


Dark UI Design - A Guide
Jan 15, 2025
·
2 min read
Dark mode designs can transform a user interface, making it look powerful, sophisticated, and elegant. But these designs fall short of expectations when implemented poorly. This guide will help you master the art of dark UI design and create interfaces that are visually striking and user-friendly.
Colors
In dark UI design, balancing saturation is critical.
Low saturation can make colors look washed out
High saturation causes eye strain

Neutrals
Crisp white and pure black are harsh on the eyes and can cause strain. Use off-whites and dark grays instead. It’s the key to a more comfortable viewing experience.

Typography
In dark UI design, typography is crucial. Light text on dark backgrounds can appear bolder and even glow, which may reduce readability.
Use lighter font weights to balance the bold appearance
Avoid overly bright text to prevent a glowing effect

Depth
On light backgrounds, you can add depth by using shadows. For dark backgrounds, create the illusion of closeness by highlighting or illuminating elements. Another tip we have for you is to replace shadows with borders and use different shades of dark gray.

Bonus tips
Simplicity is key in dark UI design.
Keep the color scheme simple since dark UIs work best with limited color options
Adjust the colors used on light UI to fit the context of dark UI
Keep in mind that slightly different shades look the same in different contexts

Ready to deepen your skills?
Are you ready to take your designs from average to exceptional? Then the Ultimate UI Colors Masterclass is just what you need.
Enroll in this engaging, practical, and all-inclusive video course and start designing dark UI with confidence and ease. Let the Ultimate UI Colors Masterclass exceed your expectations of online design education.
Conclusion
Mastering dark UI design means balancing aesthetics with functionality. By optimizing colors, neutrals, typography, and depth, you can create visually striking interfaces that are as usable as they are elegant. Stick to simplicity, test your designs, and transform your dark UI projects into experiences that users will love.
Colors
In dark UI design, balancing saturation is critical.
Low saturation can make colors look washed out
High saturation causes eye strain

Neutrals
Crisp white and pure black are harsh on the eyes and can cause strain. Use off-whites and dark grays instead. It’s the key to a more comfortable viewing experience.

Typography
In dark UI design, typography is crucial. Light text on dark backgrounds can appear bolder and even glow, which may reduce readability.
Use lighter font weights to balance the bold appearance
Avoid overly bright text to prevent a glowing effect

Depth
On light backgrounds, you can add depth by using shadows. For dark backgrounds, create the illusion of closeness by highlighting or illuminating elements. Another tip we have for you is to replace shadows with borders and use different shades of dark gray.

Bonus tips
Simplicity is key in dark UI design.
Keep the color scheme simple since dark UIs work best with limited color options
Adjust the colors used on light UI to fit the context of dark UI
Keep in mind that slightly different shades look the same in different contexts

Ready to deepen your skills?
Are you ready to take your designs from average to exceptional? Then the Ultimate UI Colors Masterclass is just what you need.
Enroll in this engaging, practical, and all-inclusive video course and start designing dark UI with confidence and ease. Let the Ultimate UI Colors Masterclass exceed your expectations of online design education.
Conclusion
Mastering dark UI design means balancing aesthetics with functionality. By optimizing colors, neutrals, typography, and depth, you can create visually striking interfaces that are as usable as they are elegant. Stick to simplicity, test your designs, and transform your dark UI projects into experiences that users will love.
If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.
Happy designing! 🥳
andrija & supercharge design team

If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.
Happy designing! 🥳
andrija & supercharge design team
