change safari theme

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2 Easy Ways to Customize the Safari Homepage Background

Last Updated: April 19, 2023 Fact Checked

Using iPhone or iPad

This article was written by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly . Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 37,933 times.

Do you want to customize your Safari start page? Whether you're using the Safari app on iOS or the desktop version on Mac, you'll be able to change Safari's background image in a few simple steps. You can use Apple's default backgrounds or one of your own saved photos. If you're trying to change your Safari theme from white to black (or vice versa), you'll need to configure your Light/Dark display in the Settings app. This wikiHow will show you how to change the background image on Safari using your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Things You Should Know

• On iOS, open a new start page. Tap "Edit," toggle on "Background Image," and then select a photo.
• On Mac, open Safari, click "Settings," and check the "Background Image" box. Select a photo and then click "Choose."

• Changing the Safari background is different from enabling Dark Mode .
• To enable or disable Dark Mode, go to Settings → Display & Brightness → select Light or Dark .

• If you have a lot of Favorites on your start page, you may need to scroll down to see this button.

• When it's toggled on, a collection of background images will appear. If you want to use one of Apple's provided backgrounds in Safari, tap it to apply it immediately.
• To use your own image as the background, continue to the next step.

• The Photos app will open.

• If you have a photo on your computer you'd like to use, you can transfer it to your iPhone or iPad using AirDrop.
• Tap X to close the page.
• If you want to remove the background image, return to the "Edit" menu and toggle off "Background Image".

• Be sure to update your Mac .

• A pop-up menu will open.

• When the box is checked, two tiles will appear. You can scroll towards the right to see more. If you want to use one of Apple's provided background images, click it to change your background immediately.
• To use your own image, continue to the next step.

• The Finder will open to your photos. Navigate through your folders to find a picture.

• If you want to remove the background image, return to the "Settings" menu and uncheck "Background Image".

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• ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/customize-a-start-page-ibrw01514823/mac

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How to Change a Safari Browser Theme

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Safari is the Mac operating system’s standard web browser. Most Mac users quite reasonably use the Safari browser bundled with the operating system. It requires minimal system resources, is easy to manage, and has all the vital functions. Like most Mac apps, Safari lacks theme support, and the UI can only be changed when the system-wide theme is changed. This does not preclude you from customizing Safari’s image. The basic Safari web browsing theme can be transformed into any number of predefined themes, thanks to several Safari extensions and settings.

How to Change the Default font of the websites you browse?

• Open Safari Browser, click on the Safari option in the Menu, and then click on the Settings option.
• Click on the Advanced option, then click on the Stylesheet option, and then select the Other option. It will ask you to select a file, but we don’t have it yet. Let’s create one first.
• html body { font-family: cursive!important; }
• Replace “cursive” with any font name you like. You must write the font name in the correct format. You can get the font names here .
• Now save the file with the name “font.css”. The name could be anything you want, but .css must be added.
• Now go back to safari and the file you saved by going to Safari’s Settings –> Advanced –> Stylesheet.

How to turn on dark mode on Safari 

Safari dark mode is a great option that helps minimize eye strain and makes it simpler to focus on content. If it is enabled on your Mac, you know that not all sites support dark mode. Fortunately, you can fix it. Below we will talk about several tools that add dark mode to almost all sites in Safari on Mac.

Dark Mode for Safari ( available in the App Store ) is a program that can add dark mode to almost any website. After you install it, a convenient button will appear on the Safari menu bar, with which you can configure the program. You can enable and disable the dark mode, synchronize it with the standard system dark mode, or set up a schedule for it. In addition, you can choose between different themes. For example, there is a normal dark mode, and there is a softer dark mode. You can modify the lightness manually or make everything black and white. There are also filters for websites. You can add sites to exceptions or use dark mode only for some sites. This is very convenient if there are sites that you do not like with dark mode.

If you do not want to spend much money without trying the program, you can use Night Eye for Safari ( available in the App Store ) because it has a free three-month trial subscription. It also adds a button to the browser menu bar, with which you can control the program. You can enable and disable the dark mode, configure a schedule for it, set it by default, or synchronize it with the system one. There are three different themes available. But beyond that, you can manually adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, blue light, and fade. You can also select exception sites for this program.

How do I set my background in Safari? Customize the built-in browser

It is as simple and beautiful as possible. Mac has given users a lot of new and pleasant bonuses in terms of optimizing the OS for their needs. One of the nice additions was the ability to customize the browser. For example, being able to set your image as a background.

How can this be done?

If you already have an image ready to use as a background, just drag it to the Safari start page. The second way is to right-click on the home page in an empty area and select “Choose Background”. After that, a Finder window will open where you can choose the image.

If you want to select some cool theme-like backgrounds that come preloaded with safari Browser, you can follow these quick steps:

• Open a new blank tab in Safari
• Click on the three dots icon (located at the bottom left corner) and then click on any image (that will make the next image appear itself). If you click on the + icon, it will take you to the folder where Mac’s default wallpapers are saved which can also be selected as background, or browse to any folder to choose your desired image.

More useful extensions for Safari

We have already written about switching to dark mode. Here is one more helpful option. If you like reading text on a white web page background, you might get tired quickly. In this case, you should try the Neo Noir – dark mode for Safari extension ( available in the App Store) . It makes all web pages dark. The only drawback is that some elements remain light, but this rarely happens.

An interesting extension that will decorate your Safari is called PrettyWeb ( available in the App Store) . You can choose wallpapers or colors from the internet by setting the browser background. In addition, it has a dark theme. The extension is free and does not contain in-app purchases.

Momentum extension ( available in the App Store) can be highly recommended as well. What needs to be said first is that it sets a cool background from its wallpaper library. Secondly, it reflects the goal for the day – it allows you not to be distracted and procrastinate less often so as not to forget why you logged into Safari. 

The HyperWeb extension ( available in the App Store) allows you to customize almost all elements in Safari, block ads, and even customize the design of web pages. The application itself is as convenient as possible and selects the recommended improvements without any effort on your end.

Looking for something else that is not mentioned here?

There might be other things that you are looking for. If this is the case, just open the App Store, and click on the Category option. Then select Safari Extension to browse all the tension or just have a look at the popular extensions.

