Dark Mode in web design: when and how to use it
Dark Mode was considered a "fad" until recently, but in 2025 it became a standard and one of the key trends in modern UX and web design[1][5]. If you're still not sure whether you need dark mode on your website, this article will help you figure out when to use it, how to implement it technically and avoid pitfalls, and most importantly, how to make the interface friendly to every user.
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What is Dark Mode and why is it important?
Dark Mode is a mode in which dark colors (from dark gray to almost black) become the main background of the interface, while text and important elements are light and bright[1][3]. It seems like a simple move: change the background and you're done. But in fact, this approach is deeper and is based on how people perceive information from the screen in different conditions.
Why did dark mode become a standard?
- Reduced eye fatigue. Dark backgrounds and less blue light help reduce eye strain, especially at dusk or in low light[3][5].
- Improved energy efficiency. For devices with OLED/AMOLED displays, the use of dark colors significantly saves battery power[1][3].
- Proximity to trends. A modern interface with dark mode seems to be a premium. This design is more visually appealing to many users, and colors and elements stand out better[3].
- Personalization of the experience. Users expect to be able to customize their appearance to suit their needs - for comfort day or night[2][5].
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For whom and when to implement Dark Mode?
1. Your main traffic is mobile devices or young people
82% of mobile users choose the dark interface, and this figure is even higher for young people[5]. If a website or app is aimed at a modern, "on-screen" audience, dark mode is almost a must-have option.
2. Watching content for many hours
Media services, social networks, online stores, and reading platforms where users spend most of the day or even night should support dark mode to minimize fatigue and increase loyalty[1][3].
3. Services for digital professionals
Platforms for developers, designers, and marketers often provide dark themes by default (examples include GitHub, Figma, Twitter) because professionals work with the screen for hours, and a dark interface is perceived as a professional standard[5].
4. Multi-platform services and B2B
For platforms that operate on both computers and mobile devices, and for the B2B segment as well, dark mode is a sign of user care and modernity.
But! Not every theme can withstand the "gloomy" atmosphere of dark mode. For example, some women's clothing marketplaces, children's brands, or educational platforms for kids often use a classic light interface to create a light and positive mood.
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Advantages and disadvantages of dark mode
Main advantages:
- Reducing eye strain and increasing viewing comfort at night or in low light[3][5].
- Saves battery on smartphones with OLED displays.
- Modern and solid look of the site.
- Highlighting of accents and improved perception of bright colors.
Potential disadvantages:
- It can impair readability if the colors are not selected correctly and the contrast is insufficient[2][4].
- Problems with perception for people with certain visual impairments (some users in dark mode have a harder time reading text or cannot see certain shades)[4].
- Graphics and images - not all visual elements are equally effective on dark and light backgrounds; some illustrations and formats (for example, JPG without transparency) look incorrect[4].
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Best Practices: how to implement Dark Mode correctly
1. Clarity and contrast:
Do not use pure black (#000) or bright white (#fff). For dark backgrounds, noble dark grays (#121212, #1E1E1E) are better, and for text, use pale grays or soft whites (#E0E0E0)[5]. This reduces the sharpness of the contrast and helps to avoid eye fatigue.
2. Preservation of readability:
Text elements should remain easy to read in both modes, and it is important to ensure that fonts have sufficient contrast and visibility[2].
3. Correct work with graphics:
Use illustrations with transparency (SVG, PNG, WebP). Photos with light backgrounds can look unnatural or have a "halo effect"[4].
4. Use of depth:
To create a sense of layering and highlight elements in a dark interface, use different shades of gray for the background and the lightest shades for elements closer to the user (modals, cards, etc.)[4].
5. Dynamic adaptation to the system theme:
Websites should automatically track system settings via CSS media query:
"`css
@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
body {
background-color: #121212;
color: #e0e0e0;
}
}
“`
This way, the site "senses" the user's preference at the browser or OS level[5].
6. Selections for the user:
Allow users to switch between light and dark themes manually. Not everyone chooses dark mode all the time - some people turn it on only at night, others never[2].
7. Testing on different devices:
Check how all elements look on different screens and platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and major browsers[2].
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UX tips: unobvious nuances
- Don't make dark mode "just for show". Insufficient attention to detail (shadows, cards, pop-ups) will lead to strange visual effects. Simple plugins do not always take into account all the complexity[4].
- When working with photos in news, blogs, etc., add blackouts, frames, or special effects to make your photos blend in with the dark palette.
- Don't forget about accessibility: check your palette with special contrast checkers. Not all people perceive dark mode equally comfortably[2].
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Dark topic: a trend that remains
In 2025, dark mode is not a "tasty option" but a must-have in the digital world[1][5]. It is already a social requirement, an indicator of attentiveness to the user, a sign of modern thinking in design and business.
But it is important: implement the dark theme not only as a "stylish feature" but as a function for real comfortable use in various scenarios. If you implement it responsibly, both the user and the brand will benefit - through positive experience, trust, and more frequent return to the platform.
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Trendy, caring and energy-efficient design - that's what a real dark mode is!
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Tags: dark mode, web design, UX, UI, 2025 trends, responsive design, accessibility, energy efficiency, usability, digital trends
META: Dark Mode in Web Design 2025 - when to choose and how to implement a dark theme to improve UX, modern look, and battery life.
