How to Control macOS Dark Mode with 'dark-mode' (with examples)

The ‘dark-mode’ command is a simple, yet powerful tool designed to manage the dark mode feature on macOS. This command-line utility allows users to effortlessly toggle, activate, deactivate, and check the status of the system-wide dark mode setting. Whether you’re a developer looking to institute specific lighting conditions for different development tasks, or simply a user wanting to switch themes to fit personal aesthetic preferences, this tool offers a streamlined, scriptable solution.

Use case 1: Toggle Dark Mode

Code:

dark-mode

Motivation:

The ability to quickly toggle dark mode can be crucial for users who work in changing lighting environments or who prefer different modes depending on the time of day. For instance, bright mode might be easier on the eyes during daylight hours, while dark mode can help reduce strain during nighttime. By simply executing the command, a user can seamlessly switch between modes without navigating through multiple system settings.

Explanation:

The command dark-mode executed without any arguments performs a basic toggle operation. This command checks the current status of the dark mode and reverses it—they switch it from on to off or from off to on. There are no additional options or parameters bundled with this command, emphasizing its simplicity and ease of use. It abstracts the complexity of navigating the system preferences and provides an immediate switch, leveraging macOS’s ability to quickly apply theme settings.

Example Output:

Dark mode is now on

or

Dark mode is now off

Use case 2: Turn Dark Mode On

Code:

dark-mode on

Motivation:

Activating dark mode can significantly reduce glare and blue light exposure, offering potential health benefits such as better sleep quality and less eye strain. Users who prefer a dark-themed interface at night or those who routinely operate in darker surroundings may invoke this command to ensure that their system environment matches their ambient lighting conditions.

Explanation:

The command dark-mode on includes the argument on, which explicitly instructs the tool to enable dark mode. This is beneficial when scripting or automating setups where you require a predicable outcome and do not want the toggle behavior of the basic dark-mode command. The explicit on argument avoids ambiguity and makes it clear to the system what your intended display preference is.

Example Output:

Dark mode is now on

Use case 3: Turn Dark Mode Off

Code:

dark-mode off

Motivation:

Conversely, turning dark mode off—reverting to light mode—may be preferred under different circumstances, particularly in well-lit areas or for users who require better visibility for colors and graphics. This command serves designers, content creators, and developers who may need to preview content in its lighter visual state or extract more detail from a bright interface.

Explanation:

The dark-mode off command takes off as an argument, which tells the macOS system to disable dark mode and revert to its standard light mode. The specificity of the off argument ensures that users have control over the precise state of their system’s theme, eliminating the uncertainty that could arise from the toggle functionality.

Example Output:

Dark mode is now off

Use case 4: Check the Dark Mode Status

Code:

dark-mode status

Motivation:

Knowing whether dark mode is currently active is essential when scripts depend on the system’s appearance settings. This can be especially useful for troubleshooting display issues where mode status might affect application behavior or system look. The command helps users verify the current state without needing to open system preferences or inspect the visual interface.

Explanation:

The dark-mode status command includes status as its argument, signaling to the tool that it should output the current status of the dark mode feature. It is a passive command, intending to report back rather than modify system settings, and is aimed at providing clarity regarding the system’s theme state.

Example Output:

Dark mode is currently on

or

Dark mode is currently off

Conclusion:

In summary, the ‘dark-mode’ command is an efficient method to manage the macOS dark theme. Through straightforward commands, users can toggle between dark and light modes, explicitly turn on or off dark mode, and check the mode’s current status. This command not only offers convenience but also supports flexible integration into scripts and workflows, tailoring the visual environment to suit both personal preferences and occupational needs.