---
id: slds.guidance.utilities.dark-mode
title: Dark Mode Utilities
description: SLDS color scheme utility classes for controlling light, dark, and system color preferences
summary: "Utilities for controlling color scheme preferences. Forces light mode, dark mode, or respects system preference."
artifact_type: reference
domain: utilities
topic: dark-mode
content_format: structured
complexity: intermediate
audience: [implementer]
tasks: [implement]
refs:
- slds.guidance.utilities
- slds.guidance.overview.utilities
- slds.guidance.hooks.color
- slds.guidance.utilities.themes
tags: [utilities, dark-mode, color-scheme, theme]
keywords: [slds-color-scheme, dark mode, light mode, system preference]
---
# Dark Mode - Color Scheme Control
Utilities for controlling browser color scheme preferences. Uses CSS `color-scheme` property.
## Core Classes
| Class | Purpose |
|-------|---------|
| `slds-color-scheme--light` | Forces light mode only |
| `slds-color-scheme--dark` | Forces dark mode only |
| `slds-color-scheme--system` | Respects system preference |
## Common Patterns
```html
```
## Implementation Details
### How It Works
- Uses CSS `color-scheme` property
- Applies to element and descendants
- When on ``, affects entire document via `:has()` selector
- Browser automatically adjusts form controls, scrollbars, and system colors
### Property Values
| Class | CSS Property | Effect |
|-------|--------------|--------|
| `slds-color-scheme--light` | `color-scheme: only light` | Forces light colors |
| `slds-color-scheme--dark` | `color-scheme: only dark` | Forces dark colors |
| `slds-color-scheme--system` | `color-scheme: light dark` | Allows both schemes |
## Best Practices
✅ Apply `slds-color-scheme--system` to `` for app-wide system preference support
✅ Use `slds-color-scheme--dark` for navigation bars and headers
✅ Use `slds-color-scheme--light` for data-heavy tables and forms
✅ Test both light and dark modes for all components
✅ Use modern double-dash syntax (`--`) for new implementations
❌ Don't use deprecated underscore syntax (`_`) in new code
❌ Don't mix color scheme classes on the same element
❌ Don't assume dark mode without testing contrast ratios
❌ Don't override user system preference without clear UI controls
## Deprecated Classes
The following BEM-style classes are deprecated. Use double-dash syntax instead:
| Deprecated | Use Instead |
|------------|-------------|
| `slds-color-scheme_light` | `slds-color-scheme--light` |
| `slds-color-scheme_dark` | `slds-color-scheme--dark` |
| `slds-color-scheme_system` | `slds-color-scheme--system` |