How to enable Notion dark mode

Notion has a built-in dark mode you can activate from Settings → Preferences → Appearance, or toggle instantly with Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + L.

Notion’s dark mode offers a visually appealing and potentially less eye-straining alternative to the default light theme. Whether you prefer it for aesthetics or comfort, switching is quick and easy.

This article will also guide you through the simple steps to enable dark mode in Notion on different platforms.

Quick shortcut: Enable and disable Notion’s dark mode on Windows and macOS with Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + L.

What is Notion’s dark mode?

So, what’s the deal with dark mode? Simply put, it flips Notion’s colors to a darker theme with light text.

Many people find this easier on the eyes, especially when it’s dark or you’ve been staring at a screen for a while. Plus, it might even help save battery on some devices.

How to enable Notion dark mode on desktop (Mac/Windows/Web)

1. Open settings

Open the Notion app and click Settings in the left sidebar.

2. Select dark mode

In the settings panel, go to Preferences, find the Appearance dropdown, and select Dark.

Your Notion interface should now switch to dark mode. To go back, select Light or Use system setting from the same dropdown.

How to enable Notion dark mode on mobile (iOS/Android)

1. Open the configuration menu

Once you’ve opened the Notion app, locate the three dots icon at the top right of the screen.

2. Enter settings

Tap Settings.

3. Scroll down to appearance

Scroll down to Appearance and tap Use system setting or Light, depending on your active option.

4. Select the dark option

Tap Dark in the drop-down menu.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully activated the Notion dark mode on your mobile device.

What are Notion’s dark mode color codes?

These are the hex color codes for the Notion dark mode:

• Main window: #2F3438
• Sidebar: #373C3F
• Hover items: #3F4448
• Text color: #FFFFFF

What are the benefits of using Notion’s dark mode?

Notion’s dark mode offers several advantages, particularly to those who spend significant time working within the platform. Here are the key benefits:

1. Reduced eye strain

One of the most significant benefits of dark mode is its potential to reduce eye strain, especially in low-light environments.

The reduced amount of light emitted from the screen can make it more comfortable to view for extended periods. This is particularly helpful for users who work late at night or in dimly lit rooms.

2. Reduced blue light exposure

While the science is still evolving, some studies suggest that dark mode may help reduce blue light exposure.

Blue light emitted from screens has been linked to sleep disruption and eye strain. While dark mode doesn’t eliminate blue light entirely, it may reduce the overall amount emitted.

3. Improved focus

Some find that dark mode helps them focus better by minimizing distractions.

The darker background can create a more calming and less stimulating visual environment, allowing users to concentrate on their work more effectively.

4. Extended battery life on some devices

For devices with OLED screens, dark mode can contribute to battery life savings.

OLED screens work by illuminating individual pixels, and black pixels are essentially turned off. Therefore, displaying a predominantly dark interface requires less power than a light interface.

5. Aesthetically pleasing

Many users simply prefer the look of dark mode. It can create a sleek and modern aesthetic, and some find it more visually appealing than the default light mode.

Learn more: Notion covers and headers: sites, tools, and sizes

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Notion’s dark mode reduces eye strain and gives your workspace a sleeker look. Toggle it with Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + L, or set it to follow your system theme so you never have to think about it.

For more ways to customize Notion, explore widgets that add clocks, timers, and weather to your pages, or browse browser extensions for extra theme controls and UI tweaks. If you want to take visual customization further, check out the guide to Notion covers and headers.

To connect your Notion workspace with external tools like Google Calendar or Todoist, 2sync offers seamless two-way sync with Google Calendar and Todoist.