Notion's night mode, a feature beloved by many, can sometimes feel like an unwanted guest when you're in the mood for a brighter workspace. Maybe you're working during the day and prefer the crisp contrast of a light mode. Or perhaps the darker layout just isn't your style. Whatever the reason, if you're looking to turn off night mode on Notion, you're in the right place. We'll walk through the steps and explore some additional tips to make your Notion experience as comfortable as possible.
Why Use Night Mode in the First Place?
Before we get into switching back to light mode, let's chat about why night mode exists. It's designed to reduce eye strain by offering a darker color scheme, which is particularly beneficial in low-light environments. This can help minimize the glare from your screen, making it easier on your eyes during those late-night working hours.
Night mode is also a favorite for those who enjoy a sleek, modern aesthetic. The darker palette can make text pop and can be less distracting if you're trying to focus on the content rather than the layout. However, like with anything, personal preference plays a huge role. Some folks find the dark mode more comfortable, while others prefer the traditional light mode.
Switching Off Night Mode: The Quick Steps
Alright, on to the main event: turning off night mode. Notion makes this change straightforward, so you'll be back to your preferred setup in no time. Here's how to do it:
- Open Notion: Fire up your Notion app or go to the web version.
- Access Settings: In the top left corner, click on "Settings & Members." It's the little gear icon that holds the key to your customization options.
- Select Appearance: Under "Settings," you'll find an option labeled "Appearance." Click on it to see your display options.
- Choose Light Mode: You'll see options for "Light," "Dark," and "System." Choose "Light" to switch off night mode. If you select "System," Notion will follow your device's default setting, which might be useful if you frequently switch between light and dark modes on your device.
And just like that, you're back to a brighter workspace. The change happens instantly, so you can continue your work without missing a beat.
When Light Mode Might Be Better
While night mode has its perks, there are times when switching to light mode makes more sense. For instance, if you're working in a well-lit environment, sticking with light mode can reduce the contrast between your screen and the surroundings. This might help reduce eye strain.
Also, if you're working on design projects or anything that requires color accuracy, light mode might give you a better representation of how colors will look in print or on other screens. The high contrast in night mode can sometimes skew your perception of colors, which might be problematic if you're working in graphic design or similar fields.
Interestingly enough, light mode might also be a better choice for collaborative work environments. If you're projecting your screen during a meeting or sharing your screen with others, the brighter interface can be easier for everyone to see, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Literally.

Customizing Your Notion Workspace
Notion's customization options don't stop at just light and dark mode. You can tweak a variety of settings to make your workspace truly your own. Here are a few tips to take your customization to the next level:
- Change Fonts: Notion offers a few different font options to suit your style. Go back to "Settings & Members," then "Appearance," and choose a font that feels right for you.
- Adjust Page Width: If you prefer a narrower or wider page, Notion allows you to adjust the page width in the same "Appearance" section. This can be especially useful if you're working with detailed tables or wide content.
- Use Emojis and Icons: Spruce up your pages by adding emojis and icons. It's a great way to make your workspace feel more personal and fun.
These small tweaks can make a big difference in how comfortable and efficient your Notion workspace feels. Even minor adjustments can lead to a more enjoyable and productive experience.
Dealing with System Preferences
As mentioned earlier, Notion offers a "System" option that aligns with your device's display settings. This can be handy if you often switch between light and dark modes based on the time of day or your environment. However, it might not be the best choice if you want consistency across different devices.
To ensure that Notion looks the same no matter where you access it, stick with manually choosing either light or dark mode within the app. This can prevent unexpected changes that might occur if your device's settings change automatically.
For those who love the convenience of automation, keeping Notion synced with your system preferences could be an interesting option to explore. Just be mindful of how it impacts your workflow and comfort.
The Impact of Night Mode on Productivity
There's a lot of debate around whether night mode actually boosts productivity. Some studies suggest that darker interfaces can help improve focus by reducing screen glare and eye fatigue. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Your productivity might be more influenced by other factors such as the type of work you're doing, your environment, and personal preferences. If you're someone who thrives in a bright workspace, then light mode might actually be more conducive to getting things done.
It seems that the best approach is to experiment with both modes and observe how they affect your productivity. Do you find yourself more focused in night mode? Or does light mode keep you more alert? There's no right or wrong answer, just what works best for you.
Tools Like Spell for Enhanced Productivity
While we're on the topic of productivity, let's talk about Spell. It's an AI-powered document editor that can drastically cut down the time it takes to create high-quality documents. With Spell, you can draft, edit, and refine documents using natural language, making it a fantastic option for those who often find themselves juggling multiple projects.
Imagine drafting a report in seconds and editing it with simple prompts. Spell allows you to do just that, turning tedious tasks into quick, efficient processes. Plus, with real-time collaboration, it's easy to work with your team without the hassle of switching between different tools.
Exploring Device-Specific Settings
Depending on your device, you might have additional settings that affect how Notion displays. For example, iOS and Android devices offer system-wide dark mode options that could override app settings if not configured correctly.
On a Mac, you might find that Night Shift settings impact how colors appear, which could be a factor in choosing between light and dark modes. Similarly, Windows users can adjust their display settings to suit their preferences, potentially affecting how Notion looks.
It's worth exploring your device's settings to ensure everything aligns with your preferences. A little tweaking here and there can make a big difference in your overall experience.


Using Themes and Templates
Notion offers a variety of themes and templates that can add another layer of customization to your workspace. While this doesn't directly relate to light or dark mode, having a theme that complements your chosen mode can enhance the overall look and feel of your workspace.
For instance, if you've chosen light mode, a clean, minimalistic template might suit you best. On the other hand, if you're sticking with night mode, a vibrant, colorful template could provide a nice contrast.
Playing around with different themes and templates can breathe new life into your Notion workspace, making it a place you enjoy spending time in, regardless of the mode you're using.
Final Thoughts
Switching off night mode in Notion is a breeze and can be customized to your liking, whether you prefer light or dark settings. Spell can help streamline your document editing process, making it quicker and more efficient. This way, you can focus on what truly matters. Your work.