Do you find yourself glued to your iPhone or Mac computer, reading cool stuff online? But, after a while, do your eyes feel like they’ve just run a marathon? Trust me, it’s not just you. That super bright screen and teeny-tiny letters can be tough on our eyes. They might make you squint, give you a headache, or even make you lose focus.
Guess what? Windows users have had this cool feature called “Dark Mode” for ages. It’s like giving your eyes a comfy blanket at night. And the great news? Now, it’s our turn! Yep, if you’re using Safari on your iOS device, you can jump on the Dark Mode train too. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to turn on this eye-friendly mode. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Safari’s Native Dark Mode Function
Did you know Safari, even the older versions, has a secret superpower? Yep, it’s called Dark Mode! This feature is like a superhero for our eyes, especially when reading. But here’s the thing, this superhero can’t save every website. Some websites might not look dark even if you switch on Dark Mode. But hey, that’s okay! We have some tricks up our sleeve.
For Those with the Latest macOS:
If you’ve got one of the newer macOS versions, here’s a step-by-step guide to activate Safari’s Dark Mode:
- Look at the top-left corner of your Mac. See the Apple icon 🍎? Click on it.
- Now, click on System Preferences.
- Find and click on General.
- Under the Themes section, choose Dark.
- Open up Safari. Voila! The internet should now look cozy and dark.
But Wait, What If I Don’t Have Dark Mode?
Don’t worry! Safari has another cool feature called ‘Reader View’. It’s like a magic wand that can darken some pages for you. Here’s how to use it:
- Open Safari and go to your favorite website.
- Spot the Reader tab? Tap on it. If you can’t find it, no worries. Just click on View and then Show Reader.
- After tapping the Reader tab, click on the little aA icon. From the options that pop up, select the dark view. And there you go!
Remember, this might not work on every webpage. It’s best for blogs or articles. But don’t fret! If this doesn’t work, we’ve got even more ways to help you out.
Night Eye for Safari
So, Safari’s built-in dark mode and Reader View aren’t enough for you? No worries! There’s another awesome tool out there called “Night Eye for Safari”. Think of it as a special pair of sunglasses for your browser! This tool lets you take charge and choose which websites you want to see in dark mode.
The best part? It’s available in the App Store! However, while downloading it is free, there’s a little catch. If you decide to fully dive into all of its features, it will cost $39.99 each year. But if you’re thinking, “Hey, I only need dark mode for a few sites,” they’ve got you covered with a free version called ‘NightEye Lite’. This lets you pick up to five websites to wear those special sunglasses. Plus, it’s got some cool features like full image support and the ability to use it across different platforms.
Ready to give it a try? Let’s set it up!
Download Night Eye for Safari
Head over to your Mac’s App Store and search for “Night Eye for Safari”. Then, hit the download button.
Activate the Extension
Once it’s downloaded, open the Night Eye extension. See the dark mode option? Tap on it. And just like magic, your website will be wrapped in a dark, cozy blanket! Now, if there’s a site that you’d like to see in its original colors (without the dark mode), it’s easy-peasy. Just tap the Night Eye extension again and pick “Normal.”
The cherry on top? People love this tool! It’s got fantastic reviews. And if you ever run into any bumps along the way, they have a 24/7 support team ready to help you out. It’s definitely worth checking out if you want to keep your eyes comfy while browsing!
Nightlight for Safari
There’s another star player in the game for keeping our eyes comfy while surfing the web. It’s called “Nightlight for Safari”. If Night Eye sounded cool, wait till you hear about Nightlight!
This isn’t just any regular browser tool; it’s like your browser’s best buddy! It’s designed for everyone using macOS 10.13 or newer. And the best part? It’s totally free! Plus, it’s a lightweight addition, so it won’t slow down your surfing speed.
