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Changing your Mac to night mode can be a great way to reduce eye strain and improve ease of use, especially in low light conditions. Night mode adjusts the colors on your screen to warmer tones, reducing the amount of blue light emitted. This can help you sleep better, as blue light has been shown to disrupt healthy sleep patterns. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to change your Mac to night mode and provide additional tips to enhance your night time computing experience.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing Mac to Night Mode:
While changing your Mac to night mode might seem like a simple task, it can be a challenge for some users. One common issue users face is not knowing how to access the night mode settings on their Mac. Additionally, not all Mac models and operating systems have built-in night mode features, which means finding alternative methods to achieve the desired effect. In this article, we will address these challenges and provide solutions that work for a variety of Mac users.
Things You Should Prepare for:
Before changing your Mac to night mode, there are a few things you should prepare for. First, ensure that your Mac is running on the latest operating system. Night mode features are often introduced in software updates, so keeping your Mac up-to-date will give you the best chance of having access to this feature. Additionally, if your Mac does not have a built-in night mode option, you may need to download and install third-party software that offers this functionality.
Method 1: Using macOS Night Shift:
One of the easiest methods to change your Mac to night mode is by using the built-in macOS Night Shift feature. Night Shift is available on Mac models running macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later. Here’s how you can enable Night Shift on your Mac:
Step 1: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
Step 2: Select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: In the System Preferences window, click on "Displays."
Step 4: Navigate to the "Night Shift" tab.
Step 5: Here, you will find options to schedule Night Shift, adjust the color temperature, and enable it manually. Customize the settings according to your preference.
Step 6: Once you’ve made your desired changes, close the System Preferences window, and your Mac will now be in night mode.
Pros:
1. Easy to access and enable through System Preferences.
2. Offers control over scheduling and color temperature adjustments.
3. Built-in feature, so no need to download additional software.
Cons:
1. Limited to Mac models running macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later.
2. May not offer advanced customization options compared to third-party software.
Method 2: Via f.lux:
If your Mac is running on an older operating system or does not have the Night Shift feature, you can still achieve night mode by using third-party software like f.lux. f.lux is a popular tool that adjusts the color temperature of your screen based on the time of day. Here’s how to use f.lux to change your Mac to night mode:
Step 1: Visit the f.lux website at flux.com and download the software for your Mac.
Step 2: Once the download is complete, open the f.lux installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
Step 3: Launch f.lux after installation. It will automatically detect your location and adjust the color temperature accordingly.
Step 4: You can customize the color temperature and other settings by accessing the f.lux menu icon in the top-right corner of your screen.
Pros:
1. Compatible with a wide range of Mac models and operating systems.
2. Offers more advanced customization options compared to built-in night mode features.
3. Automatically adjusts color temperature based on location and time.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software.
2. Not as seamlessly integrated into the operating system as built-in night mode features.
| Pros | 1. Compatible with a wide range of Mac models and operating systems. | 2. Offers more advanced customization options compared to built-in night mode features. | 3. Automatically adjusts color temperature based on location and time. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software. | 2. Not as seamlessly integrated into the operating system as built-in night mode features. |
Method 3: Using NightOwl:
NightOwl is another popular third-party software that allows you to change your Mac to night mode. It provides an easy-to-use interface with customizable options to adjust the screen’s color temperature. Here’s how to use NightOwl on your Mac:
Step 1: Visit the NightOwl website at nightowl.kramser.xyz and download the software.
Step 2: After the download is complete, open the NightOwl installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
Step 3: Launch NightOwl once the installation is finished. You will see a menu icon in the top-right corner of your screen.
Step 4: Click on the NightOwl menu icon to access the settings panel. Here, you can customize the color temperature and other night mode options.
Step 5: Once you’ve made your desired adjustments, NightOwl will apply the changes, and your Mac will be in night mode.
Pros:
1. User-friendly interface with easy navigation.
2. Customizable options for adjusting color temperature and other night mode settings.
3. Lightweight software that does not consume excessive system resources.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software.
2. May not offer as many features as other third-party options.
| Pros | 1. User-friendly interface with easy navigation. | 2. Customizable options for adjusting color temperature and other night mode settings. | 3. Lightweight software that does not consume excessive system resources. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software. | 2. May not offer as many features as other third-party options. |
Method 4: Using Shifty:
Shifty is a menu bar app for Mac that lets you quickly switch your Mac to night mode with just a few clicks. It provides a simple and intuitive interface for managing your Mac’s color temperature. Here’s how you can use Shifty to change your Mac to night mode:
Step 1: Visit the Shifty GitHub page at github.com/thompsonate/Shifty and download the latest version of the app.
