How do I enable dark mode in MATLAB?

How do I enable dark mode in MATLAB?

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

Dark mode is not supported in MATLAB R2022b and earlier releases.

If you have MATLAB R2023a or a later release, you can use dark mode by downloading the new desktop for MATLAB beta support package with this link.

After installing the beta support package, enable dark mode using these steps: 

1. Select ‘Preferences’ in the ‘Home’ tab
2. Select ‘Appearance’ on the left-hand side of the ‘Preferences’ window
3. Click the ‘Theme’ drop-down menu and select ‘Dark’ 

As of MATLAB R2025, dark mode is fully supported. Refer to this link to change the theme of MATLAB.

Alternatively, you can use MATLAB Online. Refer to this link to get started with MATLAB Online. The steps to enable dark mode in MATLAB Online are the same as in the beta.

If you don’t have access to MATLAB Online or MATLAB R2023a or later, you can manually change the text and background colors of the MATLAB desktop by referring to the instructions in this documentation.

[John D'Errico]

UGH. I installed the dark mode in R2023a. And now? MATLAB fails to start. When I boot it, the screen flashes and goes away.

(Using an iMac, OSX Ventura, 13.1)

Time to reinstall MATLAB.

ARGH!!!!!!

I reinstalled MATLAB, R2023a, update 1. The rinstalled version does NOT start. The screen flashes and it crashes. STILL.

So how do I uninstall the beta darkmode?

[John D'Errico]

@James - The solution I eventually found was to reboot the computer, something I did not try at first. This worked, allowing MATLAB to relaunch. Once MATLAB did open, I could disable the dark theme.

But your solution should work well.

[xingxingcui]

@MathWorks Support Team

R2025a already has built-in support for dark mode, please remember to update the answer accordingly.