Dark Reader

Dark Reader is a WordPress plugin that adds automatic dark mode to any site — detecting visitor OS preferences, scheduling by sunrise/sunset or battery saver, and applying CSS-variable-based dark styling with zero theme edits, WCAG AA contrast, and a visitor toggle.

What is Dark Reader?

Dark Reader is a WordPress plugin from BdThemes that adds automatic, accessible dark mode to any WordPress site without touching theme files. It uses CSS custom properties to apply dark styling, which means it works with every theme — Divi, Avada, Astra, GeneratePress, and page builders included — with zero theme edits and no flash of unstyled content. The plugin auto-detects visitor OS dark mode preference, can schedule dark mode by sunrise/sunset or custom hours, and supports battery saver mode on OLED devices. A floating toggle lets visitors switch on demand, and their preference is remembered via localStorage across sessions. Accessibility features include WCAG 2.1 AA contrast enforcement, a keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+D), and screen reader announcements. The admin panel gets dark mode too. The free version covers core dark mode features; paid tiers add custom palette editing, scheduling, site-wide force mode, and WCAG accessibility mode. Paid plans start at $39/year for 1 site and run up to $149/year for unlimited sites, with a 60-day money-back guarantee. The plugin is also available as part of a BdThemes bundle deal with 10 other premium plugins.

Key Features

• *Zero Theme Edits** — CSS-variable based dark mode works with all themes and page builders
• *OS Preference Detection** — Auto-switches to match visitor system dark mode (prefers-color-scheme)
• *Smooth Transitions** — Animated toggle with no flash of unstyled content (FOUC prevention)
• *One-Click Toggle** — Customizable floating toggle button for visitors to switch on demand
• *Per-Page Memory** — Visitor preference stored in localStorage persists across sessions
• *Admin Panel Dark Mode** — Dark mode extends to the WordPress backend, not just the frontend
• *Custom Dark Palette** — Control background, text, link, and accent colours plus per-element overrides
• *Image & Media Handling** — Bright images intelligently dimmed; specific elements can be excluded
• *Schedule & Auto-Switch** — Sunrise/sunset scheduling, custom hours, and battery saver mode
• *Geolocation Time Zone Detection** — Scheduling adapts to the visitor's browser-detected time zone
• *WCAG 2.1 AA Contrast** — Contrast enforcement for accessible dark mode
• *Keyboard Shortcut** — Ctrl+D quick toggle for power users
• *Screen Reader Announcements** — Accessibility-friendly announcements for assistive technology
• *High Contrast Mode** — Optional high contrast dark mode variant
• *Focus Indicator Visibility** — Ensures focus states remain visible in dark mode
• *Caching Plugin Compatible** — Works with WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, LiteSpeed Cache, and others
• *Sub-4 KB JavaScript** — Deferred, non-blocking payload with zero performance impact
• *Free Version Available** — Core dark mode features available at no cost
• *60-Day Money-Back Guarantee** — Generous refund window on all paid plans

Who is it for?

• WordPress site owners who want to offer dark mode without editing theme files
• Sites that get feedback about eye strain or readability in low-light conditions
• Accessibility-focused sites that want WCAG-compliant dark mode, not just inverted colours
• Multi-site owners who need dark mode across several WordPress installs
• Agencies and developers who want a reliable dark mode plugin to recommend to clients
• BdThemes bundle buyers who want dark mode plus other premium plugins at a discount

Who is it NOT for?

• Non-WordPress sites — this is a WordPress plugin only
• Sites that already have dark mode built into their theme — may be redundant
• Budget-conscious single-site owners who only need basic dark mode — the free version covers the core features
• Users who want a lifetime deal specifically — the vendor site prices are subscription-based; verify the actual LTD terms on the deal page