Safari has a variety of fantastic and unique options that will make your surfing easy and convenient. It is a safe and reliable browser that can improve the browsing experience on Mac. And using the tips described above will help to customize your browser according to your needs and wishes. I hope this will help you to make your Safari browser look according to your need.

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Customize Safari on Mac with this Ultimate Guide

For most Mac owners, Safari is the gateway to the World Wide Web. Given that it’s probably your most used application, knowing tips, tricks and new features is the best way to get the most out of it. While Safari does not have the extension libraries of Chrome, it still has a few tricks up its sleeve for Mac owners. Read on to learn how to customize Safari on your Mac.

1. Pin Tabs

You probably visit a couple of sites on a regular basis, and keeping them close can make it easy to refer back to them. When a tab is pinned in Safari, it stays docked as the farthest-left tab. Pinning a tab is incredibly easy: right-click on any open tab and select “Pin Tab.” Rearranging pinned tabs is as easy as dragging the tabs around one another until you have a setup you prefer.

2. Mute Tabs

We have all been there as you open a new tab expecting to read new content and are instead hit with an auto-play video. In Safari, when a new tab is opened with audio playing, you’ll see a little speaker icon in the tab. Click the speaker icon, and it will automatically mute the tab.

3. Rearrange Tabs

For anyone who has more than a few tabs open at a time, organization can become an issue. To help with this, Safari enables you to get at least some semblance of order.

1. Open the “Window” menu on the Mac bar.

2. Choose “Arrange Tabs By.”

3. You can now choose between “Title” and “Website.”

For many, choosing to sort by website will be the most useful. That way, if you have multiple tabs open, they will all be next to each other.

4. Customize Safari Toolbar

The Safari toolbar is where your most important buttons will go for daily use. That includes your Home button, Sidebar, Tab overview, and so on.

1. Right-click anywhere on the toolbar and select “Customize Toolbar.” You can then drag any item into the toolbar.

2. Once you have dragged all of the icons you want to use, click “Done.” Then, all of your changes will be saved.

5. Change Your Search Engine

Safari, like most browsers, will let you choose between a few different default search engines. Google is the default search engine in Safari, but it’s not your only available option.

1. Go to “Safari -> Preferences” and open the Preferences window.

2. Click the “Search” tab.

3. You will immediately see a drop-down that allows you to choose between Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ecosia, or DuckDuckGo.

At this time, there is no way to add your own search engine. For now, Safari has chosen to add the most popular options.

6. Save Pages as PDFs

If you ever need to export a website as a PDF, Safari makes it super simple. Head to the page you want to save, then click on File and “Export as PDF.”

The last remaining step is to choose where on your hard-drive you want to save the page. You can then refer to the PDF at any time, and it will automatically open in Safari, Preview or your PDF viewer of choice.

7. Handoff Continuity

As Safari is the default browser for iOS and Mac, Apple has long explored how to make it seamless between the two systems. Enter Handoff , Apple’s solution for starting an email on Mac and picking it up on iOS. This also works incredibly well with Safari.

1. Start by signing in to your iCloud account on both devices.

2. On your Mac computer, go to “System Preferences -> General,” and click on the box next to Handoff to allow it.

3. On iOS or iPad OS, go to “Settings -> Handoff” and move the switch so that it’s active.

4. Once activated, you can go about your regular browsing business on your Mac. When you want to pick up wherever you left off on your Mac on your iPhone or iPad, a little icon will appear above your Safari icon. Tap on Safari and it will allow you to select whatever page you want to continue browsing.

Also read: Safari Not Working on Your iPhone? Here’s How to Fix It

8. Reading List

Bookmarks were yesterday’s news. Today, it’s all about Safari’s Reading List. We have all come across interesting articles that we want to read but don’t have time at the moment. Across all Apple devices, Reading List is enabled via the Sidebar icon on Safari on Mac or by using the book icon on Safari on iOS/iPadOS. You can choose the eyeglasses icon to view your entire article list. To add a new article, you have two options on Mac.

1. The first is to hit the “+” sign that appears next to the website URL. The article or site will automatically save itself to your reading list.

2. Alternatively, you can click on the Share Sheet icon, and the first option in the drop-down is “Add to Reading List.” Select that and the article will automatically save itself to your Reading List.

If you want to read these articles offline, say while you are on a plane, go to “Safari -> Preferences -> Advanced” and click on “Save articles for offline reading automatically.”

9. Safari Reader

Safari Reader strips away all of the distractions from any site where it’s available, allowing for an uninterrupted view of your chosen content. Note that it does not work on every website but definitely works on many.

1. To activate Reader, click on the four-line icon that appears next to the “+” button to the left of the URL.

2. A single press of that button will enable Reader view. Clicking on it again will take you out of reader view.

10. Set Custom Safari Icon

If you want to customize your Safari icon, doing so is surprisingly straightforward.

1. While holding down the Ctrl button, click the Safari logo and select “Options -> Show in Finder.”

2. When Finder loads, you’ll find yourself on the Applications page. Click the Safari logo again while holding Ctrl and choose “Get Info.”

to the top-left corner of the Get Info window, you’ll see a tiny Safari icon next to “Safari.app”. Click on it to highlight it, then drag your replacement icon image to replace it.

11. Customize Safari Theme

When you first use Safari on your Mac, you’ll see the standard white and grey interface. This is fine, but it can get a little boring for some users. Fortunately, you can customize your Safari theme in several ways.

Change to Dark Mode

For instance, you can change your browser to show dark mode.

1. Go to the Apple icon in the top left of your toolbar and choose “System Preferences … ” in the drop-down.

2. Select “General.”

At the top of the next window, you’ll see the “Appearance” option. Click on “Dark.”

Change Safari’s Background Image

Another way you can customize Safari’s theme is by tweaking the background image on your homepage.

1. Click on the “+” button in the top right of your Safari browser to open a new page.

2. Select the icon showing three lines with sliders in the bottom-right corner.

3. Make sure the box next to “Background Image” is ticked. Then, choose from one of the custom background images beneath it.

In addition to using the background images included with Safari, you can add your own. Click the “+” icon instead of one of the other images.

Choose the picture you want to have as your background image for Safari.

Once you’ve picked your image, you should see the changes take place immediately.

