How to Implement Dark Mode with CSS

Implementing dark mode with CSS is a popular trend in web design that provides users with an alternative color scheme that is easier on the eyes, particularly in low-light environments. By using CSS, developers can create styles that adjust the appearance of a website when dark mode is enabled by the user. This can involve changing background colors, text colors, and other elements to ensure optimal readability. In this guide, we will explore the steps to implement dark mode using CSS, allowing you to enhance the user experience of your website.

Table of Contents

Dark Mode with CSS tutorial

Dark mode has become increasingly popular among users as it reduces strain on the eyes, improves readability, and saves battery life. In this tutorial, we will explore how to implement dark mode with CSS. By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to create a toggle switch that enables users to switch between light and dark modes effortlessly.

Step 1: HTML structure

To begin, let’s set up the HTML structure for our dark mode implementation. Include the following code within the <body> tags:

<div class="container"> <header> <h1>My Website</h1> </header> <main> <p>Welcome to my website!</p> <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.</p> </main> <footer> <p>© 2021 My Website. All rights reserved.</p> </footer> </div>

Step 2: Basic CSS styling

Now, let’s add some basic CSS styling to our HTML. We will use CSS variables to define the colors for both light and dark modes. Add the following CSS code within the <style> tags in the <head> section of your HTML document:

<style> /* Light mode styles */ :root { --background-color: #ffffff; --text-color: #000000; }


  /* Dark mode styles */

  body.dark-mode {

    --background-color: #1f1f1f;

    --text-color: #ffffff;

  }
  body {

    background-color: var(--background-color);

    color: var(--text-color);

  }
  .container {

    max-width: 800px;

    margin: 0 auto;

    padding: 20px;

  }
  h1 {

    font-size: 32px;

    font-weight: bold;

  }
  p {

    font-size: 16px;

    line-height: 1.5;

  }

footer { margin-top: 40px; text-align: center; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } </style>

In the above code, we define CSS variables for the background color and text color to be used in both light and dark modes. The body.dark-mode selector targets the body element when the dark mode is enabled.

Step 3: JavaScript for the toggle switch

To add a toggle switch for the dark mode, we will use JavaScript. Add the following JavaScript code just before the closing </body> tag:

<script> const toggleSwitch = document.querySelector('.dark-mode-toggle input[type="checkbox"]');


  function switchTheme(e) {

    if (e.target.checked) {

      document.body.classList.add('dark-mode');

    } else {

      document.body.classList.remove('dark-mode');

    }

  }

toggleSwitch.addEventListener('change', switchTheme, false); </script>

In the above code, we select the toggle switch input element and add an event listener to detect changes. When the switch is checked, we add the ‘dark-mode’ class to the body element, enabling dark mode. When the switch is unchecked, we remove the class, reverting to light mode.

Step 4: Adding the toggle switch to the HTML

Finally, let’s add the toggle switch to our HTML. Place the following code within the .container div:

<div class="dark-mode-toggle"> <input type="checkbox" id="toggle-switch" name="toggle-switch"> <label for="toggle-switch">Toggle dark mode</label> </div>

This code adds a checkbox input element and a label for the toggle switch.

By following these simple steps, you have successfully implemented dark mode with CSS. Users visiting your website can now enjoy the benefits of dark mode, improving their reading experience. Remember, dark mode not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also provides practical benefits such as reduced eye strain and increased battery life.

Start implementing dark mode with CSS on your website today and provide your users with a seamless and comfortable browsing experience.

Keywords: Dark Mode with CSS tutorial, HTML, bold keywords, headings, paragraphs, commas, line breaks.

Implementing Dark Mode with CSS is a relatively simple process that can greatly enhance the user experience of a website or application. By following the steps outlined in this guide, developers can create a sleek and modern design that accommodates users’ preferences for dark color schemes. Dark Mode not only looks stylish but also reduces eye strain and conserves energy on devices with OLED screens. Ultimately, adding Dark Mode to your project can provide a polished and user-friendly interface that enhances overall usability.