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Dark Reader – Dark Mode for Better Accessibility, UX, Dark Theme and Night Mode

Dark Reader – Dark Mode for Better Accessibility, UX, Dark Theme and Night Mode

Description

Dark Reader is a complete WordPress dark mode plugin that adds modern design, accessibility, and flexibility to your website. With one click, you can transform your site into a comfortable dark mode experience that visitors will love.

Many users today expect websites to support dark mode because it reduces eye strain, improves readability, and looks professional. By adding Dark Reader, you give visitors a modern option while keeping your site easy to use and visually appealing.

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Plugins List – 12

Element Pack
Prime Slider
Ultimate Post Kit
Ultimate Store Kit
Pixel Gallery
Spin Wheel

ZoloBlocks
Smart Admin Assistant
One Accessibility
Sigma Forms
Dark Reader
Launch Guard

Why Add Dark Reader to Your WordPress Website?

Dark mode is now standard across devices, apps, and operating systems. People use it daily on their phones, computers, and browsers. When your website supports dark mode, you match their preferences and provide a familiar browsing environment.

Adding Dark Reader improves accessibility for users with light sensitivity or those browsing at night. It creates a professional look, increases engagement, and makes your site stand out. This simple feature has a big impact on both usability and visitor satisfaction.

Try Live Demo | Get Dark Reader Dark Mode | Read Documentation

Key Features of Dark Reader Dark Mode Plugin

Enable Dark Mode

Enable dark mode is the main feature of Dark Reader. When you turn this on, your entire website will automatically switch to a dark color scheme. Visitors will see a modern design that feels comfortable on the eyes. It works on all pages, posts, and even your WordPress admin dashboard if you want.

This feature helps reduce eye strain, especially for people browsing at night or in low-light conditions. It also makes your website look more professional and up to date since most apps and systems now support dark mode. Adding this option improves user experience and keeps visitors engaged longer.

Brightness Control

Brightness Control gives you the ability to fine-tune how light or dark your website appears when dark mode is enabled. Some users prefer a very deep black, while others like a softer gray background. With this setting, you can adjust brightness to create the perfect balance for your audience.

This makes your dark mode more inclusive because not all visitors have the same preferences. By customizing brightness, you can reduce glare without making the site too dark. It ensures your design stays readable and pleasant for everyone.

Contrast Control

Contrast Control lets you adjust the difference between text and background in dark mode. High contrast improves readability, while lower contrast gives a softer look. You can choose the level that works best for your content style.

This feature is especially important for accessibility. Visitors with vision difficulties need enough contrast to read comfortably. By offering adjustable contrast, Dark Reader dark mode plugin makes your site more user-friendly and compliant with modern accessibility practices.

Sepia Filter

The Sepia Filter adds a warm, brownish tone to your site in dark mode. This reduces the amount of blue light, which is often linked to eye strain and sleep problems. Many users prefer sepia for reading long articles or browsing at night.

Using a sepia effect gives your website a unique look while still keeping it easy on the eyes. It is especially helpful for blogs, magazines, and content-heavy sites where visitors spend a lot of time reading.

Grayscale Filter

The Grayscale Filter turns your site’s colors into shades of gray in dark mode. This creates a clean and minimal style. It also reduces distractions from bright images or colorful elements that might not fit well with dark mode.

Grayscale can also help content stand out more clearly. For example, text becomes the main focus because background visuals are softened. This is a great option for professional websites, portfolios, or any site that wants a modern, elegant look.

Toggle Button Position

The Toggle Button Position setting lets you choose where the dark mode switch appears. You can place it in the top-left, top-right, bottom-left, or bottom-right corner of the screen. This makes it easy for visitors to find and use.

Flexibility in position is useful because different websites have different layouts. For example, if you already have widgets or floating buttons on one side, you can move the toggle elsewhere to avoid overlapping. It gives you full control over user experience.

5+ Toggle Button Styles

Dark Reader comes with five different toggle button styles: Default, Round, Switch, Toggle, and Minimal. Each style has its own look and feel, so you can choose one that matches your site’s design.

Having multiple styles ensures the dark mode toggle blends naturally with your theme. Whether you want a bold button or a subtle switch, you can pick the option that feels right. This customization helps maintain your brand identity while offering dark mode.

Custom Toggle Button Style

Dark Reader Pro comes with custom emoji set toggle button with the Background Colors, Border Colors, Border Size & Shape and Icon Size.

Use System Color Scheme

This option matches your website with the visitor’s device preference. If their computer or phone is set to dark mode, your site will automatically load in dark mode. If not, it will stay in light mode.

