On Macs, you have two appearance modes for controlling the look of applications and windows, Light Mode and Dark Mode. Both modes have their uses, and it can be helpful to switch between the two modes throughout the day.

Thankfully, macOS allows you to set your Mac to automatically switch between Light and Dark Mode, depending on the time of day. So, if you're interested in taking advantage of it, keep reading.

Overview of Light and Dark Modes in macOS

iMac macOS Dark Mode Finder Preview
Image Credit: Apple

Anyone who has used a Mac is familiar with Light Mode. It has been the default appearance setting for all applications, windows, and menus since before macOS Mojave. All menus and windows are white and brighter than in Dark Mode, and the text is black in applications.

Dark Mode was introduced with macOS Mojave and was a highly requested feature for years. It is popular among users who do a lot of their work at night since the dark menus and windows are easier on the eyes.

The native applications and menus in macOS use a nearly black color pallet to reduce eye irritation in dark environments. Third-party applications also support Dark Mode. For example, you can enable Dark Mode in applications such as Skype.

When Should You Use Each Mode?

Light Mode is best used during the day or in bright environments. It makes it easier to see your content in brighter conditions. This is especially true for people who want to read text content since it is displayed in black on a white background compared to white text on a black background.

Dark Mode is best for when you're in dark environments since it makes buttons, windows, and menus easier on the eyes. It is also arguably more aesthetically pleasing by having a dark background with white text on the screen. Colorful content, such as documents and photos, also stands out when you use Dark Mode.

How to Automatically Switch Between Light and Dark Mode

It's straightforward to change between the modes in macOS automatically. You can change the appearance of macOS through System Preferences. To do this, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open System Preferences, then click on General.
  2. Select Auto in the Appearance section.
General Tab in MacOS settings

Now that you have changed that setting, your Mac will now switch to Light Mode after sunrise, but after sunset, it'll start using Dark Mode, which is pretty neat.

If you use your computer throughout the day, you will appreciate this setting since it allows you to seamlessly switch between the two modes without having to do anything on your end. If you also use a Windows machine in addition to your Mac, you can learn how to schedule Light and Dark Mode in Windows 11.

Change Your macOS Appearance Seamlessly

Light and Dark Mode both have their purposes in macOS. Light Mode is excellent for bright conditions, especially outdoors, and Dark Mode is perfect for when you want to use your computer at night without causing strain to your eyes due to bright light.

So, changing the appearance of macOS and making the process automatic is one of the many ways you can customize your Mac.