How to Enable Dark Mode in WordPress? (3 Methods Explained)

In recent years, Dark Mode has become increasingly popular among the internet users around the world. It’s easier on the eyes in low-light conditions and ensures better battery life for those with OLED screens. Plus, it’s more aesthetically-appealing to a wider audience.

Implementing dark mode on your WordPress website doesn’t have to be a complex process. You can take care of it with a simple CSS customization, through dedicated WordPress plugins, or even using a theme.

In this blog, I’ll show you how the professional WordPress development services improve the user experience with this feature. Let’s begin.

What is Dark Mode?

Dark Mode is a display setting that inverts the traditional color scheme of a website or application. Instead of dark text on a light background, dark mode presents light-colored text and elements on a dark background.

This shift can offer several advantages. Many users find it easier on the eyes, especially in low-light conditions. It can also reduce eye strain and improve battery life on devices with OLED screens.

How to Enable Dark Mode on Your Site?

Enabling dark mode on your WordPress site can be done using three methods. That includes using a dark mode plugin, via custom CSS and JavaScript, or using a theme with built-in dark mode. Here are the steps for each method:

Method 1: Using a Dark Mode Plugin

If your current theme doesn’t offer dark mode, you can easily add the functionality using a plugin. Here’s how:

Step 1: Choose a Dark Mode plugin

There are several dark mode plugins available in the official WordPress repository. Some popular options include:

• WP Dark Mode
• Darklup
• Dark Mode Toggle

Choose the best plugin by considering factors like their reviews and ratings.

Step 2: Install the plugin

To install the plugin, you can follow the below steps:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
3. In the search bar, type the name of the plugin you want to install (Here we will use WP Dark Mode).
4. Click Install Now and then Activate.

Step 3: Configure the Plugin Settings

Once you have installed and activated the plugin, now you need to configure its settings. For that:

1. Navigate to Settings > WP Dark Mode (or the respective plugin settings).
2. Customize the settings according to your preferences. You can enable auto dark mode, set a toggle switch for users, or customize the appearance.
3. After making the changes, save them.

Step 4: Test Your Site

Visit your site to see dark mode in action. Ensure that the dark mode toggle works correctly and that the content is displayed as expected.

This method is ideal for users who need a quick and easy way to enable dark mode without needing to code. It is suitable for beginners and those who prefer using pre-built solutions.

Method 2: Using a Theme with Built-in Dark Mode

Many modern WordPress themes now have built-in dark mode functionality. Here’s how to activate it:

Step 1: Theme Selection

Explore theme marketplaces or your theme developer’s website. Choose the best WordPress theme that specifically advertise dark mode support.

Step 2: Theme Settings Activation

After installing the theme, navigate to its settings panel within your WordPress dashboard. Look for options related to “Appearance,” “Customization,” or theme-specific settings. There should be a toggle or option to enable dark mode. By clicking on the toggle button, dark mode will be enabled on your site.

You can choose to go with this method if your theme includes built-in dark mode support. Plus, it doesn’t need the support of any plugin or coding, making it simpler to use.

Method 3: Manual Implementation via Custom CSS and JavaScript

If you’re comfortable with code, you might explore custom CSS solutions. This method lets you customize the dark mode color as per your preference. Here is how you can implement it:

Step 1: Adding Custom CSS for Dark Mode

You can manually create a dark mode by adding custom CSS to your site. Here’s an example of basic CSS for dark mode:

body.dark-mode {

    background-color: #121212;

    color: #ffffff;

}

header.dark-mode, footer.dark-mode, .content.dark-mode {

    background-color: #1e1e1e;

}

The .content.dark-mode class should be placed within your HTML code on the elements that you want to style as part of the dark mode theme. For example:

<div class="content.dark-mode">

</div>

You can add the above code in the Additional CSS file, which is located in Appearance > Customize of your WordPress dashboard.