This feature creates a seamless browsing experience because users do not need to switch modes manually. It makes your site feel more modern and adaptive to user habits, just like mobile apps and operating systems.

Enable for PDFs

With this feature, dark mode also applies to embedded PDF files on your site. Normally, PDFs remain bright and may clash with a dark layout. Enabling this keeps the viewing experience consistent.

It is especially helpful for websites that share eBooks, reports, or documents. Visitors can read PDFs without straining their eyes, and the design stays professional across all content types.

Apply Immediately

This setting makes sure dark mode applies instantly to all dynamic content on your website. Without it, some elements might load in light mode before switching, which can feel distracting.

Apply Immediately creates a smoother experience. It prevents flashing effects and ensures that every page, post, and element appears in dark mode right from the start.

Filter Mode

Filter Mode allows you to choose between two types of dark styles: Dimmed Mode and Dark Mode. Dimmed Mode is softer with less contrast, while Dark Mode is stronger with deeper blacks.

This flexibility helps you match dark mode to your brand style and visitor preferences. Some users may prefer a gentle look, while others want a bold, high-contrast design. Dark Reader lets you offer both.

Text Stroke

The Text Stroke option adds a thin outline to your text. This makes words stand out more clearly on dark backgrounds. It is especially useful if your design includes colored text or decorative fonts.

Adding text stroke improves readability without changing your site’s style. It keeps your content easy to read for everyone, even in low-light conditions or on smaller screens.

Dark Mode Toggle Shortcode

Dark Reader includes a shortcode [dark_reader_toggle] that you can place anywhere on your website. You can add it inside posts, pages, or widgets. This gives you full control over where visitors can access the dark mode switch.

Shortcode support is helpful if you want to put the toggle in specific areas, like a menu, header, or footer. It makes your site more flexible and ensures the dark mode feature is always easy to find.

Exclusive Pro Features of Dark Reader Dark Mode Plugin

Time-Based Dark Mode

Schedule dark mode to activate at night and switch back in the day. This happens automatically based on your chosen hours.

It improves comfort by matching natural usage habits. Visitors get dark mode when they need it most without any action required.

Admin Dashboard Dark Mode (Pro)

Dark Reader adds dark mode to the WordPress admin dashboard. This makes the backend easier on the eyes for long working sessions.

This feature is perfect for professionals and teams. It improves comfort while managing content or settings.

Low Brightness Images (Pro)

Dark Reader can lower image brightness when dark mode is active. This prevents images from being too sharp or distracting on dark backgrounds.

It creates balance across your website. Visitors enjoy smoother visuals and better readability.

Grayscale Images (Pro)

Images can be displayed in grayscale during dark mode. This gives a softer, professional look.

This option is useful for blogs, portfolios, or business sites that want a minimal design. It also reduces strain from bright images.

Image Replacement in Dark Mode (Pro)

Image replacement helps you maintain visual harmony and readability by replacing image on the basis of a light background and dark background.

Invert Images (Pro)

Invert image colors intelligently when dark mode is active. This keeps visuals visible while matching dark backgrounds.

The benefit is better design consistency. Images do not clash with the dark interface, keeping your site polished.

Dark Mode Based Image Support (Pro)

Dark Reader ensures images adapt perfectly in dark mode. It adjusts their colors and appearance without damaging quality.

Widget Support (Pro)

This feature allows you to add styles to toogle button and set functionalies. You can use this features on Gutenberg and Elementor in your drag-and-drop ways.

Dark Mode Based Video Support (Pro)

Videos can also adapt to dark mode. They adjust smoothly to match the dark interface of your website.

This makes multimedia content look natural in both modes. Visitors get a complete, balanced experience.

Custom CSS Support (Pro)

You can write custom CSS rules for dark mode. This allows you to fine-tune appearance at a detailed level.

This feature is ideal for developers and designers. You can create a dark mode that matches your exact vision.

Exclude Elements (Pro)

Choose specific elements that should not be affected by dark mode. For example, logos or banners can stay in their original colors.

This improves control and avoids problems. Important visuals remain clear while the rest of the site uses dark mode.

Exclude Pages & Posts (Pro)

You can exclude certain pages or posts from dark mode. This is useful for landing pages, special designs, or content that looks better in light mode.

It ensures maximum flexibility. You decide exactly where dark mode should apply.

Responsive and Accessible

Dark Reader is fully responsive, lightweight, and accessibility-focused. It works on all devices and improves readability for every visitor. Whether you are a blogger, business owner, or developer, Dark Reader makes it easy to add dark mode to your site without code. It is professional, flexible, and user-friendly.

