Quick answer
To enable dark mode in Notion, click Settings in the bottom-left sidebar, open the Appearance section, and select Dark under Interface style. You can also press Ctrl+Shift+L on Windows or Cmd+Shift+L on Mac to toggle instantly. Mobile users switch it under Settings in the Notion app.
Steps at a glance
- Click Settings in the bottom-left sidebar of Notion.
- Open the Appearance section inside Settings.
- Select Dark under Interface style options.
- Or press Ctrl+Shift+L (Windows) / Cmd+Shift+L (Mac) to toggle instantly.
- On mobile, open Settings, tap Appearance, then choose Dark.
- Confirm the theme applies to your current workspace.
Summary
Notion's built-in dark mode replaces the bright white interface with a dark gray theme and light text, reducing glare and eye strain during long editing sessions. You can switch it on from the Settings menu on desktop, from the mobile app settings, or instantly with a keyboard shortcut.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open Notion Settings
In the desktop app or browser, look at the bottom-left sidebar and click your workspace name or the Settings icon. This opens the Settings panel where all appearance and account options live.
Step 2
Go to the Appearance section
Inside Settings, find the Appearance section, usually listed near the top of the general preferences. This is where Notion controls the Interface style for your account.
Step 3
Select Dark mode
Under Interface style, choose Dark from the available options (Light, Dark, or Use system setting). The interface updates immediately, switching page backgrounds to dark gray with light text across every page, database, and sidebar menu.
Step 4
Try the keyboard shortcut for quick toggling
If you switch between light and dark frequently, press Ctrl+Shift+L on Windows or Cmd+Shift+L on Mac to flip the theme instantly without opening Settings. This shortcut works from any page in the desktop app.
Step 5
Enable dark mode on the mobile app
Open the Notion mobile app, tap the menu icon, then Settings, and select Appearance. Choose Dark or set it to match your phone's system theme so it switches automatically with your device.
Step 6
Check that formatting still looks right
Dark mode changes background and text colors but not embedded images or colored callout blocks, so review pages with heavy formatting. If you use custom fonts, revisit the font settings on the /guides/notion/change-font guide to make sure text stays readable against the darker background.
Why this matters
You're drafting docs late at night or working in a dim room, and Notion's bright white pages are straining your eyes and lighting up your whole screen. Switching to dark mode fixes this instantly, and once it's set, every page, database, and toggle list stays comfortable to read.
Frequently asked questions
Is dark mode available on the free plan?
Yes, dark mode is a built-in display setting available to every Notion user regardless of plan, including free accounts.
Does enabling dark mode sync across all my devices?
No, the appearance setting is stored per device. You need to turn on Dark in Settings on your desktop app, browser, and mobile app separately.
Will dark mode affect how my pages look when shared or exported?
No, dark mode only changes your personal viewing theme. Pages you export as PDF or share publicly still use the standard light background unless the viewer has their own dark mode enabled.
Can I set Notion to switch automatically with my system theme?
Yes, choose Use system setting instead of Light or Dark in the Appearance section, and Notion will match your operating system's day and night theme automatically.
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