If you want to clear your background later, you can click on the screen while holding the Ctrl button and choose “Clear Background.”

12. Customize Safari Homepage

Once you’ve customized the theme of Safari, you can fine tune the homepage.

When you see your “Frequently Visited” section, all pages in this area will initially appear as smaller versions of the actual web pages. However, you can make them show up as icons again.

1. Click on one of the pages while holding down the Ctrl button.

2. Select “View as Icons.”

You can also remove some of your Favorites from view. As with changing the “Frequently Visited” pages to icons, click on one of the pages and simultaneously hold the Ctrl button. Select “Delete” from the dropdown menu, and your changes will take effect.

13. Create Custom Bookmark Folders

When customizing Safari on your Mac, you’ll want to think about productivity and not just aesthetics. One of the best ways to organize your most-visited pages is by creating custom bookmark folders to put all of them in.

1. Click on the icon in the top left that sits next to the red, yellow, and green circles.

2. On the bookmark tab, click anywhere while holding Ctrl .

3. Select New Folder and give it a name.

4. Drag to add pages to this folder.

14. Customize Safari Location

Like your iPhone, your Mac can easily track where you are in the world. It uses this for several reasons, such as changing the date and time on your device.

However, websites can also track you – and some users may want them to do so. If you don’t want specific sites knowing where you are in Safari, follow these steps:

1. Click on “Safari” next to the Apple logo and choose “Preferences … ” from the drop-down.

2. Go through your currently open websites and choose whether you want to allow or deny access.

You can also block future visited websites from tracking you. Go to the bottom where it says “When visiting other websites.” If you want to revoke permission, open the drop-down and select “Deny.”

Also read: How to Make Mobile Safari Save Your Passwords on iOS

Frequently Asked Questions

1. can i change the color of the safari browser.

Besides tweaking from light to dark mode, you can’t customize Safari’s color on your Mac without third-party software.

2. Can I change my Mac’s default browser?

Yes. To change your Mac’s default browser, go to “System Preferences -> General -> Default Web Browser.” Open the drop-down and change to the browser of your choice.

3. Why won’t my Safari icon change on my Mac?

In some cases, you may find that the Safari icon on your Mac doesn’t change. You may need to close and reopen the app. If that doesn’t work, try changing the “Read & Write” privileges on your device.

Wrapping Up

Safari is one of the most important native Apple apps, and customizing it will both let you show off your personality and improve productivity. The above tips to customize Safari are only the tip of the iceberg. Don’t forget that you can also add extensions to extend its functionality . Do you use Safari on your Mac or one of the strong alternatives ?

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Danny has written for online audiences for 10+ years. He specializes in Apple products and loves writing on his MacBook, keeping in touch on his iPhone, and measuring his workouts on his Apple Watch. Danny's work has featured in multiple places online, including MUO, Lifewire, and Guiding Tech. Away from the keyboard, he's passionate about photography and leading an active lifestyle outdoors.

How to turn on Safari dark mode on a Mac

How to turn on safari dark mode on an iphone or ipad, how to turn on safari's dark mode on any apple device to save battery life and reduce eye strain.

• You can enable dark mode for Safari on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, which can help ease eye strain and extend your device's battery life.
• Turn on dark mode for your Mac in System Preferences in the General section.
• For an iPhone or iPad, enable dark mode in the Settings app by going to the Display & Brightness section. 

In recent years, developers have been making it easier to enable dark mode for all your most common apps. That's good, because many people prefer dark mode because the palette is often easier on the eyes — especially at night — and it can even help extend your device's battery life by not illuminating the screen as brightly. Here's how you can turn on dark mode for the Safari browser on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. 

Safari automatically uses dark mode if you enable it in your Mac's System Preferences.

1. Click the Apple menu and then choose System Preferences…

2. Click General .

3. In the Appearance section, click Dark or Auto . 

If you choose Dark , Safari and all other compatible apps will switch to a dark color palette right away and stay that way until you change this setting. Auto , on the other hand, sets the palette to dark at night and switches it to light during the day. 

Just like on the Mac, Safari on your iOS device uses dark mode if you enable the feature in your iPhone or iPad's settings. 

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap Display & Brightness .

3. In the Appearance section, tap Dark . 

If you want Safari (and the rest of your device) to use dark mode automatically at night but switch to a light palette during the day, turn on Automatic by swiping the button to the right.

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You might have spent years looking at the same bland gray background in Safari's start page on Mac, but it doesn't have to be that way. You can spice things up by adding a custom background. Here's how!

Mac users who are running Safari 14.0 or higher have access to the customizable start page. Here, you can easily add or remove different sections and change the background image. The Safari 14.0 (or newer) update will be automatically installed if you are running the latest version of macOS Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur , or higher.

To get started, open the Safari browser on your Mac.

From the start page, click the Menu button from the bottom-right corner of the screen. Now, check the box next to the "Background Image" option.

Here, you can scroll horizontally to see bundled background images. Click an image to instantly turn it into the start page's background image.

However, if you want to add your own image as the background instead, click the "+" button.

Now, select your image from the file picker and click the "Choose" button.

You'll see the image as the new start-page background.

If you want to remove this image or switch to a different photo, go back to the "Background Image" section in the customization menu. Then, click the "X" button to remove the current background image. Repeat the above process to change the background.

Want to directly open a specific web page every time you open Safari? Here's how to change the default Safari home page on Mac .

Related: How to Change the Safari Home Page on a Mac

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How to Enable Safari Dark Mode

Avoid eye strain with these settings

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What to Know

• Turning on dark mode in system preferences will enable the mode for compatible websites.
• If a website has a  Reader  button on the left side of the search field, click it to go dark.
• Use a Safari extension to enable dark mode on all websites. We recommend Night Eye and Dark Reader

This article covers three options to enable and disable Safari's Dark Mode on your Mac: via system preferences, by using Safari Reader View and using a browser extension.

How to Turn on Safari's Dark Mode via MacOS

At night, black text on white backgrounds is particularly tough on your eyes. It's very simple to switch on Dark Mode for your Mac. It doesn't just turn on Dark Mode for Safari, it does so for all your apps but that's perfect for protecting your eyes late at night or in dim lighting conditions.

