How to Enable Google Docs Dark Mode on Safari

Google Docs is a fantastic tool for creating and sharing documents online, but staring at a bright screen for hours can be tough on the eyes. That's where dark mode comes in, offering a more eye-friendly alternative. If you're using Safari as your browser and want to enable Google Docs dark mode, you're in the right place. Let's walk through how to get this set up, step by step, so you can work comfortably day or night.

Why Dark Mode?

Before we jump into the steps, it's important to understand why dark mode is so popular. Many users find that dark mode reduces eye strain, especially in low-light environments. It's not just about aesthetics, it can genuinely make your screen time more comfortable. Plus, if you're like me and tend to work late into the night, dark mode can be a real lifesaver.

Beyond the comfort factor, dark mode can also help conserve battery life on devices with OLED screens. This is because it uses fewer pixels to create dark backgrounds compared to bright ones. Whether you're a night owl, a battery saver, or just enjoy the sleek look of a darker screen, enabling dark mode in Google Docs on Safari might be just what you need.

Adjusting Safari's Settings

Safari, Apple's default web browser, has a built-in dark mode feature that works across many websites. Here's how you can adjust your settings to take advantage of this:

1. First, ensure your Mac is running macOS Mojave or later, as dark mode is only available on these versions.
2. Click on the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
3. Choose General from the list of options.
4. Look for the Appearance section at the top and select Dark to enable system-wide dark mode.

Once you've set your Mac to dark mode, Safari should automatically display compatible websites in a darker theme. However, Google Docs might not follow suit immediately, requiring a few extra steps.

Using Safari Extensions

Since Google Docs doesn't natively support dark mode on Safari, using an extension is a practical workaround. Extensions like "Dark Reader" can help with this. Here's how you can set it up:

1. Head over to the Mac App Store and download Dark Reader for Safari.
2. Once installed, open your Safari browser and navigate to the Preferences menu.
3. Click on the Extensions tab to find Dark Reader.
4. Enable the extension by checking the box next to its name.
5. Customize your dark mode settings by clicking on the Dark Reader icon in your Safari toolbar. You can adjust brightness, contrast, and other settings to your liking.

With Dark Reader enabled, Google Docs should now appear in dark mode. This extension is quite customizable, allowing you to tweak the appearance until it's just right for your eyes.

Google Docs Dark Mode on Mobile Safari

If you're working on an iPhone or iPad, enabling dark mode for Google Docs is a bit different. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Display & Brightness.
3. Select Dark to switch your device to dark mode.
4. Open Google Docs in your Safari browser. While the interface may still be light, the document editor should adopt a darker theme if you have system-wide dark mode enabled.

It's worth noting that the mobile version of Google Docs doesn't offer the same flexibility as the desktop version, but this method should at least help reduce some of the brightness.

Exploring Google Docs Settings

While Google Docs doesn't have a built-in dark mode toggle in its settings, there are a few tweaks you can make to improve your viewing experience. Although these changes won't fully convert your screen to dark mode, they can help reduce glare:

• Background Color: Adjust the background color of your documents to a light gray instead of stark white. This can soften the appearance without affecting your text's visibility.
• Text Color: If you're adjusting the background, ensure your text color provides enough contrast to remain readable. A dark gray or black works best.

Remember, these changes will affect how your document appears to others if shared, so use them thoughtfully.

Using CSS for Customization

If you're comfortable with a bit of coding, you can customize Google Docs' appearance with CSS. This method requires some technical know-how, but it's a powerful way to personalize your experience:

1. Open your Safari browser and go to Preferences.
2. Under the Advanced tab, check the box for Show Develop menu in menu bar.
3. Open Google Docs and click on the Develop menu, then choose Show Web Inspector.
4. In the Web Inspector, navigate to the Elements tab.
5. Here, you can add custom CSS to change the background and text colors. For example, use

body { background-color: #121212, color: #FFFFFF, }

to create a dark mode effect.

This customization will only apply while you have the Web Inspector open. For a permanent change, you'd need to apply these styles through an extension like Dark Reader.

Considering Alternatives

If you find these methods too cumbersome or limited, you might consider alternatives like Spell. Spell offers an AI-powered document editor that's not just about dark mode. It provides a seamless experience with built-in AI to draft, edit, and collaborate on documents.

Imagine having all the functionality of Google Docs but with AI doing the heavy lifting. From generating drafts to refining your text, Spell makes document creation faster and more efficient. Plus, it's designed to be intuitive, saving you time and effort.

Staying Up-to-Date

Technology is always evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest features and tools can significantly enhance your workflow. Keep an eye on updates from Google and Apple, as they frequently release new features that might include native dark mode support for Google Docs in Safari.

Joining forums and online communities can also be helpful. Engaging with other users can provide valuable insights and tips you might not find elsewhere. Plus, it's a great way to share your own discoveries and get feedback from others.

Experimenting with Other Browsers

If Safari isn't giving you the dark mode experience you're after, it might be worth exploring other browsers. Chrome and Firefox offer more extensive extension libraries and might provide a more straightforward solution for enabling dark mode in Google Docs.

Both browsers support extensions like Dark Reader, and their flexibility in customization can offer a more satisfying dark mode experience. Switching browsers might seem like a big step, but if you're working extensively in Google Docs, it could enhance your productivity and comfort.

Final Thoughts

Enabling dark mode for Google Docs on Safari involves a few steps, but the result is a more comfortable and visually appealing workspace. Whether you go with a Safari extension, tweak your CSS, or switch to an alternative like Spell, which provides an AI-powered document creation experience, you're sure to find a solution that fits your needs. With these tools and tips, you can enjoy a more enjoyable and productive time working on your documents.