Switching Figma to dark mode can make a significant difference in your design workflow, especially during late-night work sessions, as it reduces eye strain and enhances visual comfort.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to enable the dark mode in Figma, ensuring a more user-friendly and personalized workspace.

Throughout this article, you will learn how to navigate the theme customization options within Figma’s software settings to effortlessly switch between light mode and dark mode.

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll understand how to access Figma’s preferences menu, adjust the interface appearance settings, and fully enjoy the benefits of a dark theme for better productivity and comfort.

This guide also briefly touches on the importance of interface customization and how adopting a night mode can significantly enhance your digital design workflow. Let’s get started on making Figma work better for you.

How to Change Figma to Dark Mode: Quick Workflow

Method 1: Using Quick Actions

  1. Open Quick Actions: Press Command + P on Mac or Control + P on Windows.
  2. Search for Dark Mode: Type “dark” and select “Dark Mode” from the options presented. This will switch your interface to dark mode.

Method 2: Through Preferences Menu

  1. Access Preferences: Click on the Figma icon in the top left corner.
  2. Select Theme: Navigate to Preferences > Theme, where you can choose between Dark and Light modes. You can also set it to follow your system settings.

Enabling and Managing Themes

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Changing Themes Through Figma’s Main Menu

Accessing theme settings via toolbar? Easy. At the top right, you’ll notice the beloved toolbar. Click your avatar or circle—whatever you call it—this is your gateway. A drop-down appears.

Find theme settings. Options show up: light, dark, or system. Select dark if you like a relaxed vibe. Light if you need something brighter. System follows your device’s overall theme. Done. Visual comfort achieved.

Using Quick Actions to Toggle Themes

Shortcuts for macOS and Windows scream efficiency. For Mac lovers: Command + / and type ‘theme’. Windows folks: Control + /, same drill. The search bar appears.

Type ‘toggle theme’. Hit Enter. Voilà, instant theme switch. Whether you switch between Design Files or the File Browser, it adapts instantly. Quick, efficient, accessible.

Adjusting Themes from the Figma Homepage

Navigate to the user menu from the Figma homepage. It’s at the bottom left. Click your profile picture or initials. The user settings menu pops up.

Steps to enable light or dark themes: From the dropdown, locate the theme section. Choose your preferred theme option. Adjust seamlessly for your design workflow.

Theme Application in Design Files

Automatic Adaptation Based on Theme

When you switch themes in Figma, the software handles a lot for you. Default background colors for new files change right away. Light mode gives you a white, bright canvas. Dark mode flips it to a sleek, muted gray.

Behavior of pages and frames also shifts. In light mode, elements appear crisp and clear against the bright backdrop. Switch to dark mode, and things transform—contrasts feel different. Borders and text adapt to maintain readability. Your design workflow doesn’t miss a beat.

Assigning Local Variables for Theme Customization

To get fancy, assign local variables for theme tweaks. Start by setting up color variables. Define primary colors like text, background, and accents for both light and dark themes. It’s like packing your toolbox with everything you need.

With variables, create light and dark mode components. This means buttons, icons, and entire sections behave differently based on the active theme. Just swap the variables, and your designs adapt. No manual changes. No hassle.

Then, leverage frame-based variable mode switching. How? Use frames to group related elements. Set their theme-specific variables. Toggle the frame’s mode to see instant changes. Work faster. Prototype smarter.

Enhancing the User Experience with Dark Mode

Benefits of Dark Mode

Dark mode isn’t just a trend. It’s a real game-changer for user comfort. With dark mode, reducing eye strain becomes a reality. For those long stretches of design work, the improved focus is undeniable.

Why stop there? It’s about more than just comfort. Mitigating blue light exposure during those late-night sessions means less disruption to your sleep cycle. Your eyes relax. Your brain doesn’t get tricked into thinking it’s still daylight.

And let’s talk health during long working hours. Staring at a bright screen for hours can be draining. Dark mode turns it into a more sustainable task, supporting your well-being as you dive deep into your design files.

Testing Designs in Dark Mode

You want to see how users will experience your design in dark mode? Crucial. Dark-themed apps and websites are on the rise. Visualizing end-user experiences in this setting is key. It allows you to make informed design tweaks that look good at night and day.

Relevance for gaming and media applications? That’s where dark themes shine. Gaming UIs, entertainment apps—they live in dark mode. Testing in this light (or lack thereof) ensures the immersive experience users crave.

Using Extensions for Additional Dark Mode Features

Let’s not forget extensions. Tools like Night Eye expand what dark mode can do, venturing beyond just Figma. Need to apply dark mode to your entire browsing experience? These extensions have got you covered.