Dark Mode is only available in macOS Mojave or later.

Click the Apple icon on the top left of your screen.

Click System Preferences.

Click General .

Click Dark .

If you want the dark appearance to only appear at night, you can click Auto for it to automatically adjust as the day progresses.

All websites that have been designed to support Dark Mode will now show in a darker form than before.

How to Switch off Safari Dark Mode

Switched on Dark Mode and realized you don't like it? It's simple to switch it back off.

As above, click the Apple icon on the top left of your screen and then choose System Preferences > General .

Click Light .

MacOS and Safari will now return to the light background permanently until you choose to switch it over again. 

How to Use Safari Reader View to Turn on Dark Mode

Depending on the website you're viewing, the only thing that may go dark with MacOS's Dark Mode is the buttons and menus around the website. To ensure the site goes fully dark to protect your eyes, you need to use Safari's Reader View.

Safari Reader View only works on certain websites. Often, this is restricted to blog posts and other text-heavy websites. It's worth using when able to though. 

On the website you want to view, click the Reader button on the left side of the search field.

This only appears on websites that support Safari Reader View.

Click the letter button on the right side of the search field.

Click the black background to change the background color. 

You can also adjust font size and font choice here.

The background has now been changed to a dark one with white text. 

Click away from the article to revert back to the original look or press the Escape key on your keyboard.

How to Use a Dark Mode Extension in Safari

The above solutions work only on a limited number of websites. If you want to enable Dark Mode for every website, you need to use a Safari extension. Many of these cost money but they can be useful. We recommend using either Night Eye which is free but limited or paying a one-off fee for Dark Reader. The process is the same for both extensions.

Install either Night Eye or Dark Reade r from the Mac App Store .

Open Safari then click Safari > Preferences .

Click the Extensions tab.

Check the box next to your newly installed extension to enable Dark Mode.

Both of these extensions should convert the vast majority of websites to Dark Mode as and when you need it.

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macOS Big Sur brings a lot of exciting customization options into Safari. Now you can alter its looks to suit your working style & liking, from changing the start page background to adjusting favorites, Siri Suggestion, Reading List, iCloud Tabs, etc. Quite like wallpapers, a great background image could help you get into the groove. Apple has very graciously offered some fitting Safari backgrounds, or you can choose a custom one.

Oh yes! Whether a color bomb or something subtle or a family photo, you can set anything as Safari’s background, here’s how:

How to set custom background in Safari on Mac

• Browse through the folders and select the image you want to set as a background in Safari
• Click on an image to see a translucent preview of it as the background

And that’s how easy it is to set a custom wallpaper to Safari start page. While it may seem a small change, but it surely adds character to your Safari.

Note : When you wish to change the custom Safari Background, you will have to delete the existing one first. Open Safari start page → three-toggle icon → click the ‘x’ & then tap ‘+’ to add a new one.

But what if you prefer a plain jane, no background Safari start page? Disable the setting as easily, open Safari →  three-toggle icon → uncheck the Background Image option.

Signing Off 

Safari has sort of had a facelift, and customizable start page is the start. Apple’s default browser now incorporates incredible features such as Favicons in the tab, website previews, built-in translation tools, better password monitoring, and even a Privacy report tool.

In all honesty, we think these smart additions to Safari is enough to lure users to upgrade to latest macOS. What are your views, share it with us in the comment section below

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• How to use tab groups in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

A self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple. I thoroughly enjoy discovering new hacks, troubleshooting issues, and finding and reviewing the best products and apps currently available. My expertise also includes curating opinionated and honest editorials. If not this, you might find me surfing the web or listening to audiobooks.

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How To Change Color Of Safari On Mac

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Introduction

Changing the color of your Safari browser on Mac can be a fun and personalized way to enhance your browsing experience. By customizing the color theme, you can add a touch of individuality to your browsing environment, making it more visually appealing and tailored to your preferences. Whether you prefer a vibrant and energetic color scheme or a more subdued and calming palette, Safari allows you to make these adjustments with ease.

In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of changing the color of Safari on your Mac. From accessing the Safari preferences to selecting a new color theme and customizing the accent color, you will learn how to transform the appearance of your browser to reflect your unique style. By following these simple instructions, you can infuse your browsing sessions with a fresh and personalized look that resonates with your personality.

Let's dive into the exciting world of Safari customization and discover how a simple change in color can elevate your browsing experience. Whether you're a creative individual seeking inspiration from a vibrant color palette or someone who values a harmonious and soothing browsing environment, the ability to customize Safari's color theme empowers you to curate a digital space that aligns with your aesthetic preferences. So, grab your Mac, open Safari, and get ready to embark on a journey of visual transformation as we delve into the process of changing the color of Safari on your Mac.

Step 1: Open Safari Preferences

To begin the process of changing the color of Safari on your Mac, you need to access the Safari Preferences. This is where you can explore a range of customization options, including the ability to modify the color theme to suit your personal taste.

First, launch the Safari browser on your Mac. You can do this by clicking on the Safari icon in your dock or by searching for Safari in Spotlight and selecting it from the search results. Once Safari is open, navigate to the top-left corner of your screen and click on "Safari" in the menu bar. A drop-down menu will appear, and you should select "Preferences" from the options listed. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Command + ," to directly access the Preferences window.

Upon selecting "Preferences," a new window will open, presenting you with a range of customization settings for Safari. This is where you can fine-tune various aspects of the browser to align with your preferences. Within the Preferences window, you will find a series of tabs at the top, each representing different categories of settings. To change the color theme of Safari, you will need to navigate to the "General" tab, which is typically the first tab displayed in the Preferences window.

By accessing the General tab, you are one step closer to transforming the visual appearance of your Safari browser. This tab serves as a hub for fundamental settings that impact the overall browsing experience. Here, you can adjust settings related to the browser's homepage, default search engine, and more. However, for the purpose of changing the color theme, the General tab also houses the option to customize the appearance of Safari.

With the General tab now open, you are ready to proceed to the next step in the process of changing the color of Safari on your Mac. By accessing the Preferences window and navigating to the General tab, you have unlocked the gateway to a world of customization possibilities, setting the stage for the exciting journey of transforming the visual aesthetics of your Safari browser.

