Do your eyes struggle against the heavy glow of your screen while working on WordPress? From visitors skimming through pages to editors adjusting every detail, shifting to a darker hue means less strain and more comfort.

Dark mode offers a sleek, low-light alternative that’s both visually pleasing and easier on the eyes. But the thing is, Gutenberg doesn’t come with a built-in option for this.

Luckily, you can use website plugins, browser extensions, or system settings—each offering a different approach to achieving a darker and more eye-friendly workspace.

Today, we’ll see all the ways to get Dark Mode up and running, drop a few pro tips, and show you how to customize it effortlessly. Let’s dive in!

What is Gutenberg Dark Mode? Why Use it?

Gutenberg Dark Mode is an interface tweak for the WordPress Block Editor, where the standard light theme gets swapped with a dark one. It can be dark gray or black as the background, with contrasting lighter text and other visual elements that stand out.

Dark mode is more than a shift from the usual glare to a quieter and more comfortable editing space. Here are a few reasons why we should use Gutenberg dark mode:

Reduces Eye Strain

A darker shade reduces the intense contrast that can strain your eyes. Especially in low-light areas, this shift makes editing the WordPress editor feel smoother.

Boosts Focus and Productivity

As you save your eyes from fatigue during those long, focusing for hours on content creation gets easier. The result? Increased productivity, as your attention stays fixed on what’s important.

Aesthetic Appeal

Dark Mode looks nice. It adds a sense of elegance to the editor, which turns your workspace into something more visually enjoyable and polished.

Saves Energy on OLED Screens (for Modern Screens)

Most laptops nowadays have OLED or AMOLED screens. So, if there’s a power cut happening or no charging facility is available, dark mode can be a power saver. Dark pixels consume less energy, meaning your device’s battery lasts longer.

Improves Accessibility

Dark Mode is a great option for those with light sensitivity or visual impairments. It opens up the platform to a wider audience, making it more inclusive. And if you don’t like it, there’s always an off switch.

How to Enable Dark Mode In Gutenberg Editor (for Both Visitors & Editors)

Screens glare, eyes strain, and productivity dips. But thankfully, dark mode can change that! The best part is that dark mode in Gutenberg can be activated in two key areas:

For the Blog Section – Readers gain control, toggling between light and dark themes.
For the Gutenberg Block Editor – The writing interface transforms, easing eye strain and sharpening focus.

Dark Mode for the Gutenberg Block Editor (for Content Creators or Editors)

Generally speaking, long editing sessions can give almost everyone a headache. Using dark mode, you’ll find it easier to create, and longer without burning out. Here’s how you can do it:

Method 1: Using the Darklup WordPress Plugin

The thing is, we don’t always need the black and white shade. What we require is a darker, yet natural appearance while editing. In Gutenberg editor, Darklup’s Dark Mode gives you just that.

We also tried other plugins like Dracula Dark Mode and WP Dark Mode. Yet, Darklup shines the most. So, here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Installation Begins

Log in to WordPress.
Go to Plugins > Add New.
Search for “Darklup.”

Now, hit the Install button and then Activate the plugin.

Step 2: Enabling/Disabling Dark Mode

After you installed Darklup, go to Darklup, and then Settings.
The plugin should take you to advanced settings. If not, go there manually.

Now, activate and Enable both Frontend Dark mode and Dashboard Dark mode. Then hit save.

Refresh the page, and a dark mode icon will appear in the admin panel.

Click the dark mode icon and your entire dashboard will be in dark mode, including the Gutenberg block editor.

If you don’t find the admin panel in your Gutenberg block editor, disable the full-screen mode. This is to make sure your admin panel shows up in the editor.

Method 2: Using a Google Chrome Extension

What if you don’t want to use a dark mode plugin or are not allowed to use it? Or maybe you want your entire browser experience to be in dark mode. In those cases, let a browser extension handle dark mode. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Install a Dark Mode Extension

Open Chrome Web Store.
Now, search for “ Dark Mode” extensions.

Now, all you need to do is click Install > Add to Chrome.

Step 2: Enable Dark Mode in Gutenberg

This dark mode extension works on almost all web pages. So, you can use it in the Gutenberg block editor as well.
Pin the extension from the extensions tab.

After you pin it, a dark mode icon will appear.
While using the Gutenberg Editor, click on it.

Method 3: Using a Dark Mode Compatible Theme

If you want something built in, some dark themes for WordPress natively support dark mode. This removes the need for extra plugins or extensions.