Step 2: Creating a Dark Mode function

You can add a JavaScript snippet to enable users to switch between light and dark modes. Here’s an example of a basic JavaScript toggle:

function toggleDarkMode() {

    document.body.classList.toggle('dark-mode');

}

document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {

    var darkModeToggle = document.createElement('button');

    darkModeToggle.innerHTML = 'Toggle Dark Mode';

    darkModeToggle.onclick = toggleDarkMode;

    document.body.appendChild(darkModeToggle);

});

Here, we created the toggleDarkMode() function for our site

Step 3: Add JavaScript for Dark Mode Toggle

To add JavaScript to your site:

• Go to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor.
• Select your theme’s functions.php file.
• Add the JavaScript code inside a <script> tag.

Here is a sample code that you can add inside the script tag:

function add_dark_mode_script() {

    echo '

    <script>

    function toggleDarkMode() {

        document.body.classList.toggle("dark-mode");

    }

    document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() {

        var darkModeToggle = document.createElement("button");

        darkModeToggle.innerHTML = "Toggle Dark Mode";

        darkModeToggle.onclick = toggleDarkMode;

        document.body.appendChild(darkModeToggle);

    });

    </script>

    ';

}

add_action('wp_footer', 'add_dark_mode_script');

Step 4: Save the changes

Once you add this code, save the changes that you have made to ensure the dark mode toggle works as intended.

If you want more control over customization and have basic coding skills, this method could be a good choice. To get a customized dark mode for your site, consider hiring WordPress developers.

By choosing any of the above methods, you can effectively enable dark mode on your site.

Benefits of Using Dark Mode on Your WordPress

Dark mode has become a popular feature across websites and applications, and for good reason. Here’s how incorporating dark mode on your WordPress site can enhance your site visitor’s experience:

• Reduced Eye Strain: One of the most significant benefits is the reduction of eye strain. Staring at bright screens, particularly in low-light conditions, can cause fatigue. Dark mode’s darker background with lighter text makes it a better choice for extended browsing sessions.
• Improved Readability: In some cases, dark mode can actually improve readability.  High-contrast color schemes with dark backgrounds and bright text can enhance focus on the content. This makes it easier for visitors to read information.
• Modern Aesthetic: Dark mode is a trendy design choice that projects a modern look and feel. It can add a touch of elegance to your website, making it look more visually appealing to a larger audience.
• Increased User Comfort: By offering a dark mode option, you cater to user preferences. Some users only prefer the dark mode, and offering this choice makes your site comfortable for them.
• Potential Battery Savings: For visitors using mobile devices with OLED displays, dark mode can potentially improve battery life. Since OLED displays turn off black pixels completely, displaying a dark website uses less power compared to a light theme.

Overall, using dark mode on your WordPress site can be excellent for the user experience and energy efficiency. You can hire our WordPress development experts to incorporate this feature on your website effectively.

Best Practices for Testing Dark Mode on WordPress Site

Implementing dark mode can enhance user experience, but ensuring it functions flawlessly requires thorough testing. Here are some best practices you can follow:

• Cross-Browser Compatibility: Test dark mode functionality across various browsers on desktop and mobile devices. Ensure consistent appearance and behavior across all platforms.
• Device Responsiveness: Verify that dark mode adapts correctly to various screen sizes and resolutions. Text, images, and layout elements should be displayed properly on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Interactive Elements: Test interactive elements like buttons, menus, and forms in dark mode. Make sure they are visible, have sufficient contrast, and function as expected.
• User Toggle: If your dark mode offers a user toggle, test its functionality. The toggle should seamlessly switch between light and dark modes without any glitches or lagging.
• Image Visibility: Ensure images display correctly in dark mode. Some images might require adjustments for optimal visibility against a dark background.

Choose our professional WordPress development company to get the best of dark mode and other UX-enhancing features on your website.

FAQs About Enabling Dark Mode on WordPress

Conclusion

Enabling dark mode on WordPress enhances user experience with additional benefits like power saving. You can choose a method by considering these factors:

• Use the Dark Mode Plugin if: You prefer an easy, quick setup with customizable options and minimal coding. Plugins are ideal for users seeking simplicity and regular updates.
• Use Theme with Built-In Dark Mode if: You’re building a new site or redesigning it and want an integrated solution without extra plugins.
• Manually Implement it via Custom CSS and JavaScript if: You need full control over dark mode’s appearance and functionality. Plus you have basic coding skills to write and edit CSS and JavaScript code.

Or, you can hire our WordPress professionals to build the best website with advanced user-friendly features like dark mode and more.