Expanding dark mode compatibility beyond Figma makes for a consistent, comfortable design environment. Everything aligns, from your design software to how you consume content online.

Disabling Themes

Reverting to Light Mode

Need to switch back to light mode?

Easy. Head to the Figma homepage. Click your avatar in the bottom left corner. A menu pops up. Go to theme settings.

Select light mode.

Done. Bright and crisp.

Inside design files? The process is similar. Look for the same avatar or user menu. Click, select theme preferences, and choose light mode. All your pages and frames instantly reflect the change.

Resetting Preferences for Consistency

To get everything in sync, reset your preferences across all devices.

Go to user settings. Look for the option to synchronize settings. Click it. Now, whether you’re working on a Mac, PC, or tablet, everything stays consistent. No surprises.

Got shared files? Restore their default views.

Open the file. Go to file settings. Find the reset option. Click it. All collaborators see the same thing, no matter their personal settings.

Tips and Best Practices for Theme Management

Optimizing Theme Usage

Align themes with your design objectives. Light mode for clarity, dark mode for focus. Simple.

Switch modes based on your working conditions. Late-night session? Flick to dark mode. Bright environment? Light mode it is. Easy choices make a big difference.

Struggling to locate settings? Happens. Hit Command + / on a Mac or Control + / on Windows. Type ‘theme’. Problem solved. Quick actions for the win.

Ensuring theme compatibility across platforms is a must. Test your design on various devices. Tablets, desktops, mobile—all of it. Consistency is key.

FAQ on How To Change Figma To Dark Mode

How do I enable dark mode in Figma?

To enable dark mode in Figma, navigate to the preferences menu in the top-right corner of your Figma interface.

Look for the theme settings and select the dark theme option. This setting will switch your entire interface to a dark mode instantly.

Why isn’t dark mode available in my Figma?

If dark mode isn’t available, you might need to check for software updates.

Ensure you’re using the latest version of Figma, as interface customization features like dark mode may not be in older versions.

Can I schedule dark mode in Figma?

Currently, Figma doesn’t support scheduling dark mode. You’ll need to manually switch between light and dark themes using the interface appearance settings within the preferences menu whenever you wish to change it.

Does dark mode affect performance in Figma?

Enabling dark mode in Figma shouldn’t impact the software’s performance.

It mainly changes the visual design and interface appearance without affecting the speed or functionality of the design tools.

Is dark mode available in the Figma web app?

Yes, dark mode is available in the Figma web app. Access the preferences menu within your browser-based Figma application and switch to the dark theme under the theme settings.

Can I customize the dark mode in Figma?

Figma’s dark mode is a fixed setting; currently, you can’t customize it beyond switching between light and dark themes.

The focus is on providing a uniform interface customization experience for the users.

Why use dark mode in Figma?

Using dark mode in Figma can reduce eye strain, especially during long work sessions or late at night.

It promotes visual comfort, making it easier to focus on your digital design workflow without discomfort.

Will dark mode affect my Figma project files?

Switching to dark mode only changes the interface appearance and does not alter your project files.

Your designs in Figma remain unaffected and maintain their original visual design and theme customization.

How do I revert to light mode in Figma?

To revert to light mode, go back to the preferences menu in Figma.

Within the theme settings, select the light theme option to change the interface appearance back to light mode.

Can dark mode in Figma be enabled on all devices?

Yes, you can enable dark mode on various devices, whether you’re using the Figma desktop application or the web app.

Just access the preferences menu and switch to the dark theme under the theme settings on any device you’re using.

Conclusion

How to change Figma to dark mode is a simple task that can significantly enhance your digital design workflow by offering a more comfortable and visually pleasant interface. By accessing the preferences menu and adjusting the theme settings to the dark theme, you can ensure reduced eye strain during long sessions. This guide has clearly outlined the steps needed to enable dark mode in both the desktop application and web app versions of Figma.

Remember, switching to dark mode does not affect your project files or design tools—it only changes the interface appearance. While customization of the dark theme is limited at present, enabling it can still improve your visual design experience, making it easier to work under various lighting conditions.

By following the outlined steps, you can seamlessly switch between light mode and dark mode, tailoring your work environment to your needs. This ensures that your design software remains both user-friendly and effective, catering to a wide array of visual preferences while maintaining the high standards of Figma’s graphic design capabilities.

Author

Bogdan Sandu is the principal designer and editor of this website. He specializes in web and graphic design, focusing on creating user-friendly websites, innovative UI kits, and unique fonts.Many of his resources are available on various design marketplaces. Over the years, he's worked with a range of clients and contributed to design publications like Designmodo, WebDesignerDepot, and Speckyboy among others.