Categories: Blog

How to Turn On Dark Mode in Confluence: 3 Methods for Better UI Experience

Staring at a bright screen all day can feel like looking into the sun. Your eyes get tired. Your head may hurt. And your focus fades. That’s where Dark Mode in Confluence comes in. It gives your workspace a sleek, darker look. It’s easier on the eyes. And yes, it looks pretty cool too.

TLDR: You can turn on Dark Mode in Confluence in three main ways: using built-in settings (if available), enabling it through your Atlassian account preferences, or installing a marketplace app. The built-in option is the easiest and fastest. Account-level themes help across Atlassian tools. Marketplace apps give you extra customization. Pick the method that fits your setup and enjoy a smoother visual experience.

Why Dark Mode Is Worth It

Before we jump into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”

Less eye strain. Dark backgrounds are gentler in low-light rooms.
Better focus. Content pops more on darker screens.
Battery savings. On some devices, dark pixels use less power.
Modern look. It just feels cleaner and more professional.

If you spend hours in Confluence, small tweaks like this make a big difference.

Method 1: Turn On Dark Mode in Confluence Settings (Built-In Option)

This is the easiest way. If your Confluence version supports it, you can switch modes in seconds.

Step-by-step guide:

Log in to your Confluence account.
Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
Select Theme or Appearance.
Choose Dark.

That’s it. The interface will instantly switch to a darker theme.

What if you don’t see the option?

No worries. It could mean:

Your admin has not enabled it yet.
You’re using an older Confluence version.
You’re on a server or data center setup without native dark mode.

In that case, check out Method 2 or Method 3 below.

Why this method is great

Super fast.
No installation required.
Safe and officially supported.

If you have access to it, this should be your first choice.

Method 2: Enable Dark Theme Through Atlassian Account Preferences

If you use multiple Atlassian tools like Jira and Confluence, this method is very handy.

Instead of changing the theme inside just Confluence, you adjust your Atlassian account settings. This can apply across tools.

How to do it:

Go to your Atlassian account settings.
Click on Profile and visibility or Account preferences.
Find the Theme section.
Select Dark.

Once enabled, supported Atlassian products will follow that theme preference.

Why this is useful

Keeps your experience consistent across apps.
You only set it once.
Easy to manage from one place.

Keep in mind

Not all instances behave the same. Some organizations control themes at the admin level. If you cannot change it, reach out to your Confluence administrator.

Still no luck? There’s one more powerful option.

Method 3: Use a Confluence Marketplace App

If your version doesn’t support native dark mode, apps are your best friend.

The Atlassian Marketplace offers several add-ons that enable:

Full dark themes
Custom color schemes
Advanced branding features

How to install a theme app:

Go to Settings in Confluence.
Click Manage apps.
Select Find new apps.
Search for keywords like “dark theme” or “theme customization.”
Install the app.
Follow the setup instructions provided.

Advantages of using an app

More design control.
Brand-level customization.
Works on older versions.

Possible downsides

May require admin approval.
Some apps are paid.
Could affect performance if poorly optimized.

Still, for teams that want a fully branded dark interface, apps are powerful tools.

Quick Comparison of the 3 Methods

Method	Ease of Use	Customization	Admin Required?	Best For
Built-In Confluence Setting	Very Easy	Low	Sometimes	Quick personal setup
Atlassian Account Preference	Easy	Low to Medium	Rarely	Users of multiple Atlassian tools
Marketplace App	Moderate	High	Usually	Teams needing full customization

Tips for an Even Better Dark Mode Experience

Turning on Dark Mode is step one. Optimizing it is step two.

1. Adjust Your Screen Brightness

Dark Mode works best when your brightness isn’t maxed out. Lower it slightly for comfort.

2. Use Matching Browser Settings

If your browser supports dark themes, enable them too. It creates a seamless workflow.

3. Check App Compatibility

Some embedded apps or macros may not fully adjust to dark backgrounds. Test key pages after switching.

4. Ask for Team Feedback

If you manage Confluence for a team, ask others how it feels. Some people prefer light mode. Offer flexibility if possible.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Dark Mode looks broken

Clear your browser cache.
Refresh the page.
Disable conflicting extensions.

Problem: I can’t see the theme option

Check with your admin.
Verify your Confluence version.
Confirm whether you are on Cloud, Server, or Data Center.

Problem: Some elements stay white

This often happens with older macros or third-party apps. Updating them usually solves the issue.

Cloud vs Server: Does It Matter?

Yes. It can.

Confluence Cloud usually gets theme updates first. If you use Cloud, there’s a good chance dark mode is built-in.

Server and Data Center versions may depend more on themes or marketplace apps. Support varies by version.

If you’re unsure, ask your IT team. It takes two minutes and saves you guessing time.

Is Dark Mode Better for Productivity?

Short answer? For many people, yes.

Long answer? It depends on:

Your lighting environment
Your screen quality
Your personal comfort

Developers love dark mode. Writers often do too. But some users prefer light backgrounds for reading long documents.

The best solution is simple. Try it for a week. See how you feel.

Final Thoughts

Switching to Dark Mode in Confluence is a small change with big impact.

You have three solid options:

Built-in settings for speed and simplicity.
Atlassian account preferences for cross-tool consistency.
Marketplace apps for deep customization.

Choose the one that fits your setup. Test it. Adjust your brightness. And enjoy a smoother, more modern workspace.

Your eyes will thank you. And your late-night documentation sessions just got a whole lot cooler.

Issabela Garcia

I'm Isabella Garcia, a WordPress developer and plugin expert. Helping others build powerful websites using WordPress tools and plugins is my specialty.