A Missing Google Docs Feature Has a Pretty Simple Workaround

Google Docs is an incredibly convenient app with constant support and updates. Recently, Google has been releasing more and more new features for word processing, bringing Gemini-based content creation tools to Docs, along with a myriad of other AI updates. However, there is one long-requested feature that has historically eluded (and continues to elude) the Google Docs repertoire.

Google’s word processor has a lot to offer, including the way it seamlessly links its different host platforms (unlike Microsoft Word, which is much clunkier on mobile). Interestingly though, one of the missing features in Docs reveals a gap between product versions. This missing feature is dark mode, present on mobile but missing on the web version. Dark mode is a glaring omission in the web version of Google Docs. So it’s fortunate that there are ways to get around this loophole, both within and without Google’s direct jurisdiction.

Google began making dark mode available for Docs on mobile in 2020, first with Android and then with Apple’s version of the app. In both versions you can find dark mode via Menu > Settings > Theme (Or Choose a theme if you use Android). From here you can choose Dark, Light, or System Default.

Unfortunately, you won’t find this range of brightness options on the Google Docs website. Google hasn’t stated an official reason for this favoritism toward the mobile portion of its offerings, but it has at least offered a single internal workaround via Chrome’s experimental features. By searching chrome://flags In Chrome, you can access these features and search for “Auto dark mode for web content” – but be careful: these features are experimental and could compromise browser data and device security, so you’re taking a risk by enabling this feature.

Fortunately, there are ways to access dark mode without risky experimental switching. You don’t have to wait for the future of Google Docs to access browser extensions today – and that includes Google Docs Dark Mode in the Chrome Web Store (or an alternative for your browser of choice, like DocsAfterDark on Firefox). It’s not the only expansion that covers this area, but it’s a great choice and easy to get to work with.

A free download of this browser extension will automatically enable dark mode in Google Docs. However, if you want to change your dark mode settings (or disable the extension completely), you’ll need to click the Extensions icon next to the search bar (which looks like a puzzle piece and is located at the top right of the screen). Here you can not only disable the mod, but you can also select a color theme and change individual sepia, contrast, grayscale and brightness settings. Additionally, this extension will automatically disable dark mode for prints – so don’t worry about turning it on and off at any time.