How to Add a Dark Mode Toggle in Your WordPress Website

Dark mode has become an essential feature for modern websites, offering an eye-friendly viewing experience and aesthetic appeal. Adding a dark mode toggle to your WordPress website is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to implement this functionality seamlessly.

Why Add Dark Mode?

1. Enhanced User Experience

Dark mode reduces eye strain, especially in low-light environments, improving user comfort.

2. Energy Efficiency

On OLED screens, dark mode can save energy, contributing to better battery life for mobile users.

3. Modern Aesthetics

It gives your website a sleek and contemporary appearance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Dark Mode

Step 1: Install a Dark Mode Plugin (Optional)

The easiest way to add a dark mode toggle is by using a plugin. Here are some popular options:

WP Dark Mode
Darklup
Night Eye

How to Install a Plugin:

Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
Search for the dark mode plugin of your choice.
Click Install Now and then Activate.

The plugin will provide an easy-to-use interface to add a toggle switch and customize your dark mode settings.

Step 2: Add Dark Mode Manually (For Developers)

If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can manually implement dark mode using CSS and JavaScript.

1. Add Custom CSS

Create a dark mode style by writing CSS rules. For example:

body.dark-mode {
    background-color: #121212;
    color: #ffffff;
}

header.dark-mode, footer.dark-mode {
    background-color: #1e1e1e;
}

button.dark-mode-toggle {
    position: fixed;
    bottom: 20px;
    right: 20px;
    padding: 10px 15px;
    background-color: #1e1e1e;
    color: #ffffff;
    border: none;
    border-radius: 5px;
    cursor: pointer;
}

2. Add the Toggle Button

Insert the following HTML for the toggle button in your theme’s header or footer:

<button class="dark-mode-toggle" id="darkModeToggle">Toggle Dark Mode</button>

3. Write JavaScript for the Toggle Functionality

Add a script to enable the toggle functionality:

<script>
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
    const toggleButton = document.getElementById('darkModeToggle');
    const body = document.body;

    // Check for saved preference in localStorage
    const isDarkMode = localStorage.getItem('darkMode') === 'true';
    if (isDarkMode) {
        body.classList.add('dark-mode');
    }

    toggleButton.addEventListener('click', function() {
        body.classList.toggle('dark-mode');
        // Save preference in localStorage
        localStorage.setItem('darkMode', body.classList.contains('dark-mode'));
    });
});
</script>

Save this script in your theme’s footer (via the footer.php file or a custom JavaScript file).

4. Test the Functionality

Visit your website and click the toggle button to ensure the dark mode switches on and off correctly. Refresh the page to confirm that the preference is saved.

Step 3: Customize the Dark Mode Design

Tailor the dark mode appearance to match your website’s brand. You can update CSS rules to adjust colors, borders, and other design elements.

Bonus Tips

1. Add Auto Dark Mode Based on User’s System Settings

Modern browsers support detecting system preferences. Use the prefers-color-scheme media query for automatic dark mode:

@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
    body {
        background-color: #121212;
        color: #ffffff;
    }
}

2. Test for Accessibility

Ensure your dark mode design meets accessibility standards by:

Checking contrast ratios.
Using tools like WebAIM Contrast Checker.

Conclusion

Adding a dark mode toggle to your WordPress website enhances user experience and modernizes your site’s design. Whether you use a plugin or manual coding, the steps outlined here will help you implement dark mode effortlessly. Try it out today and give your users a better browsing experience!