Step 2: Select the General Tab

Upon reaching the Preferences window in Safari, you will be presented with a series of tabs at the top, each offering a distinct category of settings. Among these tabs, the "General" tab holds the key to customizing the visual aspects of your browsing experience. By selecting the General tab, you gain access to a range of options that enable you to personalize the appearance of Safari according to your preferences.

As you click on the General tab, a plethora of customization settings will unfold before you, inviting you to embark on a journey of visual transformation. This tab serves as a central hub for fundamental settings that shape the overall browsing environment, offering a seamless and intuitive interface for users to tailor their Safari experience.

Within the General tab, you will encounter various options that allow you to refine the aesthetics of Safari. One of the primary features housed within this tab is the ability to modify the browser's appearance, including the color theme. By delving into the settings available in the General tab, you can infuse your browsing environment with a new color palette that resonates with your personal style and preferences.

In addition to color customization, the General tab also presents options to configure the browser's homepage, set the default search engine, and manage the behavior of new windows and tabs. This comprehensive array of settings empowers you to craft a browsing environment that aligns with your unique preferences, ensuring that your Safari experience is tailored to suit your individual needs.

By selecting the General tab in Safari's Preferences window, you are poised to embark on a journey of personalization and visual enhancement. The options presented within this tab provide a gateway to a world of customization, enabling you to curate a browsing environment that reflects your personality and aesthetic sensibilities. With the General tab at your fingertips, you are ready to explore the next phase of the color customization process, where you will have the opportunity to select a new color theme that resonates with your unique style.

Step 3: Choose a New Color Theme

After navigating to the General tab in Safari's Preferences window, you are now ready to embark on the exciting process of selecting a new color theme for your browser. Within the General tab, you will find the option to modify the appearance of Safari, including the color scheme. By choosing a new color theme, you can infuse your browsing environment with a fresh and personalized aesthetic that resonates with your individual style.

To begin the process of selecting a new color theme, look for the "Appearance" section within the General tab. Here, you will find a dropdown menu labeled "Default web browser ." Clicking on this dropdown menu will reveal a selection of color themes, each offering a distinct visual palette for your Safari browser. These color themes are designed to cater to a variety of preferences, ranging from vibrant and energetic hues to more subdued and calming tones.

As you explore the available color themes, take a moment to consider the ambiance and visual impact that each option conveys. Whether you are drawn to bold and striking colors that exude dynamism or prefer a more tranquil and soothing color palette, Safari's selection of color themes provides a diverse array of options to suit your personal taste.

Once you have identified a color theme that resonates with your preferences, simply click on the corresponding option in the dropdown menu to apply it to your Safari browser. Instantly, you will witness the transformation of your browsing environment as the new color theme takes effect, imbuing Safari with a fresh and personalized visual identity.

By choosing a new color theme for Safari, you have the power to curate a browsing experience that aligns with your unique style and aesthetic sensibilities. Whether you opt for a vibrant and lively color scheme to invigorate your browsing sessions or a more subdued and harmonious palette to create a calming ambiance, the ability to select a new color theme empowers you to personalize your digital space with ease.

With the new color theme now adorning your Safari browser, you have successfully taken a significant step towards transforming the visual aesthetics of your browsing environment. The chosen color theme serves as a reflection of your individuality, infusing your browsing sessions with a touch of personal flair and visual distinction. As you revel in the newly customized appearance of Safari, you are poised to explore the next phase of the color customization process, where you will have the opportunity to further refine the visual aesthetics by customizing the accent color.

Step 4: Customize the Accent Color

Having selected a new color theme for your Safari browser, you now have the opportunity to further refine the visual aesthetics by customizing the accent color. This additional layer of customization allows you to fine-tune the details of your browsing environment, adding a personalized touch that complements the chosen color theme.

To customize the accent color in Safari, navigate to the General tab within the Preferences window. Within the Appearance section, you will find the option to modify the accent color, which is represented by a color swatch or a dropdown menu, depending on the version of Safari you are using.

Upon accessing the accent color settings, you will be presented with a spectrum of color options, ranging from vibrant hues to more muted tones. By exploring this selection, you can identify an accent color that harmonizes with the chosen color theme, enhancing the overall visual coherence of your browsing environment.

As you consider the accent color options, take into account the visual impact and the way in which the accent color complements the primary color theme. Whether you opt for a contrasting accent color to add a dynamic pop to your browsing interface or prefer a complementary shade that seamlessly integrates with the primary color theme, the customization of the accent color allows you to tailor the finer details of your Safari browser to your liking.

Once you have identified the perfect accent color, simply select it from the available options to apply it to your Safari browser. Instantly, you will witness the transformation of the accent elements within the browser, as the new accent color imbues your browsing environment with a heightened sense of visual cohesion and personalization.

By customizing the accent color in Safari, you have added a layer of individuality and refinement to your browsing experience. The carefully chosen accent color serves as a subtle yet impactful detail that elevates the overall visual aesthetics of your Safari browser, creating a cohesive and personalized environment that resonates with your unique style.

With the accent color now seamlessly integrated into your Safari browser, you have successfully fine-tuned the visual details of your browsing environment, culminating in a personalized and visually captivating interface that reflects your individual preferences. As you revel in the harmonious blend of the chosen color theme and accent color, you are ready to embrace the final step in the process of changing the color of Safari on your Mac.

Step 5: Enjoy Your New Safari Color

With the color theme and accent color meticulously customized to align with your personal style and aesthetic preferences, it's time to revel in the transformative impact of your new Safari color. As you navigate through your browsing sessions, you will be greeted by a visually captivating environment that reflects your individuality and enhances your overall digital experience.

The new color theme, infused with vibrant energy or soothing tranquility, sets the stage for an immersive browsing journey that resonates with your unique sensibilities. Every tab, toolbar, and interface element within Safari now bears the hallmark of your chosen color palette, creating a cohesive and visually engaging browsing environment.

As you interact with websites, conduct research, or indulge in leisurely browsing, the harmonious blend of the selected color theme and accent color imbues your browsing interface with a sense of personalization and refinement. The visual coherence achieved through the meticulous customization of Safari's color elements elevates the overall browsing experience, creating a space that feels distinctly yours.

