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Enable Dark Mode in Ubuntu Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 28, 2022 Updated Aug 13, 2026 2 min read
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Dark mode in Ubuntu Linux turns your bright desktop windows, menus, and backgrounds into dark gray and black color schemes to reduce eye strain in low-light rooms. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and newer versions include this dark theme built right into the system settings without needing extra downloads.

You can turn on dark mode with just a few clicks in the settings menu, and you can even pick a matching accent color to style your desktop the way you want.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open System Settings and select Appearance. Under Style, choose the Dark option to enable dark mode. You can also select an accent color to customize the look.

Turn on or off Dark Mode in Ubuntu Linux

Switching dark mode on or off takes a few clicks through the main desktop preferences. Windows and menus shift to darker shades to help reduce eye strain, which helps considerably during late-night sessions.

The following steps walk through managing this visual layout.

Ubuntu Linux centralizes system controls in one utility. The System Settings panel manages everything from user accounts to software updates.

Ubuntu Linux activities overview interface
ubuntu linux activities overview

Alternatively, click the System menu at the top-right corner of the top bar on your desktop.

On the System menu, select Settings, as highlighted below.

Ubuntu Linux system menu showing settings option
ubuntu linux system menu top bar settings

Click the Appearance tile to open the panel in the Settings app.

Appearance tile in Ubuntu Linux system settings
ubuntu linux appearance tile system settings

In the System Settings -> Appearance panel, under Style, select the Dark style template for dark mode.

Ubuntu Linux dark mode activation screen
ubuntu linux turn on dark mode

The interface updates immediately to the dark layout.

Accent colors remain customizable, or the OS can pick a matching shade automatically. The chosen tint complements the wallpaper and window borders.

Ubuntu Linux dark mode enabled interface
ubuntu linux dark mode enabled

That completes the process.

Conclusion:

  • Enabling dark mode in Ubuntu Linux reduces eye strain and improves battery life for laptops and tablets.
  • The dark mode is designed with colors that work well in low-lit environments, providing a comfortable viewing experience.
  • Following the steps outlined in this article, users can easily toggle between light and dark mode in Ubuntu Linux, as per their preference.

How to make terminal dark mode in Linux?

Open the terminal and navigate to preferences. On the General tab, switch the theme variant from Light to Dark mode. Close the preferences window to apply the dark terminal theme.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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