Microsoft then changes the styles inline. (If you want to see precisely the color changing algorithm, you can have a look at the fixContrast() function in Microsoft’s code). If an element has a text color defined, it will adjust it to make it contrasted enough either based on the element’s own background, or based on the webmail’s default background color in Dark Mode (a dark #333 grey). If an element has a background color defined, it will adjust it to make it darker. Microsoft checks for any element with a text color or background color defined, may it be with the color or bgcolor HTML attributes or with any of the color, background-color or background CSS properties (either via inline styles or embedded styles). So I inspected the webmail’s code to get a grip of how it actually works. ’s default Dark Mode view (left) and with “lights” turned on (right).Ĭontrary to macOS Mojave’s Dark Mode, ’s Dark Mode does impact HTML emails and changes colors. ’s default interface (left) and with Dark Mode turned on (right).Įach individual email also has a “ Turn on the lights” button to toggle back a white background and the original email on the reading pane only. From Microsoft’s spokesperson announcement: Dark Mode is a more-pleasant way to read your email if you prefer interfaces that are less bright or if you are in a low-light environment.ĭark Mode can be turned on in the Settings menu on the top right of the webmail.

Last summer, Microsoft quietly introduced a new feature for its webmail : Dark Mode.

Outlook 2016 dark theme reading pane