Here’s the super cool part about Nightlight: It’s got a brain of its own! (Well, sort of!) With its timer settings, you can set it and forget it. What does that mean? Instead of you having to switch it on and off, Nightlight does the work. At night, it’ll dim things down and give your browser a cozy, dark look. And when the sun’s up? It’ll brighten things up again! It’s like having automatic headlights but for your browser.
So, if you’re the kind of person who forgets to switch off the lights (or in this case, dark mode), Nightlight’s got your back. Give it a try, and let your browser experience the magic of day and night!
Using Dark Mode in Safari on iPad and iPhone
If you’re always on your iPad or iPhone, checking out the latest on the web, I’ve got some awesome news for you. Safari, on these devices, has a neat little feature that’s like a soft pillow for your eyes, especially when it’s bedtime. Wanna learn how to switch it on? Follow me!
Step-By-Step to Cozy Browsing:
- Open Safari: Find that Safari icon on your iPad or iPhone and tap it to open.
- Pick Your Website: Head to any website where you’d like to enjoy some nighttime reading.
- Spot the “Reader Mode” Button: Look at the search bar. See a button that says “Reader Mode”? Tap on it!
- Click on the “Text Button”: It’s usually an “aA” symbol. Found it? Great! Give it a tap.
- Choose Your Look: You’ll see some theme options pop up. They have cool names like Normal, Grey, Slightly Yellow, and the superstar – Dark.
- Dive into the Dark: Go ahead and tap on “Dark”. Watch as the screen gets its cozy nighttime look.
And that’s it! Remember, every time you jump onto a new site and want that same cozy feel, just follow these steps again. Happy night-reading on your iOS device!
Dark Mode on macOS Mojave & Catalina
Alright, Mac lovers! If you’ve been waiting to dive into the dark side (in a good way), your patience has finally paid off. If you’ve got macOS Mojave or Catalina on your computer, the journey to Dark Mode is super simple. But hey, if you’re on an older macOS, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered, too.
- Click on that cute Apple logo 🍎 in the top-left corner to open the Apple menu.
- Dive into “System Preferences.”
- Now, hit “General.”
- In the “Appearance” section, spot “Dark”? Click on it. And bam! Your Safari will now show sites with cool black backgrounds.
Dark Mode and Other Apps
Guess what? Dark Mode isn’t a one-trick pony. It can jazz up other apps on your Mac too!
- Maps: Fancy dark maps? With Dark Mode on, go to Maps. Then hit “View” and choose “Use Dark Map.” Now, navigating places will feel like a night adventure!
- Mail: Wanna read your emails in the original, light mode? Open Mail, click on “Mail” then “Preferences.” Under the “Viewing” tab, just uncheck “Use dark backgrounds for messages.”
- Notes: If you’re jotting down thoughts in Notes, it’ll have a dark background with Dark Mode. Not a fan? Go to “Preferences” in Notes and un-tick “Use dark backgrounds for note content.”
- TextEdit: For those times you’re penning your thoughts in TextEdit, go to “View” and choose “Use Dark Background for Windows” to dive into Dark Mode.
- Safari: Remember, with Dark Mode active, most sites in Safari will rock a dark look. But some might play hard to get and not switch. For those, just use the Safari Reader, and you’re all set.
So, go on, mix and match, and see which apps you love in Dark Mode. And let’s keep our eyes happy and comfy!
Conclusion
Alright, digital explorers! We’ve journeyed through the ins and outs of Dark Mode, from iPhones and iPads to macOS Mojave and Catalina. Whether you’re aiming to give your eyes a break, save battery, or simply jazz up your device, Dark Mode is a stylish and practical choice.
Remember, it’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about comfort, usability, and tailoring your experience to fit your needs and environment. The beauty of technology is that it evolves with us, and Dark Mode is just one of the many ways it does.
So, next time you’re settling into your evening routine, diving into a late-night work session, or just browsing your favorite websites, don’t forget to flip the switch and immerse yourself in the soothing embrace of Dark Mode.
Here’s to clearer views, comfy eyes, and a tailored tech experience. Happy browsing in the dark!
