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Google Sheets Dark Mode: Everything You Need to Know

May 25, 2022
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Over recent years, Google Sheets has grown in popularity and has quickly become a competitor for Microsoft Excel. One of the main reasons for this rise in popularity is that Google Sheets is a free tool as part of the Google Office suite.

Many of the benefits of Google Sheets are apparent, but some are slightly trickier than others to uncover. One of these little-known features of Google Sheets is how to enable dark mode. One of the main reasons for this is that it is impossible to turn on the dark theme on the desktop version of Google Sheets. But it doesn't mean it isn't possible to enable dark mode. This article will discuss the benefits of Google Sheets and Google Docs dark mode and how you can enable dark mode in Google Sheets for desktop or mobile.

Why Use Dark Mode in Google?

There are many advantages to using dark mode instead of light mode. Some of the advantages of dark mode functionality include the following:

Minimal Blue-Light Exposure.

Turning on Google Sheets night mode will lower your exposure to blue light, often found in the white light in light themes. Blue light has been proven to cause cataracts, eye strain, watery eyes, and vision loss. Dark mode in Google Chrome can alleviate these potential side effects.

Improved Battery Life.

Studies have shown that enabling dark mode in Google Sheets can reduce battery consumption by as much as 30%. You won't have to charge your phone or laptop as much, and it will last longer.

Helps With Glare.

If you work in a darker location, dark and light modes can operate differently. The light mode can present a frustrating blinding glare, which can impact your eyes due to the contrast in light between your screen and environment. If you enable a dark theme instead, you can significantly reduce the glare, as your darker screen cuts out the blinding lights.

How to Make Google Sheets Dark Mode

As we have already touched, using a dark background in Google Sheets will depend on which device you use to turn on dark mode. Here are the steps to enable dark mode in Google Sheets for mobile or desktop versions.

Google Sheets Dark Mode Desktop

When writing this, there is no current dark mode for Google Sheets on the desktop, even if you use Google Chrome. However, there are several extensions you can download from a Google Chrome browser. These solutions certainly aren't perfect, but if you want to force dark mode, these are the steps you need to take:

  • Search for a "Dark Mode Extension" in the Chrome Web Store.
  • Select the Add to Chrome button from the web page, and your extension will download. This option is only available in Google Chrome.
  • Once you have installed your extension, it will activate straight away.

Google Sheets Dark Mode on Mobile

You can enable dark force mode on Google Sheets for a mobile device in two ways. The first option allows dark mode system-wide, whereas the second option allows the dark theme from within the Google Sheets app.

In-App Google Spreadsheets Dark Mode.

  • Select the three horizontal lines on your screen's top left-hand side to add the sidebar. From that sidebar, tap on Settings. From here, you will get taken to the settings page.
  • Locate the Theme section on the settings page, and tap Choose Theme.
  • Tap on Dark mode to amend your theme setting. The colors will immediately change, and you will operate in dark mode. This process is the same for Google Docs dark mode as well.

Alternatively:

  • Tap on the three-dot menu at the screen's top right-hand corner.
  • Tap on View in light of them. From there, the document will move to the light theme from the dark theme.
  • To turn the dark theme back on, follow these steps and tap on View in dark theme.

Google Sheets Dark Mode: Summary and Key Takeaways

Now you know how to enable dark mode in Google Sheets! Enable a dark theme to reduce your eyestrain from staring at a screen for long periods. Be sure to take constant screen breaks, and check out some of the other "How-to" guides and advice on the Simple Sheets blog!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Do I Turn on Dark Mode in Google Sheets?

To enable Google Sheets dark mode, head to the settings menu on your IOS or Android phone and swap the theme. You must use the Google Sheets dark mode extension to access dark mode on the desktop.

Is Dark Mode Better for Your Eyes?

Dark mode in Google Sheets has been suggested to lower eye strain and help reduce dry eyes. That being said, no official data backs this claim to date.

Does Dark Mode Cause Depression?

Dark colors tend to be linked with negative emotions, such as sadness and depression. On the flip side, the bright light at night has been proven to cause headaches and fatigue, which are also traits of depression. At the time of writing this article, no data has proven dark mode causes depression.

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