Dark Mode Transformation: Keep Your Brand, Change the Mood •

Dark mode has become one of the most requested features in modern design. From mobile apps to creative agency websites, users expect to have the choice between light and dark. Beyond aesthetics, dark mode reduces eye strain, enhances focus, and gives interfaces a modern, premium look.

But here’s the catch: not every project is meant to go dark. A poorly implemented dark mode can destroy brand identity, distort its meaning, or simply look out of place.

We often face this challenge: a client already has a strong light-themed brand, and we need to adapt it to dark mode without losing its essence. This tutorial will walk you step by step through that process.

Step 1. Define the Core Visual Palette

Start by breaking down your project into three key layers:

  1. Background surfaces (primary, secondary, elevated layers).
  2. Typography (headings, body text, subtle UI copy).
  3. Accent and interactive elements (links, buttons, highlights).

Your goal is not to flip white into black, but to design a system of contrasts that preserves hierarchy and clarity.

Step 2. Handle Brand Colors with Care

Many bright, saturated brand colors become too aggressive on a dark background. In these cases:

  • Slightly soften the hue.
  • Increase luminance so it doesn’t “glow” harshly.
  • Test contrast ratios to maintain accessibility.

The idea is to let brand identity shine through in dark mode, without overwhelming the user.

Step 3. Typography and Readability

Typography is where many dark mode designs fail. Pure white text on pure black feels harsh and fatiguing. Instead:

  • Use off-white (e.g., #f5f5f5) for primary text.
  • Apply mid-gray tones for secondary text.
  • Ensure a minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio for accessibility.

Typography in dark mode should feel soft, not blinding.

Dark mode is more than a visual trend — it’s a tool to enhance experience. With a structured approach, you can adapt almost any light project to dark mode without breaking its identity.

Step 4. Imagery and Assets

Images, illustrations, and logos often require dual assets for dark mode. For example:

  • Logos should exist in both light and dark versions.
  • PNGs, SVGs, or WebPs should have transparent backgrounds, so they adapt naturally.
  • Photography may need color-grading adjustments — light, airy imagery may “die” in dark mode.

Step 5. Smooth Transitions

We avoid sharp, instant changes. Theme switching should feel seamless and intentional. Micro-animations and smooth transitions are crucial here:

  • Fade backgrounds and typography over 0.3s.
  • Add subtle motion to icons or toggles.
  • Keep the interaction lightweight and elegant.

Step 6. Implementation with CSS Variables

Now let’s talk code. Once you’ve defined your palettes and assets, CSS Variables make dark mode implementation clean and scalable.

Basic principle:

  • Define root variables for backgrounds, text, and accents.
  • Override them when a [data-theme=”dark”] attribute is applied.
  • Reference variables in your styles instead of hard-coding colors.

This approach means you don’t maintain two separate style sheets — you just swap values.

There are cases when dark mode should not be used. Some brands are built entirely around lightness, minimalism, and openness. Forcing dark mode into such systems can break the story behind the brand. Always remember: dark mode should serve the brand, not the other way around.

in our Works section, you’ll find projects where dark mode was intentionally excluded because it would undermine the concept and the brand’s history.

Dark mode is powerful, but it’s not universal. Respect the brand first.

Always remember: dark mode should serve the brand, not the other way around.

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