White background even though it’s making the content appear brighter and easier to read, it’s not very convenient to use under a low light environment and often could result in eye fatigue. To reduce the effect, we may enable the ‘dark mode’ available on mainstream software.
While it’s possible to turn on the dark theme on Adobe Acrobat Reader DC by going to View > Display Theme > Dark Gray, turning a whole PDF document into an eye-friendly view is a different story.
But luckily, you don’t have to manually edit the document to get the dark background.
There is a way to get the white background to become black, and the black text to become white by switching on a hidden feature within the software. To enable the feature, follow the guide below.
1. Open any PDF document with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
2. Then go to Edit > Preferences or press Ctrl+K.
3. On the left menu, click on Accessibility and enable Replace Document Colors.
4. Click on Custom Color and determine the Page Background and Document Text. You may go straight with black and white, but I suggest you try dark gray and light gray respectively as they combine smoother. Then hit OK.
5. The background and text color will change in an instant.
And I want to mention it again, you may enable the software’s dark mode by going to View > Display Theme > Dark Gray.
The ‘inverted’ color setting is universal. Meaning any PDF document viewed with the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC installed on your computer will automatically get the background and text color switched.
The change is neither permanent nor altering the state of the document. If you turn off the ‘Replace Document Colors’ feature, everything will back to the way it’s used to. The document will be pretty much left intact.
Table of Contents
Additional Tips for a Comfortable Reading Experience
Optimize Your Environment
While enabling dark mode is a great step, your surrounding environment also plays a crucial role in reducing eye strain. Adjust the ambient lighting in your room to complement your screen brightness. A dimly lit room with a bright screen can cause discomfort, so aim for balanced lighting that reduces glare.
Consider Blue Light Filters
Using blue light filtering tools or glasses can further alleviate strain during prolonged reading sessions. Many devices come with built-in blue light filters, or you can explore third-party software like f.lux. If you’re interested in blue light-blocking glasses, check out options on Amazon.
Try Alternative PDF Readers
If Adobe Acrobat doesn’t fully meet your needs, consider other PDF readers with robust dark mode options, such as Foxit PDF Reader or Xodo PDF Reader. These alternatives often provide additional customization for text and background colors, making them worth exploring.
FAQ
Can I save a PDF in dark mode permanently?
No, enabling dark mode in Adobe Acrobat or similar tools only changes the display settings on your device. The document itself remains unaltered. To create a permanent dark-themed PDF, you would need to edit the file directly using PDF editing software.
What are some alternatives to Adobe Acrobat for dark mode?
Foxit PDF Reader and Xodo PDF Reader are excellent alternatives. Both offer customizable dark mode settings and additional features like annotation tools and cloud integration. Explore them on platforms like Google Play or Amazon.
Does dark mode reduce battery usage?
Yes, especially on OLED screens where darker colors require less power to display. This can be an added benefit when reading PDFs on mobile devices.
How can I reduce eye strain besides using dark mode?
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Use preservative-free eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated.
- Adjust text size and zoom levels for better readability.
- Take regular breaks to relax your eyes.
By combining these strategies with dark mode, you can create a more comfortable and eye-friendly reading experience!
