How To Detect Prefers Color Scheme Change In Javascript

When it comes to enhancing user experience on your website, keeping up with trends and preferences is crucial. One such trend is supporting dark mode or light mode based on a user's system preferences. In this guide, we'll explore how you can detect and react to the prefers-color-scheme change using JavaScript to make your website more user-friendly.

Prefers-color-scheme is a CSS media feature that allows web developers to tailor their stylesheets depending on whether a user prefers light or dark color themes. By detecting this preference in JavaScript, you can dynamically adjust your website's appearance to match the user's choice.

To get started, you first need to detect the prefers-color-scheme change using JavaScript. You can do this by accessing the `matchMedia` method, which allows you to query the user's preferred color scheme and listen for changes.

const prefersDarkMode = window.matchMedia('(prefers-color-scheme: dark)');
const prefersLightMode = window.matchMedia('(prefers-color-scheme: light)');

const detectColorScheme = () => {
  if (prefersDarkMode.matches) {
    // User prefers dark mode
    // Add your dark mode styles or classes here
  } else if (prefersLightMode.matches) {
    // User prefers light mode
    // Add your light mode styles or classes here
  }
};

// Add an event listener for color scheme changes
prefersDarkMode.addListener(detectColorScheme);
prefersLightMode.addListener(detectColorScheme);

// Initial detection on page load
detectColorScheme();

In the code snippet above, we first create two media query listeners for dark and light modes using `matchMedia`. We then define a function `detectColorScheme` that checks which color scheme the user prefers and applies the relevant styles accordingly. By adding event listeners for color scheme changes and calling `detectColorScheme` on page load, your website will react dynamically to the user's preferences.

It's important to note that while the `prefers-color-scheme` media feature is widely supported in modern browsers, some older browsers may not fully support it. In such cases, it's recommended to provide a manual toggle option for users to switch between light and dark modes.

By incorporating this feature into your website, you can create a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for your visitors. Whether they prefer a light background for readability or a dark theme for reduced eye strain, detecting the prefers-color-scheme change in JavaScript empowers you to cater to their individual preferences seamlessly.

Remember to test your implementation across different devices and browsers to ensure a consistent experience for all your users. With just a few lines of JavaScript code, you can elevate your website's design and functionality to better suit the diverse preferences of your audience.