Best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode

Introduction

In today’s digital-first work environment, organizations are looking for every way to optimise user experience, comfort, and productivity. For users of the Salesforce platform, one increasingly popular enhancement is the ability to switch to a darker visual theme. In this blog I’ll walk through why you might adopt dark mode, and detail the best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode so that your teams (including those using project management or professional services automation tools such as our own Mission Control built natively on Salesforce) can benefit from a more comfortable UI. I’ll highlight multiple approaches and share tips for making dark mode work smoothly.

Why dark mode matters

Before diving into the steps, it’s worth recognising the value: enabling dark mode isn’t just a “nice-to-have” aesthetic change. Many users report that dark backgrounds with lighter text reduce eye strain in low-light environments, decrease blue-light exposure (which can affect sleep patterns), and enhance focus by reducing visual clutter. Several guidance pieces point out that the best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode may lead to improved usability and engagement. Salesforce Ben+3Trailhead+3Dark Mode+3

Best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode

Here are some of the most effective methods:

1. Use native dark mode support in Salesforce (when available)
   One of the best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode is to leverage the built-in support provided by Salesforce through the Lightning Design System version 2 (SLDS 2) and a compatible theme. According to Salesforce’s documentation, in orgs that support SLDS 2 themes (for example via the “Salesforce Cosmos” theme), administrators can enable a “Let users enable dark mode” option at the org level, and then users can toggle Dark vs Light mode individually. Trailhead
   Steps include:

• • From Setup → Themes & Branding → select your theme (Salesforce Cosmos) → Edit → set “Let users enable Dark Mode” → Save. Trailhead
  • Then each user can click their profile image → choose Colour Mode → Dark. Trailhead
    This is definitely among the best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode when your org supports it.

1. Use browser extensions / custom CSS for older or unsupported orgs
   If your Salesforce org doesn’t yet support native dark mode via SLDS 2, another of the best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode is using browser-based solutions. For example, Chrome extensions like “Salesforce Dark Theme” or “Dark Reader” can impose a dark theme. Salesforce Ben+2Dark Mode+2
   This approach has some caveats (compatibility, custom components might not render perfectly) but is a practical alternative.
2. Combine OS / device dark mode settings with Salesforce
   Beyond Salesforce itself, one of the best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode is by aligning your device’s dark mode or night mode settings alongside it. For example: Mac’s Night Shift, Windows Night Light, or other device-level dark/low-blue-light modes. Salesforce Ben
   While this doesn’t change Salesforce’s interface alone, it complements the dark-mode approach by reducing overall screen brightness and blue-light exposure.
3. Custom themes and branding in Salesforce
   If you have more advanced customisation requirements (for example custom Lightning components, Visualforce pages, or embedded apps like Mission Control), another of the best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode is to create a custom theme/branding in your org that uses darker colour palettes, and ensure your custom components respect them. Salesforce’s documentation around SLDS 2 emphasises adjusting accent colours and ensuring contrast for accessibility. Trailhead
   This means beyond toggling to dark mode, tailoring your organisational branding and components so they look good in dark mode is critical.
4. Test and pilot for your users
   Even with dark mode enabled, one of the best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode effectively is to pilot it with a subset of users and gather feedback. Because not all parts of Salesforce (or third-party apps) may fully support dark themes, users may encounter visual glitches or reduced readability. For instance, if you use custom dashboards or embedded PSA modules like Mission Control inside Salesforce, confirm those visuals render well in dark mode.
   Allowing users to enable/disable dark mode themselves (once the org-level option is enabled) gives flexibility. Regularly ask for feedback on readability, contrast, and user comfort.

Best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode: Practical checklist

Here’s a quick list you can share with your team:

• Confirm your org’s theme supports SLDS 2 and dark mode capability.
• Update your Setup: Themes & Branding → select theme → enable dark mode toggle.
• Communicate to users: how to switch (profile → Colour Mode → Dark) and how to revert.
• If native support not available: recommend/install browser extension (with IT/ security approval).
• Update your custom components (Visualforce, Lightning Web Components) to respect dark mode/branding contrast.
• Align device settings (night mode, reduced blue light) to complement dark mode usage.
• Run pilot with small user group, collect feedback, adjust before full rollout.
• Monitor any accessibility or readability issues (font size, contrast) when users are working in dark mode.
• Have a fallback plan: users should easily switch back to light mode if needed.
• Document and share “best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode” internally — make it part of your adoption/training materials.

Benefits to emphasise in your rollout

When you communicate to end-users why enabling dark mode is worth it, you might emphasise:

• Reduced eye strain and fatigue, especially during long sessions or in low-light conditions.
• Potential improvement in focus and concentration because darker environments reduce visual distractions.
• Modern, sleek look — many users prefer dark mode for aesthetics and comfort.
• With certain devices, dark backgrounds can slightly help with battery usage, especially on OLED screens (though less relevant for desktop browsers).
• Supporting different user preferences enhances user satisfaction and helps adoption of tools like Mission Control + Salesforce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re looking to enhance your team’s user-experience on Salesforce, then understanding and implementing one of the best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode is a smart move. Whether you’re using the native SLDS 2 support, leveraging browser extensions, aligning with device dark settings, or branding your custom components accordingly — you have multiple avenues to choose from. For your end-users of Mission Control (and beyond), enabling dark mode can improve comfort, accessibility, and ultimately adoption. We recommend you test with a pilot group, use the checklist above, and communicate the benefits clearly. By doing so, your rollout of dark mode becomes much more than a cosmetic upgrade — it becomes a user-experience boost. So get started with the best ways to enable Salesforce Dark Mode today and help your team work smarter, more comfortably, and more consistently.

Mission Control is a comprehensive Salesforce Project Management software application. Make sure you check out our other Project Management Best Practices.