How do I activate Dark Mode

[MatthewYook]

I can't find the dark mode on Canvas for my browers, and none of the links help I've come across. How do I access darkmode on my PC browsers? 

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

@MatthewYook ...

The short answer is, you can't.  There is no built-in ability to change Canvas to dark mode on a desktop or laptop computer.  However, there is an existing Idea that has been suggested and has been a popular request from many people.  You can find it at: [Theme Editor] Dark Theme/Dark Mode for Canvas.  This idea is part of a larger Theme called: .  You'll see that this Theme has a status of "Identified", and you can read more about what this status means by going to: How do Ideas and Themes work in the Instructure Community?.

I know this isn't the answer you were looking for, but I hope the links I've provided will be of some help to you.

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

@MatthewYook ...

The short answer is, you can't.  There is no built-in ability to change Canvas to dark mode on a desktop or laptop computer.  However, there is an existing Idea that has been suggested and has been a popular request from many people.  You can find it at: [Theme Editor] Dark Theme/Dark Mode for Canvas.  This idea is part of a larger Theme called: .  You'll see that this Theme has a status of "Identified", and you can read more about what this status means by going to: How do Ideas and Themes work in the Instructure Community?.

I know this isn't the answer you were looking for, but I hope the links I've provided will be of some help to you.

[rIw]

well there's a way because one of my classmates has in enabled on a school computer with restrictions

[rIw]

on canvas

[RecycledElectro · Accepted solution]

I do not think Canvas has a dark mode. You can change the theme / colors on your computer.

Here are instructions for Windows 10: https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-enable-dark-mode-in-windows-10 

If you tell me what operating system you are using, I can provide directions for your computer.

[BrianFritzen]

It is absolutely insane that this idea is over half a decade old and it still isn't implemented except on mobile. 

My district blocks extensions on browsers that can add a dark mode so this is killing me. I currently am working with a chronic migraine with visual aura. 

[ddessauer]

I sympathise, but they may have reason to do what at first seems insane.

Because of the legacy of Canvas content created in the context of a locked down white page, much of the existing content  (ironically including some adjustments made by the inbuilt accessibility checker!) are not prepared to be viewed in dark mode. The problems aren’t confined to simple poor accessibility standards, the reality is that a lot of content is so completely invisible, it won’t even be apparent you are missing things. Dark mode has a knack for revealing how sloppy the code created by the rich text editor and practices like copy-pasting from various sources can be.

Existing pages and content will often need a lot of work to be dark mode ready, and there isn’t yet widespread awareness or understanding of these issues among most of those building the content.

I would guess this might explain why there are blocks in place on the dark mode browser extensions. However, I believe the ‘genie is out of the bottle’ and these strategies to hold back dark mode are doomed to fail. The fact is many students are already using browser plugins to force a dark mode on pages, and Instructure them selves have endorsed dark mode by building it into their own mobile apps! I would argue prematurely, seeing as it is in direct conflict with their approach in the web browser, but here we are!

As a learning designer building content for Canvas, I am presently focused on implementing dark mode ready practices to ensure that we improve upon our past errors in this respect.  I’m eager to discuss these strategies with others invested in this idea, so feel free to reach out. 

[FTSheldon]

I too suffer from chronic migraines and visual aura. I've spent alot of time using canvas and even with the brightness turned down to 18% I get these headaches that are disabling. 

[ddessauer]

Thanks for sharing you experience @FTSheldon 

i recommend for your case that you try adding the ‘Better Canvas’ plugin to Google Chrome. This will give you a switch to enter and exit dark mode (along with other features).

You will probably find that is a far better solution than adjusting brightness etc. I would still quickly check page contents in regular mode to ensure you miss nothing, but then you can do your reading in dark mode.