Popular Page Builder Support

Dark Reader works with major page builders like Elementor, WPBakery, Divi and Break Builder. The layouts remain consistent while dark mode is applied using Dark Reader.

This ensures compatibility with advanced WordPress designs. You don’t have to worry about broken layouts when enabling dark mode.

Who Is Dark Reader Dark Mode For

  • WordPress beginners who want an easy way to add dark mode without coding.

  • Bloggers, business owners, and e-commerce stores aiming to improve user experience.

  • Designers and developers who need advanced control and customization.

  • Agencies and teams managing multiple sites or client needs.

  • Sites that prioritize accessibility, readability, and modern design.

Screenshots

  • Dark mode in action
  • Dark Reader Free Features
  • Unlock Pro Features
  • License Activation
  • Dark Reader Pro Features
  • Enabling Admin Dark Mode
  • Admin Dark Mode in Action

Installation

  1. Upload the dark-reader folder to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory
  2. Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress
  3. Go to Admin Dashboard > Dark Reader > Configure your dark mode settings
  4. Select your preferred toggle button style and position
  5. Save your settings and enjoy your beautiful dark mode!

FAQ

Will Dark Reader slow down my website?

No, Dark Reader is designed to be lightweight and optimized for performance. The plugin loads efficiently and has minimal impact on your page load times.

Can I customize the colors used in dark mode?

Yes! Dark Reader allows you to set custom background and text colors for both dark and light modes. You can create your own unique color scheme that matches your brand.

Does Dark Reader work with all themes?

Dark Reader is designed to work with most WordPress themes. The plugin uses advanced algorithms to transform your website’s colors intelligently. However, some themes with complex CSS or custom JavaScript might require minor adjustments.

Can visitors choose their preferred mode?

Absolutely! The toggle button allows visitors to switch between light and dark modes at any time. Their preference is saved for future visits.

Can I add the dark mode toggle button to specific locations?

Yes, you can use the [dark_reader_toggle] shortcode to add the toggle button anywhere in your content, widgets, or template files.

Does Dark Reader support system preferences?

Yes! Dark Reader can automatically detect and apply your visitor’s system color scheme preference, switching to dark mode when their device is using dark mode.

Will images be inverted in dark mode?

No, Dark Reader is smart enough to preserve the original appearance of images while darkening the surrounding content. This ensures your images look their best in both modes.

Can I schedule dark mode to activate at specific times?

Yes, you can schedule dark mode to activate at specific times on most modern operating systems and many mobile devices.

Is Dark Reader compatible with caching plugins?

Yes, Dark Reader works with popular caching plugins. The plugin’s JavaScript runs on the client-side, so it continues to function even with cached pages.

Can I exclude certain elements from dark mode?

This functionality will be available in the upcoming Pro version. For now, if you need to exclude specific elements, you can contact us for custom implementation guidance.

Where do I report security bugs found in this plugin?

Please report security bugs found in the source code of the Dark Reader plugin through the Patchstack Vulnerability Disclosure Program. The Patchstack team will assist you with verification, CVE assignment, and notify the developers of this plugin.

Reviews

Read all 2 reviews

Contributors & Developers

“Dark Reader – Dark Mode for Better Accessibility, UX, Dark Theme and Night Mode” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.

Contributors

Changelog

1.0.8 [23rd November 2025]

  • Removed: Slider Toggle Button for Design Compatibility
  • Updated: Admin Notice

1.0.7 [19th November 2025]

  • Fixed: Use System Color Scheme
  • Updated: Plugin Update Check
  • Added: Slider Toggle Button
  • Added: Custom Style Toggle Button in Pro

1.0.6 [11th November 2025]

  • Fixed: Admin Notice for Black Friday
  • Added: Liquid Glass in Pro Version

1.0.5 [10th November 2025]

  • Added: Admin Notice for Black Friday
  • Fixed: UI of Admin Dashboard

1.0.4 [9th September 2025]

  • Added: Admin Notice

1.0.3 [25th September 2025]

  • Added: Widget Support (Gutenberg & Elementor)
  • Updated: Image Replacement in Dark Mode in Elementor
  • Fixed: Shortcode usage on toggle button selection

1.0.2 [11th September 2025]

  • Added: Image Replacement in Dark Mode
  • Fixed: Toggle Button Icon Color Situation
  • Updated: Page Visibility to Specifically Toggle Dark/Light mode on pages

1.0.1 [26th August 2025]

  • Added: Bounce Animation Effect on Toggle Switches
  • Fixed: Dark Mode Enable for PDFs
  • Fixed: Clear/Reset Functionality for Color Selection
  • Updated: Moved Shortcode in Help & Support Page