The impact of your new Safari color extends beyond mere aesthetics, influencing the way you engage with digital content and interact with the browser interface. Whether you find inspiration in the vibrant hues that invigorate your browsing sessions or seek solace in the calming tones that create a serene ambiance, the personalized color theme enriches your digital interactions, infusing them with a touch of individuality.

As you navigate through your favorite websites, the visual harmony achieved through the customized color theme and accent color creates a seamless and immersive browsing experience. Every click, scroll, and interaction within Safari is accompanied by a visual backdrop that aligns with your unique style, enhancing the overall enjoyment and personal connection you feel with your browsing environment.

In essence, the process of changing the color of Safari on your Mac transcends mere customization; it is a journey of self-expression and personalization. By infusing your browsing environment with a new color palette that resonates with your individual preferences, you have curated a digital space that reflects your personality and enhances your overall browsing experience.

So, as you embark on your next browsing adventure, take a moment to appreciate the visual transformation that your new Safari color has brought to your digital world. Embrace the personalized browsing environment that reflects your unique style, and revel in the seamless integration of your chosen color theme and accent color as you navigate the digital landscape with a renewed sense of visual delight and personal connection.

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How To Enable Dark Mode on Safari

Evan Gower With over a decade of experience in digital publishing. Evan leads our team with a keen eye for emerging tech trends. Read more September 15, 2022

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If you spend a lot of time on your iPhone or Mac computer reading articles on the web, chances are that your eyes will hurt after sitting in front of the screen for several hours. Bright light and small font lead to eye strain, headaches, and decreased focus.

Windows users have had the Dark Mode for a long time, and now it’s finally available for Safari users on iOS devices. You can get an extension for your Safari browser and read articles all night. Read on and learn how to activate Dark Mode on your iOS device.

Safari’s Native Dark Mode Function

Safari (even older versions) already has a built-in dark mode feature. This function won’t work for every website because it’s meant to help ease the strain on your eyes while reading.

Users who are running a newer version of macOS can follow these steps:

If you don’t have the option to use Dark Mode, you can use ‘Reader View’ within Safari. Here’s how you can use the Reader View to darken your screen:

If you don’t see the Reader tab, you can find it by clicking View and selecting Show Reader .

Of course, this won’t work for every web page. It will work for any blogs or articles you’re trying to read, so we have a few more options listed below.

Night Eye for Safari

This extension is another download available in the App Store for Safari’s lack of dark mode options.

Although this app is free to download, it will cost you $39.99 per year to use it. The free option, ‘NightEye Lite,’ will limit you to five websites. This is perfect for someone looking to activate only a handful of pages. The extension offers full image support and the ability to use the features on multiple platforms.

Download Night Eye for Safari

Visit your Mac’s App Store and download the extension.

Activate the Extension

Tap on the Night Eye extension and choose the dark mode option. If there’s a website, you’d like to view without dark mode, simply tap the extension again and choose “Normal.”

With great reviews and the 24/7 support team, this is definitely an add-on worth looking into.

Nightlight for Safari

Another great option available for Safari is the Nightlight browser extension . The extension is free and available for those using macOS 10.13 or later. This is an Excellent, lightweight addition to your browser.

With the optional timer settings, you can enjoy dark mode on Safari without ever having to toggle it on and off. The nightlight will automatically shift the color patterns when at night, then back again during the day.

Using Dark Mode in Safari on iPad and iPhone

On the iPad and iPhone, Safari comes with a built-in reader mode designed to ease the pressure on your eyes during night reading. Here is how to activate it.

Repeat the process for every website you want to read in dark mode.

Dark Mode on macOS Mojave & Catalina

Most Mac users had to wait for the macOS Mojave update to be able to activate the dark mode on their computers. Previous versions had to use shortcuts, and you had to make exceptions for every site you wanted to view in dark mode. So, if you have Mojave installed on your Mac, follow these steps to set the dark mode up.

• Select “Dark” in the “Appearance” options, and all websites on your Safari will switch to a black background.

Dark Mode and Other Apps

You can use the Dark Mode for other apps, not just your Safari browser. If dark mode is enabled, some apps will automatically have it activated. Here is a short how-to on toggling it on and off for the most popular apps on iOS.

Maps – If you want to use a dark background for maps with the Dark Mode activated, open the app and select “View,” and then select “Use Dark Map.”

Mail – If you want to use light mode when reading your emails, open your Mail and select “Mail,” then “Preferences.” Click on the “Viewing” tab and uncheck “Use dark backgrounds for messages.”

Notes – Your Notes will open with a black background if the Dark Mode is activated. You can disable it by selecting “Preferences” and then deselecting “Use dark backgrounds for note content.”

TextEdit – You can switch to the Dark Mode when working in TextEdit by selecting “View,” then “Use Dark Background for Windows.”

Safari – With the Dark Mode turned on; all websites will show as dark when you load them. If some website doesn’t support Dark Mode, you can use Safari Reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to more of your questions about Apple Dark Mode.

Can I use Dark Mode with Chrome on a Mac?

Yes, but unfortunately, it isn’t an option provided natively. This means you’ll need to use a Chrome browser extension like the ones we’ve mentioned above. If you follow the steps above to activate Dark Mode on your Mac, it will have no effect on third-party apps and browsers such as Firefox or Chrome.

Can I enable Dark Mode with Mozilla Firefox on my Mac?

Fortunately, yes! Firefox makes many things simpler than other web browsers, and Dark Mode is one of them. Enabling Dark Mode on Firefox is the same on a Mac or a PC. All you need to do is click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right-hand corner of the browser. Then, click ‘Add Ons.’ From here, you’ll see a Themes option on the left; click it, then click on one of the options in the list that gives you Dark Mode.

There are several different color variations, so choose one that you like. Now, the Firefox system will show in Dark Mode, but not all of your websites will, so you may need to enable Night Eye for Mozilla or another add-on.

Ease the Strain on Your Eyes

Reading texts all night long can cause migraines, sore eyes, and unpleasant muscle strain; switching to Dark Mode is a great option. Your eyes will be grateful, and you will be able to focus for longer periods. Who doesn’t want to increase productivity while keeping themselves healthy?

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Tips & Tricks

Troubleshooting, how to change safari background image in macos.

