How do I change my Notion theme to dark mode?

Switching your Notion workspace to dark mode takes just a few clicks through the appearance settings, and it's available across all platforms where Notion runs. Dark mode reduces eye strain during extended work sessions and can help preserve battery life on devices with OLED screens. The process varies slightly between desktop, web, and mobile versions, but each platform offers the same three appearance options: light mode, dark mode, or automatic system synchronization.

For the desktop and web versions of Notion, you'll find the dark mode setting in your account preferences. Click on "Settings & members" in the left sidebar, then select "My notifications & settings" from the options that appear. Within this section, locate the "Appearance" dropdown menu and choose "Dark" for dedicated dark mode, "Light" for the standard bright interface, or "Use system setting" to automatically match your device's current theme preference. This system synchronization option proves particularly useful if you regularly switch between light and dark themes on your computer throughout the day.

Mobile users can access the same functionality through a slightly different path. Tap the three dots icon in the top right corner of your Notion app to open the sidebar, then tap "Settings" and scroll down to the "Appearance" section. The same three options await you there, providing consistency across all your devices. This unified approach means your theme preference applies to all workspaces under your account simultaneously, creating a seamless visual experience regardless of which projects you're working on.

Power users will appreciate the keyboard shortcut available on desktop and web platforms: Cmd + Shift + L on Mac or Ctrl + Shift + L on Windows instantly toggles between light and dark modes. This quick-access method proves invaluable when transitioning between different lighting environments or sharing your screen in various contexts. However, keep in mind that mobile devices don't support this keyboard shortcut, requiring manual navigation through the settings menu.

While dark mode enhances comfort for many users, it's worth noting that the theme change affects Notion's interface elements but doesn't modify embedded images, third-party widgets, or certain external content blocks. Additionally, if dark mode doesn't activate immediately after making the change, try restarting the application or refreshing your browser tab, as Notion occasionally caches appearance settings. Regular updates to both your operating system and Notion app ensure optimal performance and access to the latest interface improvements.