how to change outlook view to dark mode

Embracing the Dark Side: How to Change Outlook View to Dark Mode

IT by Josatte Picallo

Dark mode has become increasingly popular across various applications and platforms, offering a visually appealing and eye-friendly alternative to the traditional light-themed interfaces.

Microsoft Outlook, the widely used email and productivity software, also provides a dark mode option to enhance user experience during extended hours of computer use and in low-light environments.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to change Outlook’s view to dark mode across different versions of the software.

Why Dark Mode?

Before we delve into the steps to enable dark mode in Outlook, let’s explore some of the benefits of using dark mode:

  • Reduced Eye Strain: Dark mode reduces the contrast between the screen and surrounding light, reducing eye strain and making it more comfortable to read and view content for extended periods.
  • Improved Focus: The darker interface can help users focus on the content they are working on by drawing attention away from the surrounding elements.
  • Energy Savings: For devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, dark mode can lead to energy savings as individual pixels emit less light.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Many users find the dark mode visually appealing, and it can also lend a modern and sleek look to applications.

Enabling Dark Mode in Outlook

Outlook on the Web (Office 365):

  1. Log in to your Office 365 account and open Outlook on the web.
  2. Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to access the settings menu.
  3. In the Quick settings pane, select “Dark mode.”
  4. The interface will switch to dark mode, and you can start using Outlook with the new appearance.

Outlook for Desktop (Microsoft 365):

Outlook 365 Desktop App (Windows and Mac):

  1. Open the Outlook app on your computer.
  2. Click on the “File” tab in the top-left corner.
  3. In the left sidebar, click on “Office Account.”
  4. Under the “Office Theme” drop-down menu, select “Black.”
  5. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Outlook 365 Desktop App (Windows):

  1. Open the Outlook app on your Windows computer.
  2. Click on the “File” tab in the top-left corner.
  3. Select “Options” at the bottom of the left sidebar.
  4. In the “Outlook Options” window, go to the “General” tab.
  5. Under the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” section, find the “Office Theme” drop-down menu and select “Black.”
  6. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Outlook 365 Desktop App (Mac):

  1. Open the Outlook app on your Mac.
  2. Click on “Outlook” in the top menu bar.
  3. Select “Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
  4. In the “Outlook Preferences” window, go to the “General” tab.
  5. Under the “Personal Settings” section, find the “Office Theme” drop-down menu and select “Black.”
  6. Close the Preferences window to apply the changes.

Outlook 2019 (Windows and Mac):

  1. Open the Outlook app on your computer.
  2. Click on the “File” tab in the top-left corner.
  3. In the left sidebar, click on “Office Account.”
  4. Under the “Office Theme” drop-down menu, select “Black.”
  5. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Outlook 2016 (Windows and Mac):

  1. Open the Outlook app on your computer.
  2. Click on the “File” tab in the top-left corner.
  3. Select “Options” at the bottom of the left sidebar.
  4. In the “Outlook Options” window, go to the “General” tab.
  5. Under the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” section, find the “Office Theme” drop-down menu and select “Black.”
  6. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Outlook for Mobile (iOS and Android):

  1. Open the Outlook app on your mobile device.
  2. Tap on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner to access the menu.
  3. Scroll down and tap on “Settings.”
  4. Tap on “Appearance.”
  5. Under the “Theme” section, select “Dark.”
  6. The app interface will switch to dark mode.

Note: The availability of dark mode may vary depending on the version of the Outlook app and the operating system of your device.

With dark mode becoming increasingly popular, Microsoft Outlook has embraced the trend by offering users the option to switch to a darker interface. Enabling dark mode in Outlook can reduce eye strain, enhance focus, and provide an aesthetically pleasing experience, making it a preferred choice for many users, especially during extended hours of computer use and in low-light environments.

Whether you are using Outlook on the web, desktop, or mobile, the steps to enable dark mode are straightforward and can significantly improve your overall user experience. So go ahead and embrace the dark side with Outlook’s dark mode and enjoy a more comfortable and visually appealing communication experience in the world of Information Technology.