Dark Mode
Dark mode is a highly requested feature that’s currently in development for Balance. This guide explains what to expect and how it will work once available.
Coming Soon!
Current Status: Dark Mode is actively being developed and will be released in a future update.
Expected availability: We’re working hard to bring this feature to you soon. Follow our updates for the official release announcement.
What is Dark Mode?
Dark mode (also called dark theme or night mode) changes your app’s color scheme to use darker colors:
- Dark backgrounds - Black or dark gray instead of white
- Light text - White or light gray text for readability
- Reduced brightness - Lower overall screen brightness
- Accent colors - Adjusted for dark backgrounds
Why Dark Mode?
Benefits
Eye Comfort:
- Reduces eye strain in low light conditions
- Less glare when using app at night
- More comfortable for extended use
- Easier transition from bright to dim environments
Battery Life:
- Saves battery on OLED and AMOLED screens
- Dark pixels use less power on these displays
- Can extend battery life by 15-30% on compatible devices
Aesthetics:
- Modern, sleek appearance
- Preferred visual style for many users
- Matches device-wide dark themes
- Better for nighttime use
Accessibility:
- Helps users with light sensitivity
- Reduces headaches for some users
- Better contrast for certain vision conditions
What to Expect
When dark mode launches, it will include:
Automatic Theme Switching
- System default - Follows your device’s theme setting
- Automatic schedule - Switch based on time of day
- Manual control - Choose light or dark anytime
Complete Coverage
Dark mode will apply to:
- ✅ All screens and pages
- ✅ Budget views and categories
- ✅ Transaction lists
- ✅ Account pages
- ✅ Settings and menus
- ✅ Charts and graphs
- ✅ Login and signup screens
Smart Design
- Optimized colors - Easy-to-read color scheme
- Proper contrast - Maintains readability
- Consistent design - Cohesive dark theme throughout
- Icon adjustments - Icons optimized for dark backgrounds
How It Will Work
Enabling Dark Mode (Future)
Once available, you’ll be able to enable dark mode by:
- Opening Balance app
- Going to Settings
- Finding “Dark Mode” or “Appearance”
- Choosing your preference:
- Light - Always use light theme
- Dark - Always use dark theme
- Automatic - Follow device settings
- Scheduled - Based on time (optional)
[Future Screenshot: Dark mode toggle in settings]
Device Settings Integration
Dark mode will respect your device settings:
iOS:
- Settings > Display & Brightness > Dark
- Control Center > Brightness, long-press for theme
Android:
- Settings > Display > Dark theme
- Quick Settings > Dark mode toggle
Web:
- Will follow browser/OS preference
- Or use manual toggle in Balance
Current Workarounds
While dark mode is in development:
Device-Level Options
iOS:
- Settings > Accessibility
- Display & Text Size
- Enable “Smart Invert Colors” or “Classic Invert”
- Note: This affects all apps and may look imperfect
Android:
- Settings > Accessibility
- Visibility enhancements
- Color inversion or dark colors
- Note: System-wide, not app-specific
Browser Extensions (Web)
For web users, browser extensions can force dark mode:
- Dark Reader (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
- Night Eye (Chrome, Firefox)
- Turn Off the Lights (Multiple browsers)
Note: Third-party dark mode solutions may not look perfect with Balance’s design.
Reduce White Point (iOS)
Temporary eye comfort without full dark mode:
- Settings > Accessibility
- Display & Text Size
- Enable “Reduce White Point”
- Adjust slider to reduce brightness of bright colors
Get Notified
Want to know when dark mode is released?
Stay Updated
- Email notifications - We’ll email all users when it launches
- In-app announcements - Update notifications in the app
- Release notes - Check app store updates
- Social media - Follow Balance for announcements
Beta Testing
Interested in testing dark mode before release?
- Join our beta program - Contact support@balancebudget.app
- Early access - Test features before public release
- Provide feedback - Help us perfect dark mode
- iOS TestFlight - For iOS beta testing
- Android Beta - Through Google Play Store
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will dark mode be available?
A: We’re actively developing it! We’ll announce the release date as we get closer to launch.
Q: Will it be available on all platforms?
A: Yes! Dark mode will work on iOS, Android, and web when released.
Q: Will I need to update the app?
A: Yes, dark mode will be included in a future app update. Make sure to keep Balance updated.
Q: Will there be multiple dark themes?
A: Initially, we’ll launch with one carefully designed dark theme. We may add options for customization in the future.
Q: Can I request features for dark mode?
A: Absolutely! Email support@balancebudget.app with your ideas and preferences.
Q: Will charts and graphs work in dark mode?
A: Yes! All visualizations will be optimized for dark backgrounds with appropriate color adjustments.
Q: Will dark mode slow down the app?
A: No, dark mode won’t impact app performance. It’s just a different color scheme.
Q: Will both partners see the same theme?
A: No, theme preference is per device. You can use dark mode while your partner uses light mode on their device.
Alternative Apps with Dark Mode
While waiting for Balance’s dark mode, you might consider:
Note: We understand dark mode is important to many users. We’re prioritizing its development and appreciate your patience!
Contributing Feedback
Help us build the best dark mode possible:
What We Want to Know
- Your use cases - When do you most want dark mode?
- Color preferences - Pure black or dark gray?
- Contrast needs - Accessibility requirements?
- Feature priorities - What matters most to you?
- Design inspiration - Apps with great dark modes?
How to Provide Feedback
- Email: support@balancebudget.app
- Subject: “Dark Mode Feedback”
- Include:
- Your device type (iPhone, Android, web browser)
- Why dark mode is important to you
- Specific features or design elements you’d like
- Screenshots of good examples (optional)
Interim Tips
Until dark mode is available:
Reduce Eye Strain
- Use night shift/blue light filter - Reduces blue light at night
- Lower screen brightness - Especially in dark environments
- Take breaks - 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
- Ambient lighting - Don’t use phone in complete darkness
- Larger text - Increase font size in device settings
Device Features
iOS:
- Settings > Display & Brightness > Night Shift
- Schedule it to activate at sunset
Android:
- Settings > Display > Eye comfort shield
- Or “Night Light” depending on device
Windows:
- Settings > Display > Night light
Mac:
- System Preferences > Displays > Night Shift
Technical Details (For Interest)
When dark mode arrives, it will include:
Implementation
- CSS variables - Efficient theme switching
- OLED optimization - True black options for OLED screens
- Smooth transitions - Animated theme switching
- Persistent preference - Your choice saved across sessions
- Per-device setting - Each device can have its own preference
Performance
- No performance impact - Just CSS color changes
- Fast switching - Instant theme changes
- No extra data - Same app size
- Memory efficient - Minimal overhead
Next Steps
While waiting for dark mode:
- Profile Settings - Manage your account
- Biometric Login - Quick access
- Notification Settings - Another feature in development
- Mobile App Guide - Other app features
Want updates on dark mode? Contact us to join our beta program!
Status Update: This article will be updated with full instructions once dark mode is released. Thank you for your patience!