When it comes to designing accessible interfaces for low vision, a common topic that comes up is the use of color and whether dark more or light mode is better for users with visual impairments. Personally, I use a mix of both dark and light mode, but there are also other accessibility settings that play a significant role in how I access visual interfaces and read text content with low vision. Choosing between dark mode and light mode isn’t a black or white decision for many individuals with low vision, so here is an overview of light mode and dark mode for low vision users that can help individuals choose which option works best for them.
What is dark mode?
Dark mode (sometimes called dark theme or night mode) is a display setting for user interfaces that displays a light-colored text against a dark-colored background. This is different from the default “light mode”, which displays dark-colored text against a light-colored background. Dark mode color palettes typically consist of white or light grey text, icons, and user interface elements displayed on a dark gray, dark blue, or black background. Dark mode is often promoted as a solution for minimizing eye fatigue from looking at screens or for making content easier to read.
What is not dark mode?
When it comes to low vision assistive technology and accessibility settings, dark mode is not the only tool for reading light-colored text against a dark-colored background. In fact, these settings may be preferred by some users with low vision over dark mode because they offer more options for customization or provide a more streamlined visual experience. Alternatively, some users may prefer to use a mix of dark mode and additional accessibility settings when accessing information.
High contrast
Dark mode and high contrast mode are not interchangeable with each other, though dark mode may incorporate high contrast color schemes. Dark mode color palettes usually feature shades of gray and are designed for reading in low-light conditions, while high contrast mode color palettes incorporate pure black and a more limited color scheme that may include white, red, green, yellow, or other colors.
There is no “universal” color scheme for high contrast and low vision, as preferences for color scheme can vary amongst individuals or be influenced by their specific vision condition. However, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines define enhanced contrast for text as having a minimum value of 7:1 for standard print text and 4.5:1 for large or bold text.
Invert colors
Invert colors (also known as inverted display or invert) is an alternative to high contrast mode and changes a light-colored display with dark text to a dark-colored display with light text. This can be helpful for users with low vision that are sensitive to bright lights or want to have a high contrast display without removing any background graphics. Inverted display/inverted colors can be enabled as a display filter for screen magnification tools, or applied as a system-wide setting for iOS, Mac, Android, ChromeOS, and Windows devices.
There are two types of invert colors options available, known as Smart Invert and Classic Invert. Smart Invert does not invert or change the colors of pictures, images, videos, icons, or existing interfaces already in dark mode. Classic Invert will use a full color inversion, changing all display colors for content and displaying “dark mode” content in a light color palette.
Screen curtain
A screen curtain is a display setting and privacy feature that allows screen reader users to turn off their device’s visual display so that they can access information entirely non-visually without anyone else looking at their screen. Colors don’t play any role here, as nothing is displayed on the screen; the user accesses their device entirely through gestures, keyboard access, or another alternative input option.
Accessibility settings for light sensitivity/photophobia
For users that are sensitive to bright lights (also known as photophobia), there are several accessibility settings that can be used to adjust how colors and bright content are displayed, which may be used in addition to dark mode or light mode displays. Examples of settings include:
- Reduced white point
- Increased contrast
- Reducing transparency
- A saturated/vibrant color scheme that increases the vibrancy of colors
- Color filters/night light that help to filter out blue light
- Differentiate without color
- Grayscale mode
In addition to accessibility settings, there are also physical items that can be used to help minimize the effects of bright lights, such as anti-glare screen protectors, wearing non-polarized tinted glasses, and tools for adjusting screen brightness.
Related links
- High Contrast and Low Vision
- How To Use Invert Colors With Low Vision
- Avoiding Flashing Lights On Social Media
- How To Make iPad Accessible for Low Vision
- Low Vision Accessibility Settings For Android Phones
- Low Vision Accessibility Settings For Windows 10
Is dark mode or light mode better for low vision?
Like most questions about low vision accessibility, the short answer is “it depends.” Light and color play a significant role in how individuals with low vision access different types of technology, and some people may exclusively use dark mode or light mode because the other display settings are inaccessible to them. Alternatively, someone might switch between both display modes for individual applications, times of day, or prefer dark mode/light mode on one device but not another.
