# Dark Mode

Source: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/dark-mode
Skill: hig-foundations
Snapshot: 2025-02-02

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<!-- hig-doctor:attribution -->
> **Source**: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/dark-mode.
> This file is a structured index of that content, snapshot 2025-02-02.
> Apple HIG text and imagery are © Apple Inc.; this repository provides organization and cross-referencing for AI agent consumption only.

# Dark Mode

## Best practices

**Avoid offering an app-specific appearance setting.**

**Ensure that your app looks good in both appearance modes.**

**Test your content to make sure that it remains comfortably legible in both appearance modes.**

**In rare cases, consider using only a dark appearance in the interface.**

## Dark Mode colors

**Embrace colors that adapt to the current appearance.**

**Aim for sufficient color contrast in all appearances.**

**Soften the color of white backgrounds.**

### Icons and images

**Use SF Symbols wherever possible.**

**Design separate interface icons for the light and dark appearances if necessary.**

**Make sure full-color images and icons look good in both appearances.**

### Text

**Use the system-provided label colors for labels.**

**Use system views to draw text fields and text views.**

## Platform considerations

### iOS, iPadOS

**Prefer the system background colors.**

### macOS

**Include some transparency in custom component backgrounds when appropriate.**

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For the complete guidance, including worked examples and illustrations, see the canonical page: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/dark-mode