How to Implement Dark Mode in JavaScript with CSS Variables
Jul 29, 2025 am 01:27 AMDefine CSS variables for bright and dark themes, use: root to set the default bright and dark theme, and the .dark-mode class overwrites as dark themes; 2. Add a button to switch modes in HTML; 3. Use JavaScript to switch themes through the classList.toggle method to switch themes; 4. Use localStorage to save user preferences so that the page is overloaded; 5. Optionally, detect prefers-color-scheme through window.matchMedia to match system themes by default. Finally, a lightweight, maintainable and user-experienced dark mode function is realized. Class switching is completed completely based on CSS variables and JavaScript, without the need for complex frameworks, and ends with a complete sentence.
Implementing dark mode on a website using JavaScript and CSS variables is a clean, efficient way to give users control over their viewing experience. Here's how you can do it step by step.

1. Define CSS Variables for Light and Dark Themes
Start by defining your color themes using CSS custom properties (variables). Use :root
for the default (light) theme, and a separate class (like .dark-mode
) to override those values for dark mode.
:root { --bg-color: #ffffff; --text-color: #333333; --primary-color: #007bff; --border-color: #dddddd; } .dark-mode { --bg-color: #1a1a1a; --text-color: #f0f0f0; --primary-color: #00a2ff; --border-color: #444444; } body { background-color: var(--bg-color); color: var(--text-color); transition: background-color 0.3s ease, color 0.3s ease; } /* Apply styles using variables */ button { background-color: var(--primary-color); color: white; border: 1px solid var(--border-color); }
The transition
property ensures smooth color changes when toggling modes.

2. Add a Toggle Button in HTML
Include a button (or switch) in your HTML that users can click to toggle dark mode.
<button id="darkModeToggle">Toggle Dark Mode</button>
You can style it as a switch or keep it simple — the functionality remains the same.

3. Toggle Dark Mode with JavaScript
Use JavaScript to add or remove the .dark-mode
class from the <body>
(or <html>
) element when the button is clicked.
const toggleButton = document.getElementById('darkModeToggle'); toggleButton.addEventListener('click', () => { document.body.classList.toggle('dark-mode'); });
This will apply the dark theme styles whenever .dark-mode
is active.
4. (Optional) Remember User Preference
To improve UX, save the user's preference using localStorage
so the site remembers their choice on reload.
const toggleButton = document.getElementById('darkModeToggle'); // Check user preference on load if (localStorage.getItem('darkMode') === 'enabled') { document.body.classList.add('dark-mode'); } toggleButton.addEventListener('click', () => { document.body.classList.toggle('dark-mode'); // Save preference if (document.body.classList.contains('dark-mode')) { localStorage.setItem('darkMode', 'enabled'); } else { localStorage.setItem('darkMode', 'disabled'); } });
Now the mode persists across sessions.
5. (Bonus) Match System Preference by Default
You can set the initial theme based on the user's OS-level preference using prefers-color-scheme
.
// Run on page load if (localStorage.getItem('darkMode') === 'enabled') { document.body.classList.add('dark-mode'); } else if (localStorage.getItem('darkMode') === 'disabled') { document.body.classList.remove('dark-mode'); } else { // Default to system preference if no choice is saved if (window.matchMedia('(prefers-color-scheme: dark)').matches) { document.body.classList.add('dark-mode'); } }
This provides a seamless experience out of the box.
That's it! You now have a fully functional dark mode that:
- Uses CSS variables for easy themed
- Toggles via JavaScript
- Remembers user choice
- Respects system preferences
It's lightweight, maintainable, and user-friendly. Basically just a class swap and some smart CSS — no complex frameworks needed.
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