Beyond customizing the Safari start page for things like Favorites, Reading List, and Frequently Visited, you can also change the background image used by Safari in modern macOS versions. This allows you to use any picture you want as the default background image in Safari, offering a neat way to customize the Safari web experience on Mac.

To be able to set a custom background image in Safari, you’ll need Safari 14 or newer on a modern macOS release, like macOS Big Sur, macOS Catalina, macOS Mojave, or newer. Beyond that, it’s simply a matter of learning how this works, so read on to learn how to set and change the Safari background image on a Mac.

How to Change Background Image of Safari in MacOS

Here’s how to customize your Safari background picture:

There you go. Now, you’ve learned how to use any picture as the Safari background on your Mac. Pretty easy, right?

Remember, this only impacts the background image of Safari. If you want to change the desktop background picture on the Mac, that’s done differently as detailed here .

Apart from being able to set a custom background, modern Safari versions also have additional customization options. You now have full control over the various sections that show up on the start page like Favorites, Frequently Visited, Reading Lists, etc, and if that interests you then learn more about Safari start page customization for Mac here .

The latest versions of Safari have a variety of handy features that you might want to check out, including checking the Privacy Report for websites , which makes use of DuckDuckGo’s tracker radar list to safeguard your privacy, and the ability to translate webpages from different languages automatically and easily.

Did you set a picture as the background image of Safari on your Mac? What do you think of this feature? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

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This only works on a Safari window / tab set as Start Page, but not Empty Page, etc. Right Click in an Empty Page does nothing, (unless you have the Debugger enabled).

But you can remove all the start page items, using the menu in the lower right, so Start Page function like Empty Page but with a color/image background.

(found on MacOS Mojave w Safari 14.0.3 )

This feature doesn’t work on my 2012 15″ MacBook Pro, any image I select is so badly pixellated it’s unrecognisable. Even a clean install didn’t cure the problem. I hope the next version of Safari fixes the problem!

So the Safari feature works on your Mac, it just doesn’t look well. Perhaps the image is too small of resolution so it is scaling up?

It’s any image, including the pre-installed ones in Safari or the high resolution wallpapers. The image switches, holds for a second or two, then turns into a jagged mess.

Sounds like maybe you’re grabbing a thumbnail and not the full resolution image. Can’t explain the built in ones showing up pixelated though.

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How to Get Dark Mode Everywhere in Safari for Mac

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer specializing in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Google web apps. Besides Guiding Tech, you can read his work at iPhone Hacks, Online Tech Tips, Help Desk Geek, MakeUseOf, and Switching to Mac.

Browsing the internet late at night isn’t exactly a fun experience when you’ve got websites flashing white backgrounds and gnashing their teeth at you. If Safari is your go-to browser on the Mac, then I’m sure that is a problem. It’s natural to want the Dark Mode everywhere in Safari when you are browsing.

So, you have Night Shift . But sometimes, there’s nothing like dark mode to lessen the strain on your eyes . However, enabling dark mode in Safari is easier said than done. The browser does sport the ability to switch to a dark theme. But that doesn’t really have an impact on the majority of websites out there.

If you want dark mode everywhere, then let’s check out what you must do below. Let’s start with how to enable the dark theme in Safari.

Note: The following instructions apply to Safari v13.0 running on macOS Catalina.

Enable Dark Theme for Safari

On macOS Catalina, you have a built-in dark color scheme that renders the entire operating system along with native apps, including Safari and supported third-party programs in dark mode. I bet some of you already know how to enable it. If so, skip ahead to the next section. Otherwise, here’s how to turn it on.

Step 1: Open the Apple menu, and then click System Preferences.

Step 2: Click the tile labeled General.

Step 3: Click Dark in the top-most section named Appearance. That should switch the entire operating system to a dark color scheme.

Launch Safari, and you should see the browser theme rendered in dark as well. You should also find websites that sport native a dark theme rendered automatically in the dark mode. However, only a tiny minority of sites do sport a native dark theme, which means that you still have to deal with a ton of white pixels on the screen.

That leads us to the next obvious question. How do you get dark mode in Safari everywhere?

Enable Dark Mode for Websites in Safari

Thankfully, there are a couple of ways that you can easily use to get websites — the ones that don’t sport a native dark theme — to render in dark mode. The first method involves using Reader View. The second method requires you to use an extension.

1. Use Reader View

Reader View is a built-in Safari functionality that strips ads and other unwanted elements from webpages and presents them in an easily readable format. It also lets you change the default white background color to black. Couple that with Safari’s dark theme, and you’ve got full-fledged dark mode functionality in your hands.

But there’s a catch — Reader View can’t be enabled everywhere. Usually, it’s limited to blog posts and articles, such as the one that you are reading right now. Regardless, let’s check it out in action.

Step 1: Click the Reader View icon to the left-corner of the Safari address bar. Keep in mind that this icon will only show up on Reader View-supported web pages.

Step 2: Click the aA icon to the right corner of the Safari address bar, and then switch to the darkest background color. You only have to do that once since Safari remembers your preferences automatically.

And voila! That should render the page in complete dark mode. Perfect.

By default, you must enable Reader View manually each time you visit a webpage. If that gets tedious, you can set it to kick in automatically on supported webpages. Here’s how to do that.

Step 1: Click Safari on the menu bar, and then click Preferences.

Step 2: Switch to the Websites tab, and then click Reader on the left pane.

To enable automatic Reader View for websites that are open in Safari, click the menu next to each listed website underneath the Currently Open Websites section, and select On.

To enable other websites to always switch to Reader View, click the menu next to When Visiting Other Websites, and then select On.

Exit the Preferences window. Safari will automatically switch to Reader View whenever you visit a page that supports the functionality.

2. Use Safari Extension

Dark mode with Reader View works well, but it doesn’t function on all websites and webpages. It is apt if you read a lot at night, but not ideal for web browsing in general.

If you want dark mode just about everywhere, you must resort to using a Safari extension. However, almost every dark mode extension that I ran into on the Mac App Store required a fee. Sadly, this included the fantastic Dark Reader extension, which is available free of charge for Chrome and Firefox .

But eventually, I did come across an extension that didn’t ask me to pay upfront — Night Eye. Here’s how to install and enable it.

