How to Use Google Sheets in Dark Mode (on Mobile & Desktop)
A spreadsheet needs all your attention when trying to make sense of the data. Using Google Sheets in Dark Mode can help reduce digital eye strain, especially if you work in a darkened room at night. Here are a few ways to use Google Sheets in Dark Mode on your mobile and desktop.
How to Switch Google Sheets to Dark Mode in Mobile
A single Google Sheets setting enables you to view and use Google Sheets in dark mode on Android and iOS. The steps below are on iOS, though they are similar for Android and iOS. Note that the dark mode setting is applied to all the spreadsheets in the Google Sheet app and not to an individual sheet.
The Google Sheets app will take on theSystem Defaulttheme according to the option chosen in your mobile settings. So, don’t forget to check the default mobile theme setting too.
View an Individual Google spreadsheet in the Light Mode
The dark theme can also be applied to all spreadsheets within the Google Sheets app. While you can’t enable the dark theme for a specific spreadsheet, you can view one spreadsheet with the light theme (and vice-versa) when you want to.
Use the System Dark Mode Settings in iOS and Android.
you’re able to use the system settings to use every app on your phone in dark mode. Of course, this system-wide switch also brings the dark mode to your spreadsheets if the System Default option is enabled in the Google Sheets app. The instructions below are on iOS.
Both iOS and Android phones (depending on the version) have features that use a schedule to set a dark theme. On an iPhone,select the schedule for the Night Shift. On an Android, you’re able to alsoset a custom schedule for the Dark mode or Dark theme.
How to Use Google Sheets in Dark Mode on the Desktop
Google Chrome or Google Sheets doesn’t offer the same flexibility with the dark mode on the desktop. Even a system-wide change to the Dark Mode from Windows Settings doesn’t affect the colors on the spreadsheet. But here are a couple of workarounds that can help you relax into your spreadsheets on the desktop.
Use Experimental Chrome Flags
Chrome doesn’t yet have a default setting for using dark mode on the desktop. The experimental Chrome flags are a workaround with a limitation. The dark theme changes only the Menu and a few other interface features. Unfortunately, the main spreadsheet remains white.
Note:Ensure all your work is saved before you relaunch the browser.
As mentioned, you won’t be able to view the cell data in dark mode even though the background of other web pages turns dark with white text. Though, the pseudo-dark mode does help to focus your attention on the spreadsheet by darkening the interface. To revert the mode to default, follow the same steps again to arrive at the Chrome flag.
Use a Dark Mode Chrome Extension
Dark mode Chrome extensions are handy ways toturn Google Sheets into their darker avatars. A few extensions are available on the Google Web Store. So, do try them individually. TheNight Eye Chromeextension comes well recommended.
Install theNight Eye extensionfrom Chrome’s Web Store. Refresh Google Sheets; the free extension will automatically turn open pages on your tabs to dark mode.
The Night Eye extension also works across all popular browsers. Available sight-protection features include a blue light filter and other customization options. For instance, you can choose from three modes:Dark,Filtered, andNormal.
Use an Alternate Browser for Dark Mode
Opera has anin-built Dark Mode setting. It can also “force” a dark theme on pages that don’t natively support it. This feature can turn the menu and the other interface elements dark. However, the main sheet stays on the light theme.
Does Using Google Sheets in Dark Mode Improve Your Focus?
The jury’s still out on using the dark mode to eliminate the blue light from screens. Research says it has minimal effect. But we can be sure that the dark mode does help to reduce squinting when we strive to look at reams of data in a darkened room. Ultimately, your mileage may vary depending on your work and the environment you are in. Try Google Sheets with the dark mode turned on and see if you find it easier to read data in the dark.
If you want to switch from light mode to dark mode in Windows 11, it’s possible to do so in a few easy steps.
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