How to Enable Dark Mode in Excel

Dark mode has become one of the most requested features across modern software applications, and Microsoft Excel is no exception. Whether you spend hours analyzing data, building financial models, or managing spreadsheets, dark mode can significantly improve comfort, reduce eye strain, and create a more visually pleasing workspace—especially in low-light environments.

Microsoft Excel offers multiple ways to enable dark mode depending on your operating system, Excel version, and personal preferences. However, many users are unaware that Excel’s dark mode behavior can vary between the interface, worksheet background, and system-wide theme settings.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to enable dark mode in Excel step by step, explore differences across Windows, macOS, Excel Online, and mobile, understand limitations, and discover tips for optimizing dark mode for productivity.

What Is Dark Mode in Excel?

Dark mode in Excel is a display setting that changes the application’s interface from light colors (white and light gray) to darker shades (black, dark gray, or charcoal). This affects elements such as:

• The Excel ribbon and menus
• Dialog boxes and toolbars
• Side panels and task panes
• Workbook navigation areas

Depending on the version, dark mode may or may not affect the worksheet grid itself.

Benefits of Using Dark Mode in Excel

Dark mode is more than just an aesthetic choice. It provides several practical advantages:

• Reduced eye strain during extended work sessions
• Improved focus by minimizing bright screen glare
• Better battery efficiency on laptops and OLED displays
• Consistent appearance with other dark-themed apps

For professionals who work long hours in Excel, these benefits can noticeably improve comfort and productivity.

Requirements for Dark Mode in Excel

Before enabling dark mode, it’s important to understand what versions support it.

Supported Excel Versions

Dark mode is available in:

• Excel for Microsoft 365 (Windows and macOS)
• Excel 2019, Excel 2021 (limited support)
• Excel Online (browser-based)
• Excel mobile apps (Android and iOS)

Older versions such as Excel 2010 or Excel 2013 have limited or no dark mode functionality.

How to Enable Dark Mode in Excel on Windows

Excel for Windows offers the most control over dark mode settings, especially in Microsoft 365.

Method 1: Enable Dark Mode via Excel Options

1. Open Microsoft Excel

2. Click File in the top-left corner

3. Select Options from the menu

4. In the Excel Options window, stay on the General tab

5. Locate the Office Theme dropdown

6. Choose one of the following:

   • Black (full dark mode)
   • Dark Gray (softer dark appearance)

7. Click OK

Excel will immediately switch to the selected dark theme.

Office Theme Options Explained

• Black: Deep black background with high contrast
• Dark Gray: Dark gray tones that are easier on the eyes
• Colorful: Matches your Windows accent color
• White: Default light mode

For a true dark experience, Black is the recommended option.

Method 2: Match Excel Dark Mode with Windows System Theme

If you prefer Excel to automatically follow your system theme:

1. Open Windows Settings
2. Go to Personalization
3. Select Colors
4. Under “Choose your color,” select Dark
5. Restart Excel if necessary

Excel will adopt dark mode if its Office Theme is set to Use system setting or Colorful.

Dark Mode and Worksheet Background in Excel (Windows)

One common question is whether dark mode changes the worksheet background.

Important Limitation

Even in dark mode:

• Cells remain white by default
• Gridlines stay visible
• Cell formatting does not automatically invert colors

This design choice ensures readability and compatibility when sharing files.

Optional: Darken the Worksheet Manually

If you want a darker worksheet appearance:

1. Select all cells (Ctrl + A)
2. Go to Home → Fill Color
3. Choose a dark gray or black fill
4. Change text color to white or light gray
5. Optionally turn off gridlines from the View tab

⚠️ Be cautious—custom dark worksheets may not display well for users in light mode.

How to Enable Dark Mode in Excel on macOS

Excel for Mac supports dark mode, but behavior depends on macOS system settings.

Step-by-Step: Enable Dark Mode on Mac

1. Click the Apple menu
2. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences)
3. Select Appearance
4. Choose Dark

Excel will automatically switch to dark mode if it is updated to a recent version of Microsoft 365.

Excel Theme Behavior on macOS

• Excel follows the system appearance
• There is no separate Office Theme selector like Windows
• Worksheets remain white by default

How to Enable Dark Mode in Excel Online (Web Version)

Excel Online (Excel for the web) offers dark mode through browser-based settings.

Enable Dark Mode in Excel Online

1. Go to office.com and open Excel
2. Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner
3. Choose Dark Mode

The interface will immediately switch to dark mode without refreshing the page.

Browser Dark Mode vs Excel Dark Mode

• Excel Online dark mode is account-based
• It works independently of your browser theme
• Worksheet cells remain light for clarity

How to Enable Dark Mode in Excel Mobile (Android & iOS)

Excel mobile apps support dark mode and usually sync with system settings.

Enable Dark Mode on Android

1. Open Settings on your phone
2. Go to Display
3. Enable Dark Theme

Excel will automatically adopt dark mode.

Enable Dark Mode on iPhone or iPad

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Display & Brightness
3. Select Dark

Excel will follow the system appearance.

Customizing Dark Mode for Better Productivity

Simply enabling dark mode is only the first step. You can further optimize Excel for comfortable use.

Adjust Font and Cell Formatting

• Use slightly lighter fonts (light gray instead of pure white)
• Increase font size for better readability
• Avoid overly saturated colors in charts

Optimize Charts for Dark Mode

• Use contrasting chart backgrounds
• Increase label brightness
• Avoid dark data series on dark backgrounds

Reduce Eye Fatigue Further

• Adjust screen brightness to match ambient light
• Use Excel’s Zoom feature to avoid squinting
• Take advantage of Full Screen View when analyzing data

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Dark Mode Not Appearing

Possible causes:

• Excel version is outdated
• Office Theme is set to White
• System theme is overriding Excel settings

Solution: Update Excel and recheck theme options.

Worksheets Still White

This is normal behavior and not a bug. Excel intentionally keeps worksheets light for data clarity.

Dark Mode Looks Inconsistent

Try restarting Excel or signing out and back into your Microsoft account.

Dark Mode vs High Contrast Mode

Dark mode is different from Windows High Contrast Mode.

High Contrast Mode is recommended for accessibility needs rather than general use.

Best Practices When Sharing Excel Files

When working in dark mode:

• Avoid relying on dark background formatting
• Test files in light mode before sharing
• Use neutral color palettes
• Ensure charts and conditional formatting remain readable

This ensures compatibility across devices and user preferences.

When Should You Use Dark Mode in Excel?

Dark mode is ideal for:

• Long working sessions
• Night-time or low-light environments
• Users sensitive to bright screens
• Multi-app workflows using dark themes

However, for printing and presentation preparation, light mode may still be preferable.

Conclusion

Enabling dark mode in Excel is a simple yet impactful way to improve your overall spreadsheet experience. Whether you’re using Excel on Windows, macOS, the web, or mobile, dark mode offers enhanced comfort, reduced eye strain, and a modern look that aligns with today’s productivity tools.

While Excel intentionally keeps worksheets light for usability and compatibility, the dark interface alone can make a noticeable difference—especially for users who spend hours navigating menus, formulas, and large datasets.

By understanding how dark mode works across platforms and learning how to customize your Excel environment, you can create a workspace that is both efficient and comfortable, without compromising data clarity or collaboration.