Creating a Light Dark Mode Toggle on Wix
TL;DR:
- Wix doesn't include a built-in light/dark mode toggle feature
- You can create one using duplicate pages with different colour schemes
- Custom coding through Wix Velo offers a more advanced solution
- Both methods require careful planning to maintain good user experience
- Theme switching can help improve visitor engagement
Wix doesn't offer native support for light and dark mode switching, but you can work around this limitation using two different approaches.
The Duplicate Pages Method
This is the simpler option that doesn't require any coding knowledge.
Start by designing your pages in both light and dark themes. Create each page twice – once with your light colour scheme and once with your dark version. Make sure both versions have identical content and layout, just with different colours.
Add a toggle button to each page that links to its opposite theme version. Place this button in the same spot on both versions so users can easily switch back and forth.
The downside here is maintenance. Every time you update content, you'll need to update both versions of each page. This gets tedious quickly if you have a large site.
Using Wix Velo for Dynamic Switching
Wix Velo gives you more control through custom code. You can create a proper theme switcher that changes colours dynamically without loading new pages.
Set up your colour variables in Velo's code panel. Define your light and dark colour schemes as JavaScript objects, then write functions to apply these colours to your page elements.
Create a toggle button that calls your theme-switching function. Store the user's preference in their browser so it remembers their choice on future visits.
This approach keeps all your content in one place and provides smoother transitions between themes. The trade-off is that you'll need basic JavaScript knowledge to set it up properly.
Making It Work Well
Whichever method you choose, test thoroughly across different devices and browsers. Theme switches should happen quickly without causing layout shifts or loading delays.
Consider which elements need to change beyond just background and text colours. Images, borders, and shadows might also need theme-specific versions.
Make your toggle button obvious but not intrusive. A simple sun/moon icon usually works well, placed somewhere consistent across your site.
FAQs
Can I add light/dark mode to Wix without any technical knowledge?
Yes, using the duplicate pages method. It's more work to maintain but doesn't require coding skills.
Will a theme toggle slow down my Wix site?
It can if implemented poorly. The duplicate pages method adds no performance overhead, while Velo solutions need careful coding to avoid slowdowns.
Can the theme automatically match visitors' system preferences?
Not with Wix's standard features. Custom Velo code can detect system preferences and set the initial theme accordingly.
Do I need to recreate all my pages for the duplicate method?
Yes, you'll need light and dark versions of every page where you want the toggle to work.
Jargon Buster
Wix Velo – Wix's development platform that lets you add custom code and database functionality to your site
Theme Toggle – A button or switch that lets users change between different visual styles, like light and dark modes
Dynamic Switching – Changing website appearance in real-time using code, rather than loading different pages
Wrap-up
Adding light and dark mode to your Wix site takes some extra effort, but it's definitely possible. The duplicate pages approach works fine for smaller sites, while Velo coding gives you more professional results for larger projects.
Choose the method that matches your technical comfort level and site complexity. Either way, your visitors will appreciate having the option to browse in their preferred theme.
Ready to take your Wix skills further? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more advanced tutorials and design techniques.