Step 1: Choose a Theme with Dark Mode

Search for dark mode-compatible themes (Neve, Astra, Blocksy).
Now, keep on previewing until you find your best option. Now, hit on Install.
After that, click activate.

Step 2: Enable Dark Mode in the Theme Settings

In most of the themes, you will see Appearance > Customize.
Now, find the Dark Mode settings (varies by theme).
You need to enable dark mode for both the front end and the editor.
Once you save the changes, hit on exit, and you are done.

Dark Mode for the Blog Section (For Your Visitors)

Not all eyes see the same way. Some prefer brightness, while others crave a dimmer view. A dark mode toggle offers visitors the choice to pick what works for them. Here’s how to add it:

Using a Dark Mode Plugin (Darklup Dark Mode)

Here, no manual coding is needed… simple as that! With Darklup Plugin, you’re not just stuck with the usual black or gray dark mode shades. You can adjust the colors freely and align perfectly with your brand identity.

Here’s how we do it:

Step 1: Install Darklup

Go to the WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Plugins > Add New.

Type “Darklup” in the search bar.
Click “Install Now” > Activate.

Step 2: Configure And Use

Go to Darklup in the dashboard section and click settings.

Now, go to advanced settings and activate the first two options.

Click save. And you are done. Every time a visitor sees your posts, a dark mode icon will appear, and they can see the posts in either the dark or light mode.

Pro Tip: As different dark mode plugins interact differently with different themes, using Darklup is the safest way to go. This plugin had no conflict with all the major themes or other third-party plugins.

Compatibility Issues With Gutenberg Dark Mode, Themes, and Plugins

When the dark mode is combined with the Gutenberg editor, themes, and plugins, compatibility issues can arise and cause unexpected glitches. Things don’t always blend smoothly. However, Darklup didn’t have any of these issues. Even the color overlapping was fully adjustable.

Now, let’s see what compatibility issues you might come across with other dark mode plugins:

Issue	Description	Solution
Plugin Conflict with Themes	Dark mode plugins might not match with every theme, causing things to break visually.	Test plugin compatibility, or disable other plugins that might be throwing off the balance.
Overlapping Styles	Plugins might mask the theme’s colors, messing up the look.	Tweak plugin options or get hands-on with the theme’s CSS.
Editor and Frontend Incompatibility	Dark mode might appear fine in the editor, but not so much on the live site.	Make sure plugin settings are in sync on both ends.
CSS Overrides	Some themes have CSS that simply refuses to adapt to dark mode.	Inject custom CSS or switch to a dark mode-optimized theme.
Theme Customization Conflicts	Themes without native dark mode support might struggle.	Switch to a theme that plays well with dark mode, or opt for a compatible plugin.
Performance Slowdown	Some dark mode plugins may slow down performance across the site.	Use lighter, more efficient dark mode plugins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enable the Gutenberg block editor?

To activate the Gutenberg block editor, simply ensure your WordPress version is 5.0 or later. It will be the default editor. If it’s not your default editor, delete all other editors you have, and you will have Gutenberg Block Editor as the default.

Why is Gutenberg still important?

Gutenberg is important because it simplifies WordPress layout building with blocks instead of shortcodes or code. It lets users design visually engaging posts while improving accessibility and flexibility for both beginners and advanced users. Plus, it’s lightweight and doesn’t interfere with other plugins.

How do I make my WordPress background black?

Making your WordPress background black is easy! Just head to the “Customizer” via the “Appearance” tab, find “Colors,” and set the background to black. You can also add custom CSS like background-color: #000; in the Customizer’s Additional CSS section. Or, just use a dark mode plugin.

End Note

There you have it, all the ways you can use Gutenberg Dark Mode. Whether you lean toward a plugin, a browser extension, or a theme with built-in support, the choice is yours. Options everywhere, pick your favorite.

Use a plugin option (Like Darklup) if you want the safest and error-free dark mode option. Then again, for blog content creators and editors, you can also use a dark-mode Chrome extension.

And yes, sometimes you may expect a conflict with the themes or plugins while integrating. (The above-mentioned plugins have the least conflict). Yet, a bit of tweaking, and you’ll be right back on track.

So, switch off the glare, step into a softer, calmer editing space, and let your eyes enjoy the comfort. A darker Gutenberg block editor, just the way you want it.

Turn Your Gutenberg Block Editor Dark with Ease!

Learn More About Darklup

Gutenberg Dark Mode Activation Guide: Settings, Tips, and Tricks

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