Step 1: Install Night Eye via the Mac App Store.

Install Night Eye

Step 2: Open Safari Preferences.

Step 3: Click the Extensions tab, and then check the box next to Night Eye.

And that’s it. Every website, except very few such as Google Docs , that you come across should now render in dark mode.

The extension works quite well, and even sports the ability to work alongside the system color scheme, controls to adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation, etc. To access these options, click the Night Eye icon to the left of the address bar.

However, Night Eye isn’t totally free. You need to pay to keep using some of the advanced features in the extension after three months. The supposed ‘Lite’ version that it switches to afterward limits you to using dark mode for up to five websites.

If you like the extension, you can buy it. But I don’t recommend doing that. Its price is quite steep at $8.99 for a one-year subscription or $39.99 for a one-off license. Instead, Dark Reader for Safari only requires a one-time fee of $4.99. There are also multiple other dark extensions — such as Dark Mode for Safari — that you can find on the Mac App Store for just $1.99.

Don’t Lose Your Bearings

Using Safari in complete dark mode is a treat for the eyes. I wish Apple would incorporate some built-in toggle that would forcibly render sites in dark mode so that we won’t have to rely on workarounds.

But for now, using Reader View or a dark mode extension is the way to go. If you plan to go the extension-route, be prepared for that ding to your wallet eventually.

Next up: Is Firefox better than Safari on the Mac? Read our comparison to figure out which is the better browser for you.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 03 February, 2022

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

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Safari 16 - Theme Colors

Any way to change the white Safari 16 theme to a different color w/o using dark mode ?

Posted on Oct 11, 2022 12:30 PM

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Oct 12, 2022 2:26 PM in response to samipili

Hi samipili,

Thanks for coming to Apple Support Communities for help today.

What you are describing sounds like customizing Safari start page settings with background images. This article can help you achieve this. Please see: Customize your Safari settings on iPhone .

"Customize your start page

When you open a new tab, you begin on your start page. You can customize your start page with new background images and options.

• Scroll to the bottom of the page, then tap Edit.
• Choose options for your start page.
• Background Image:  Choose the image you want to appear in the background each time you open a new start page in this Tab Group."

Have a fantastic day!

How to change iPhone app colors and theme in iOS 18

For more than a decade, it’s taken jailbreaking or other workarounds to customize iPhone apps with a unique look. Now, iOS 18 includes the ability to change iPhone app colors and more natively. Here’s how it works.

Apple started offering more customization with iOS 14 in 2020 as it introduced the first widgets. And every year since, we’ve been getting more flexibility .

Now the first iOS 18 beta is here and it brings the ability to natively change iPhone app colors, not just between light and dark icons, but also custom colors.

• Apple unveils iOS 18 with new home screen customization, Control Center revamp, more

How to change iPhone app colors and theme with iOS 18

• Make sure you’re running the iOS 18 beta on your iPhone ( full guide )
• From the Home Screen, press and hold in an empty area
• Tap Edit in the top left corner
• Now pick Customize
• Choose between Automatic, Dark, Light, and Tinted
• You can also pick between small (default) and large app icons
• Choosing tinted lets you change all iPhone app colors to a single choice

A few things to keep in mind. In the beta, you can only choose to apply the app color change to all apps, not individual ones.

The dark mode app icon change currently only applies to Apple’s first-party apps, but should hopefully come to third-party ones before long.

Changing the color of all apps with the tinting feature in iOS 18 does apply to both first and third-party apps in the first beta.

Here’s how it looks to change iPhone app colors and play with theming:

On the left is dark, middle is dark plus large icons, and the right is a green-tinted theme:

Top comment by Kaplag

This feature is such an awful thing. I thought the rumors were bad but this is horrible. It's bad for usability (not able to have color help make apps stand out). It's bad for branding and brand identity. It's just ugly in almost every example they showed. I feel like the iPhone just turned to android and is now void of taste.

At least that's my gut reaction to it. No one is forcing me to use it but I'll cringe every time I see someone else who is.

When picking the large icons from the customize menu, iOS 18 removes the app titles. If you like the idea of using both dark and light based on time of day, pick Automatic.

If you want to use a color from your wallpaper, tap the eyedropper tool just above “Tinted” in the Customize menu.

What do you think about the new customization for app color? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Top image via Apple

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macOS User Guide

• What’s in the menu bar?
• Work on the desktop
• Search with Spotlight
• Quickly change settings
• Get notifications
• Open apps from the Dock
• Organize your files in the Finder
• Connect to the internet
• Browse the web
• Preview a file
• Take a screenshot
• Change your display’s brightness
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• Use trackpad and mouse gestures
• Use Touch ID
• Print documents
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Apps on your Mac
• Work with app windows
• Use apps in full screen
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• Use Stage Manager
• Get apps from the App Store
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• Create and work with documents
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• Change System Settings
• Choose your desktop wallpaper
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• What is iCloud?
• What is iCloud+?
• Store files in iCloud Drive
• Share and collaborate on files and folders
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• What is Family Sharing?
• Set up Family Sharing
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• Resources for your Mac
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Use a light or dark appearance on your Mac

You can use a light or dark appearance for the menu bar , Dock, windows, and built-in apps on your Mac, or automatically adjust the appearance from light to dark during the day.

Open Appearance settings for me

Select Light, Dark, or Auto on the right.

Light is a light appearance that doesn’t change.

Dark is a dark appearance that doesn’t change. Dark Mode darkens the color scheme so the content you’re working on stands out, while windows and controls seem to recede into the background. It’s effective for viewing documents, presentations, photos, movies, webpages, and more.

Auto switches the appearance from light to dark based on the Night Shift schedule you set. See Change Night Shift settings .

Auto won’t switch the appearance until your Mac has been idle for at least a minute, or if an app is preventing the display from sleeping, such as during media playback.

In Appearance settings, you can also choose an accent color for buttons, pop-up menus, and other UI controls, and a highlight color to use for highlighting selected text.

Some dynamic wallpaper pictures may provide still images so the wallpaper doesn’t distract from the light or dark appearance. For example, if you chose the dark appearance during macOS setup, the wallpaper is set to a dark still image. You can change this picture. See Wallpaper settings .