How to switch between light and dark background themes in Photoshop

Unlike many software that often set the light background mode (Light mode) as the default theme (theme), Photoshop welcomes users with an eye-catching dark background interface. However, you can also easily switch the look and feel of Photoshop to a light, burnished, or gray theme on Windows and Mac. Here's how to do it.

Using the Preferences menu

There are two ways for you to change the interface theme from dark mode to light mode in Photoshop. The first method is to use the Preferences menu.

To get started, first open Photoshop on your computer.

If you are using Windows, click the ' Edit ' menu , then select Preferences > Interface . If you're a Mac user, click the 'Photoshop' tab in the menu bar, then choose Preferences > Interface .

How to switch between light and dark background themes in Photoshop Picture 1

On the Preferences window , find the ' Color Theme ' option in the ' Appearance ' section. Click the square with the color that corresponds to the theme color you want to apply in Photoshop.

How to switch between light and dark background themes in Photoshop Picture 2

After you click on a square, Photoshop will immediately apply the corresponding theme.

How to switch between light and dark background themes in Photoshop Picture 3

Use keyboard shortcuts

The second way to set the theme color in Photoshop is to use keyboard shortcuts. These keyboard shortcuts (works on both Mac and Windows) allow you to quickly navigate between the 4 light and dark interface modes. Here's how to use them:

1. Shift + F1 : Photoshop's interface theme will alternate from dark to lighter levels.
2. Shift + F2 : Photoshop's interface theme will alternate from light to dark levels.

Currently, there are only four theme options on Photoshop. Experiment with each option until you find the color that works best for you.

Marvin Fry

Update 26 May 2021