Switching Excel to dark mode is a quick and easy process. By following a few simple steps, you can change the appearance of Excel to be easier on the eyes. This guide will walk you through the process of enabling dark mode in Excel, step by step, and provide you with helpful tips and FAQs.
How to Make Excel Dark Mode
Switching Excel to dark mode makes it more comfortable to use, especially in low-light environments. Below, we’ll explain each step you need to take to enable dark mode in Excel.
Step 1: Open Excel
Launch the Excel application on your computer.
Once you open Excel, it doesn’t matter if you start with a blank workbook or an existing file. We’re just getting into the app to access the settings.
Step 2: Go to File Menu
Click on the "File" tab in the top left corner of the screen.
This will open a new menu where you can access various options and settings.
Step 3: Select Options
Scroll down the menu and click on "Options" at the bottom.
The Options menu is where you can customize various aspects of Excel, including the theme.
Step 4: Choose General Settings
In the Options window, select "General" from the list on the left.
The General settings tab includes a variety of options that affect the overall appearance and behavior of Excel.
Step 5: Change Office Theme
Under the "Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office" section, find the "Office Theme" dropdown menu and select "Dark Gray" or "Black."
Choosing either of these options will switch the overall theme of Excel to a darker color scheme.
Step 6: Apply Changes
Click the "OK" button at the bottom of the Options window to apply the changes.
After clicking "OK," Excel will immediately switch to the selected dark theme.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, Excel will be in dark mode. This new theme will make the interface darker, which can reduce eye strain and be easier on your vision, especially in dimly lit settings.
Tips for Using Excel Dark Mode
- Experiment with Themes: Microsoft Office offers multiple dark themes like "Dark Gray" and "Black"—try each to see which one you prefer.
- Check Other Apps: If you use other Office apps like Word or PowerPoint, switching to dark mode in one app will typically apply it to all Office programs.
- Adjust Screen Brightness: Even in dark mode, reducing your screen brightness can further help in minimizing eye strain.
- Look for Updates: Make sure your Office suite is up-to-date. Microsoft periodically updates their software, which could include improvements to dark mode.
- Customize Ribbon: If the default dark mode layout isn’t to your liking, you can further customize the ribbon and toolbar colors in the "Customize Ribbon" section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dark mode affect performance?
No, switching to dark mode does not affect the performance of Excel. It only changes the visual appearance.
Can I switch back to light mode?
Yes, you can switch back to light mode anytime by following the same steps and selecting "Colorful" or "White" in the "Office Theme" dropdown menu.
Is dark mode available on all versions of Excel?
Dark mode is available on Excel 2016 and later versions. Make sure your software is updated if you don’t see the option.
Does dark mode affect printouts?
No, dark mode only affects the display on your screen. Printouts will remain unchanged.
What if I can’t find the dark mode option?
Ensure your Office suite is updated. If the option still doesn’t appear, you may need to check your system’s theme settings or consult Microsoft support.
Summary
- Open Excel.
- Go to File menu.
- Select Options.
- Choose General settings.
- Change Office theme.
- Apply changes.
Conclusion
Switching Excel to dark mode is a simple yet effective way to make working with spreadsheets more comfortable, especially during long hours or in low-light conditions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily change the theme of Excel to better suit your needs.
If you’re interested in exploring more ways to enhance your Excel experience, consider delving into Excel’s extensive array of customization options. From adjusting the ribbon to creating macros, there are many ways to tailor Excel to fit your workflow.
Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. Happy spreadsheeting!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.