Step 2: Once the download is complete, open the Shifty installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
Step 3: Launch Shifty after installation. It will appear in your menu bar at the top of the screen.
Step 4: Click on the Shifty menu bar icon to access the night mode settings. From here, you can enable night mode and make color temperature adjustments as needed.
Pros:
1. Lightweight and easy-to-use menu bar app.
2. Quick access to night mode settings with a single click.
3. Provides customizable color temperature options.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software.
2. May have limited support and updates compared to other options.
| Pros | 1. Lightweight and easy-to-use menu bar app. | 2. Quick access to night mode settings with a single click. | 3. Provides customizable color temperature options. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cons | 1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software. | 2. May have limited support and updates compared to other options. |
Why Can’t I Change My Mac to Night Mode?
There can be multiple reasons why you may be experiencing difficulties in changing your Mac to night mode. Here are some common reasons and possible fixes:
Q1: Why can’t I find the night mode option in System Preferences?
A: The night mode option might be unavailable because your Mac model or operating system does not support this feature. In this case, you can try using third-party software like f.lux or NightOwl to achieve a similar effect.
Q2: Why is Night Shift not working on my Mac?
A: Night Shift might not be working due to various reasons, such as outdated macOS or incompatible hardware. To fix this, ensure that your Mac is running on the latest operating system and check the system requirements for Night Shift compatibility.
Q3: Why is f.lux not changing my screen’s color temperature?
A: If f.lux is not changing the screen’s color temperature, check if the app is running in the background and properly configured. You may need to adjust the settings or reinstall the software to resolve the issue.
Q4: Why is NightOwl not applying the night mode settings?
A: If NightOwl is not applying the night mode settings, ensure that the app is enabled and running. Sometimes, a restart or reinstall of the software might be necessary for the changes to take effect.
Q5: Why is Shifty not activating night mode?
A: If Shifty is not activating night mode, make sure that the app is correctly installed and running in your menu bar. Sometimes, resetting the app’s settings or reinstalling it can help resolve any issues.
Additional Tips:
Here are some additional tips to enhance your night time computing experience on Mac:
1. Adjust Ambient Lighting: Consider dimming the ambient lighting in your workspace or using a desk lamp with warm-toned light bulbs. This can complement the night mode on your Mac and further reduce eye strain.
2. Use Dark or Night Mode in Apps: Many apps now offer a dark or night mode option that changes the interface to darker colors. Enable this feature in apps like web browsers, text editors, and productivity tools to create a more cohesive night time experience.
3. Take Breaks: It’s important to take regular breaks from your screen, especially during extended periods of computer use. Use apps or features like the Pomodoro Technique to remind yourself to take breaks and give your eyes a rest.
5 FAQs about Changing Mac to Night Mode:
Q1: Can I schedule night mode to automatically turn on and off at specific times?
A: Yes, both macOS Night Shift and third-party software like f.lux and Shifty offer scheduling options to activate and deactivate night mode at specific times.
Q2: Will changing my Mac to night mode affect the color accuracy of my display?
A: While night mode may alter the color temperature, it is designed to minimize eye strain and improve readability. However, if color accuracy is crucial for your work, you may want to disable night mode during color-sensitive tasks.
Q3: Are there any alternatives to night mode on Mac?
A: Yes, there are several alternatives available, such as using screen filters or wearing blue light-blocking glasses. These options can help reduce blue light exposure without modifying the screen’s color temperature.
Q4: Can I adjust the intensity of night mode on my Mac?
A: Yes, most night mode options allow you to adjust the color temperature, which directly affects the intensity of the effect. You can make the colors warmer or cooler based on your preference.
Q5: Does night mode on Mac have any impact on sleep quality?
A: Night mode can help improve sleep quality by reducing exposure to blue light, which has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns. However, other factors like overall screen time and personal habits also influence sleep quality.
In Conclusion:
Changing your Mac to night mode can have significant benefits, especially if you spend long hours on your computer during the evening or night. Whether you use the built-in macOS Night Shift feature or opt for third-party software like f.lux, NightOwl, or Shifty, you can reduce eye strain and improve your overall computing experience. Remember to customize the settings according to your preference and take breaks to give your eyes a rest. Embrace the night mode on your Mac to create a more comfortable and sleep-friendly environment.