How to get Dark Mode in Google Docs

[nerdslife_team]

Google Docs is super handy for working on documents online, but that bright white screen can be a real pain, especially when you’re up late. Luckily, there are ways to switch to dark mode, even if it’s not a built-in feature for desktops. Here’s how you can make your eyes much happier.

Method 1: Forcing Dark Mode in Chrome, Edge or Firefox

The most effective way to get dark mode in Google Docs (and pretty much everywhere else) is to force it through your browser’s experimental settings. This approach applies dark mode to all websites you visit, giving you a consistent look across the board.

Forcing Dark Mode in Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and in the address bar, type chrome://flags to access the experimental features page.
   

   

2. Use the search box at the top and type in Force dark mode.
   

   

3. Find the option named Force Dark Mode for Web Contents. Then, click the dropdown menu beside it and select Enabled.
   

   

4. Chrome will prompt you to restart. Click Relaunch. Make sure to save any work first, as Chrome will shut down and then reopen all of your tabs.
   

   

Now, all websites, including Google Docs, will be displayed in dark mode! You’ve got a consistent dark theme without needing any extra extensions.

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Forcing Dark Mode in Microsoft Edge

1. In Microsoft Edge, go to edge://flags using the address bar.
   

   

2. Type Dark mode in the search box.

3. Locate Force Dark Mode for Web Contents and set it to Enabled using the dropdown menu.
   

   

4. Click Restart to relaunch Edge and apply the changes. Dark mode is now active across all sites, including Google Docs.
   

   

Forcing Dark Mode in Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox, click the menu (three lines), and choose Add-ons and Themes.
   

   

2. Search for Dark Reader.
   

   

3. Click on the Dark Reader extension by Alexander Shutau to see its details.
   

   

4. Click on Add to Firefox to install the extension.
   

   

5. Click Add to allow required permissions.
   

   

6. Dark Reader will now be working. Click the Dark Reader icon beside the address bar to customize or disable.
   

   

7. You can also manage it under Add-ons and Themes, or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + A, then going to Extensions.
   

   

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Method 2: Using the Google Docs Dark Mode Extension in Chrome

If you want dark mode only for Google Docs, a dedicated extension is the way to go. This method lets you toggle dark mode for Google Docs without changing the look of other sites.

1. Go to the Chrome Web Store at chrome.google.com/webstore. Search for Google docs dark mode.
   

   

2. Find the extension provided by Ivan Hidalgo and click on it.
   

   

3. Click on Add to Chrome.
   

   

4. Confirm the installation by clicking Add extension.
   

   

5. Pin the extension by clicking the puzzle icon and then clicking the pin icon next to the ‘Google Docs Dark Mode’ extension so it is always visible.
   

   

6. Go to docs.google.com and open a document. Dark mode should be automatically applied.
   

   

7. Click on the extension icon to customize its settings or disable it, giving you switches for the interface and document background.
   

   

Keep in mind that this extension needs permission to access your data on Google Docs. If privacy is a concern, consider using the forced dark mode method instead.

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Method 3: Using the Google Docs Dark Mode Extension in Edge

Edge users can also use the ‘Google Docs Dark Mode’ extension.

1. Go to the Edge Add-ons store at microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons and search for Google docs dark mode.
   

   

2. Click on the extension to view its details.
   

   

3. Click Get to add the extension.
   

   

4. Confirm by clicking Add extension.
   

   

5. Go to docs.google.com. Dark mode should be active now.

6. Click the extension icon to adjust or turn off dark mode via the available switches.
   

   

Again, be aware of the permissions the extension asks for, and if concerned, prefer forcing dark mode via flags.

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Enabling Dark Mode on Mobile Devices

On mobile, enabling dark mode in the Google Docs app is pretty easy, as it’s a built-in feature.

1. Open the Google Docs app and tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
   

   

2. Select Settings.
   

   

3. Tap on Theme.
   

   

4. Choose Dark.
   

   

Now, the app will always use dark mode, regardless of your device’s system settings.