Dark mode is no longer optional. Users expect it. But implementing it well is harder than it looks. After auditing 50 popular apps, I found consistent patterns in what works.
The Number 1 Mistake: Inverting Instead of Adapting
The most common failure is treating dark mode as a simple inversion of the light theme. True dark does not mean pure black. It means surfaces that recede ÔÇö dark greys that create hierarchy without extreme contrast.
Use #0F0F11 or #1A1A1E for backgrounds, not #000000. Pure black creates harsh edges that feel unnatural on modern screens.
