Use CSS custom properties to define light and dark theme variables and apply them across styles with smooth transitions. 2. Detect user preference via prefers-color-scheme media query and align with system settings, optionally overriding with data attributes. 3. Implement a toggle button with JavaScript that switches themes and saves the user’s choice in localStorage for persistence. 4. Optimize images and media in dark mode using CSS filters, alternative sources, or adaptive SVGs to maintain visual harmony. A well-implemented dark mode enhances usability by combining flexible styling, user preference detection, manual control, and persistent settings, resulting in an accessible and visually comfortable experience on all devices.
Adding dark mode to a website improves user experience, especially in low-light environments. It’s not just a trend—it’s a usability feature that reduces eye strain and saves battery on OLED screens. Here’s how to implement it effectively.
1. Use CSS Custom Properties (Variables) for Themes
The cleanest way to manage light and dark themes is with CSS variables. Define your color scheme in :root
and override it when dark mode is active.
:root { --bg-color: #ffffff; --text-color: #333333; --accent-color: #007bff; } [data-theme="dark"] { --bg-color: #121212; --text-color: #f5f5f5; --accent-color: #0a6eff; }
Then apply these variables in your styles:
body { background-color: var(--bg-color); color: var(--text-color); transition: background-color 0.3s ease, color 0.3s ease; } a { color: var(--accent-color); }
Using transition
makes the switch between modes smooth and user-friendly.
2. Detect User Preference with prefers-color-scheme
Leverage the CSS media query prefers-color-scheme
to automatically match the user’s system settings.
@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) { body { background-color: #121212; color: #f5f5f5; } }
But for more control (like toggling manually), combine it with a data attribute:
@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) { :root { /* Optional: set default dark variables if no override */ } }
Then use JavaScript to respect user choice even if their system preference changes later.
3. Add a Toggle Button with JavaScript
Let users manually switch modes. Save their preference in localStorage
so it persists across visits.
<button id="dark-mode-toggle">Toggle Dark Mode</button>
const toggle = document.getElementById('dark-mode-toggle'); const currentTheme = localStorage.getItem('theme') || 'light'; // Set initial theme document.documentElement.setAttribute('data-theme', currentTheme); toggle.addEventListener('click', () => { let theme = document.documentElement.getAttribute('data-theme'); let newTheme = theme === 'light' ? 'dark' : 'light'; document.documentElement.setAttribute('data-theme', newTheme); localStorage.setItem('theme', newTheme); });
This way, the site remembers the user’s choice.
4. Handle Images and Media
Dark mode can make bright images jarring. Consider these options:
- Use CSS filters:
img { filter: brightness(85%); }
in dark mode. - Provide alternative dark-themed images via
picture
element ordata-*
attributes. - Use SVGs with
currentColor
so they inherit text color and adapt automatically.
Example:
[data-theme="dark"] img { filter: brightness(0.9) contrast(1.1); }
Be careful not to overdo it—preserving image quality matters.
Bonus: Add a Class Instead of Data Attribute (Alternative)
Some developers prefer using a class like .dark-mode
on the <body>
or <html>
. It works the same way:
document.body.classList.toggle('dark-mode');
And style accordingly:
.dark-mode { --bg-color: #121212; --text-color: #f5f5f5; }
Choose based on your project’s structure—data attributes are slightly more semantic.
Basically, it’s about setting up flexible styles, detecting preferences, letting users decide, and remembering their choice. With CSS variables and a little JavaScript, dark mode is straightforward and accessible.
The above is the detailed content of How to Implement Dark Mode on a Website. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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