults to a 1.15-spaced, 11pt Calibri to try to appeal to the widest range of people. The first thing many people do is change this manually each time. In this guide, we show you how to change the Google Docs default font, font size, and line spacing so you don’t have to. In our other guide, we show you how to change the default font, line spacing, font size, and more in Google Docs so you don’t have to manually tweak your settings each time.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:10 pm CET