Google Sheets is a versatile tool with an array of features at your disposal. Yet, it lacks the native ability to switch to dark mode on its desktop version. But don’t worry; in this guide, we’ll take you through various methods to transform Google Sheets to dark mode on both mobile and desktop platforms.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through different methods of switching Google Sheets to dark mode, whether you’re using it on your mobile device or desktop computer.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and options to customize your Google Sheets experience with the elegant “Google Sheets to dark mode” feature.
Embracing the Dark Side: Why Change Google Sheets to Dark Mode
Dark mode isn’t just a stylish aesthetic choice; it comes with a host of practical benefits that make switching Google Sheets to dark mode a wise decision. Here’s why you should consider making the transition:
- Reduced Eye Strain: Dark mode reduces the amount of light emitted by your screen, which can significantly decrease eye strain, particularly during long working hours. This is especially beneficial if you spend a considerable amount of time analyzing and updating your spreadsheets.
- Enhanced Concentration: Dark mode creates a distraction-free environment, allowing you to focus on your work without unnecessary glare or bright colors. It’s perfect for maintaining your concentration and productivity, making it an excellent choice for serious spreadsheet tasks.
- Extended Battery Life (Mobile): If you’re using Google Sheets on a mobile device, enabling dark mode can extend your battery life. Dark mode requires less power to display, which means you can work longer without worrying about your battery draining quickly.
- Stylish Aesthetics: Beyond its practical benefits, dark mode simply looks sleek and modern. If you appreciate a visually appealing interface, you’ll find dark mode in Google Sheets to be an elegant and trendy choice.
- Versatility Across Environments: Whether you work in a dimly lit room, a coffee shop, or outdoors, dark mode adapts to various lighting conditions. It’s not only easy on your eyes but also versatile for different working environments.
By switching Google Sheets to dark mode, you can enhance your working experience, protect your eyes, and stay focused on your tasks.
Also Read: How to Create a Data Entry Form in Google Sheets
Change Google Sheets to Dark Mode on Desktop – Step-By-Step Guide
Having explored the compelling reasons to switch Google Sheets to dark mode, let’s now delve into the straightforward process of enabling dark mode on the desktop version. You might be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to make this switch.
So, stay with us as we guide you through the step-by-step process of changing Google Sheets to dark mode on your desktop.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that Google Sheets doesn’t have a built-in dark mode feature for its desktop version. However, don’t worry, we’ve got a solution for you. In this guide, we’ll show you a workaround that involves using a Google Chrome extension to enable dark mode for Google Sheets.
Now that we’ve clarified that, let’s dive into the steps to change Google Sheets to dark mode.
Step 1: Open Google Chrome
Since we are going to use a Google Chrome extension to switch Google Sheets to dark mode, we need to launch the Google Chrome browser on our computer. If you don’t have Chrome, you can download and install it from the official website.
Note: While we will use Chrome browser to demonstrate how to switch Google Sheets to dark mode, it’s worth noting that the Chrome extension can also be used with other Chromium-based browsers. Some popular Chromium-based browsers include:
- Microsoft Edge
- Opera
- Brave
- Vivaldi
- Chromium (open-source version of Chrome)
Make sure you have one of these browsers installed and open it on your computer.
Step 2: Visit the Chrome Web Store
After you’ve opened your Chrome browser, look for the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner. Click on it and select the option for Extensions.
You’ll see two choices: “Manage Extensions” and “Visit Chrome Web Store.” Since we’re interested in getting an extension for dark mode, we will go ahead and click “Visit Chrome Web Store.”
This action should take us straight to the Google Chrome web store, where the magic happens.
Step 3: Search for ‘Dark Mode’
With the option for Visit Google Chrome web store launched, we need to go ahead to search for the extension that allows us to change Google Sheets to dark mode.
To do that, navigate to the search bar in the top left corner of your screen. Here, you want to type the keyword “Dark Mode.” Once you enter the search term, press Enter on your keyboard.
You’ll be presented with several options. Here is what ours looks like:
Step 4: Select the Extension > Add to Chrome
As we reiterated earlier, once you enter the search term, Google Sheets will present you with several extensions you can use to change Google Sheets to Dark Mode. For this guide, we will select the first option “Dark Mode – Dark Reader for Chrome.”
After selecting our preferred Chrome extension, we will be instantly redirected to the details page. It should look something like this:
On the extension’s details page, click the “Add to Chrome” button. A pop-up window will appear, asking you to confirm the installation.
Step 5: Confirm Installation
To install the extension, click the “Add Extension” button in the pop-up. Chrome will then download and install the extension.
Once the extension is installed, you will see its icon in the upper-right corner of your Chrome browser, usually next to the address bar.
Step 6: Enable Dark Mode
Having successfully installed our Dark Mode Extension, we need to enable Dark Mode. To do that, we will click on the Extension icon and enable dark mode. Since we want to change Google Sheets to dark mode, we want to ensure that we have our spreadsheet open.
After enabling dark mode, your spreadsheet should instantly reload, leaving you with a dark sheet to work with.
Here is what our spreadsheet looks like after enabling dark mode.
That wasn’t too hard, was it?
By following these steps, you can quickly and effortlessly enable dark mode in Google Sheets on your desktop using a Chrome extension. This provides a comfortable and customizable working environment for your spreadsheet tasks.
Change Google Sheets to Dark Mode on Mobile: Step-By-Step
Now that we’ve covered the process of switching Google Sheets to dark mode on mobile, let’s explore how to do it directly from the Google Sheets mobile version. This will make your mobile spreadsheet experience not only more visually appealing but also easier on your eyes. Let’s dive into the steps to enable dark mode on your mobile device.
Step 1: Open the Google Sheets App
The first thing you want to do is launch the Google Sheets app on your mobile device. And yes, you want to make sure you are signed in to your Google account.
Step 2: Enable Dark Mode
After launching the Google Sheets mobile app, it’s time to enable the dark mode. To do that, you’ll need to click the menu Icon in the top left corner. This will reveal several options. From the available options, select the option for Settings.
The video below provides better insight on how to execute this step.
Step 3: Choose Theme
By default, the theme for Google Sheets mobile is set to light, so we need to change that. Since we are interested in changing Google Sheets mobile to dark mode, we will select the dark theme.
To do that, click on the option for Choose Theme and select Dark as your option.
Step 4: Open New Sheet
After executing the last step we showed you, you’ll notice that the app’s interface instantly changes to dark, showing that we have now switched to dark mode. But that’s not enough, let’s quickly open a new sheet to see if the changes reflect.
After opening a new sheet, here is what ours looks like:
From the screenshot above, you can see that we have managed to change Google Sheets to dark mode.
By following these steps, you can conveniently switch Google Sheets to dark mode on your mobile device, making your spreadsheet tasks more visually appealing and reducing eye strain during extended use.
Final Thoughts
Changing Google Sheets to dark mode, whether on your desktop or mobile device, offers a host of benefits that can significantly enhance your spreadsheet experience.
In today’s guide, we’ve explored various methods to make this switch, ensuring that you have the flexibility to choose the one that suits your preferences best.
Dark mode not only reduces eye strain during long working hours but also adds a touch of style to your spreadsheet environment. It’s a versatile feature that adapts to various lighting conditions, providing you with a comfortable working environment in any setting.
By following the step-by-step guides provided, you can effortlessly enable dark mode in Google Sheets, transforming your spreadsheet workspace into a more soothing and visually appealing one. Whether you prefer the mobile app or Chrome extension for the desktop version, the power to customize your Google Sheets experience is now at your fingertips.