Dark mode for low vision
Benefits of using dark mode for low vision access include:
- Dark mode eliminates bright white backgrounds or other bright colors that may contribute to eye strain after long periods of time
- Some apps or interfaces may use simpler color schemes or high contrast colors when dark mode is turned on, or eliminate other visual elements such as patterns or complex backgrounds
- Individuals may find it easier to read light text on a darker background in general or specifically in dark/low light environments
- Using darker colors with light text may increase the contrast and enhance details of a display
Drawbacks of using dark mode for low vision access include:
- Dark mode is not the same as high contrast mode and may not actually provide a high contrast display. Users with color and/or contrast deficiencies may find it more challenging to access the darker display
- Devices with dark mode enabled may be difficult to read or contribute to eye strain from reading on a darker display in a bright environment. This is known as a halation effect
- Users who rely on color to convey information or for navigation may have difficulty navigating dark mode displays if colors are replaced or removed entirely, especially since most dark modes do not provide options for customizing colors
Light mode for low vision
Benefits of using light mode for low vision access include:
- Dark text on a light background may provide higher color contrast compared to light text on a dark background, depending on what colors are used
- Text and information displayed in light mode may be easier to read in a bright or well-lit environment
- Most applications are designed and developed with light mode color palettes in mind
- Light mode often has a broader color palette, which can be useful for conveying information via color/using color as a navigational tool
Drawbacks of using light mode for low vision access include:
- Display glare can make it more difficult to read text or focus on content, especially for users that are sensitive to bright lights
- Light mode may contribute to eye strain due to blue light emissions or when reading displays in a dark environment
- Color palettes used for light mode may not be high contrast, and may be difficult to access for users with contrast and/or color deficiencies (colorblindness).
Switching between dark and light mode
Benefits of using both dark mode and light mode for low vision include:
- Users can set a schedule or identify specific applications where they would like to enable dark mode/light mode to accommodate fluctuations in their vision or fatigue levels
- Option to alternate between display modes depending on environmental lighting
- Depending on the visual demands for a task, users can choose what display mode will work better for them
- Photo and video colors remain consistent/intact regardless of which display mode is used
Drawbacks of using both dark mode and light mode for low vision include:
- Some users may find it easier to use the same display mode consistently instead of switching around
- Dark mode and light mode color palettes are not consistent across applications/websites, so users will need to determine which display mode works best for specific tasks
- One display mode may not necessarily provide a higher level of contrast than the other, as swapping foreground (text) and background colors has no influence on the contrast ratio between two colors
Related links
- Ten Ways To Reduce Eye Strain From Screens With Technology
- Mainstream eReader Apps and Low Vision Accessibility
- App Accessibility Checklist for Low Vision
- Five Common Technology Behaviors That Hurt My Brain
How I personally use dark mode with low vision
Wondering how I use dark mode with low vision? Here are my personal settings for dark mode and light mode across my favorite devices and applications:
- iPad: Light mode is enabled by default for all applications and display interfaces, since I rely on color for navigation. I enable dark mode for a few specific applications
- Windows: Windows Mode is set to dark mode, which appears on my taskbar and start menu and makes it easier to identify icons. My default app mode is set to light, and I enable dark mode for a few specific applications. If I want to use a system wide “dark mode”, I prefer the look and experience of the High Contrast mode.
- Android: System wide dark mode is enabled, along with additional display settings for improving contrast. Some applications (such as Maps) are displayed in light mode.
- WordPress: I have a light theme enabled as I use color as a navigational tool and often write in a well-lit room
- Simplified reading displays: I prefer dark mode for simplified reading displays like Immersive Reader, but switch between display modes depending on environmental lighting
- Video magnifier and screen magnification: I prefer dark mode or inverted color displays for improving the contrast of text on a video magnifier or screen magnification tool and have inversion options on each of my magnification applications.
Related links
- Enabling Temporary Accessibility Settings For iPad
- How To Use High Contrast in Windows 10 and Windows 11
- How To Create A Custom Android Home Screen With Microsoft Launcher
- Simplified Reading Displays and Low Vision
- How To Organize Apps On iPad With Low Vision
More resources on light mode and dark mode for low vision
- Want to learn more about improving readability of digital text? Read A to Z of Assistive Technology for Reading Digital Text
- Regardless of which display mode someone uses, it is important to take regular vision breaks to help with managing eye fatigue, especially for students. I talk more about managing vision breaks as a student in Activity Ideas For Vision Breaks
- One strategy I use for displaying very large text in a dark mode/light mode type display is to copy and paste it into a teleprompter application. Learn more in Ways To Use Teleprompter Apps As Assistive Technology
Published May 15, 2020. Updated August 2024