Power BI Dark Mode | New Look Breakdown

In this video, Greg Trzeciak, a trainer at Pragmatic Works, dives into the highly anticipated Power BI Dark Mode feature. Greg discusses its pros and cons, some issues with the initial release, and how it can impact the way users interact with Power BI reports. This blog post condenses the insights shared by Greg and outlines the steps for utilizing Power BI's dark mode effectively.

Introduction to Power BI Dark Mode

Greg Trzeciak begins by highlighting his personal preference for dark mode across applications, citing its comfort and accessibility. Dark mode is increasingly essential for individuals working in low-light conditions, as it reduces eye strain and makes reading easier. As one of the major software platforms, Power BI has introduced dark mode, adding to the growing trend of applications embracing this feature.

Pros of Using Power BI Dark Mode

Greg explains several benefits of Power BI Dark Mode, including:

• Reduced Eye Strain: Dark mode is especially beneficial in low-light environments as it minimizes the bright, glaring white background, which can cause discomfort during extended use.
• Improved Accessibility: Many people with visual impairments find dark mode easier to read, making Power BI more accessible to a wider range of users.
• System-Wide Consistency: As dark mode becomes more common across software platforms, users who are accustomed to it in other applications will find Power BI’s new dark mode a seamless experience.

How to Enable Dark Mode in Power BI

Greg provides clear instructions for enabling dark mode in Power BI, with the following steps:

1. Open Power BI Desktop and go to File in the main ribbon.
2. Select Options and Settings, then Options.
3. In the Global tab, scroll down to Report Settings and find the Customized Appearance section.
4. Select dark mode as the appearance option (this feature is still in preview mode, so it may change in future updates).

Cons and Limitations of Dark Mode

Despite its benefits, there are some downsides to Power BI Dark Mode that Greg points out:

• Missing UI Elements: Occasionally, buttons and UI elements may not appear in dark mode, particularly in areas like the Power Query Editor, where the list tools are sometimes hidden.
• Poor Color Contrast: The contrast in certain areas, such as the "Column from Example" tool, can be difficult to read due to the dark background and light text.
• Preview Feature: Since dark mode is still in preview, it’s subject to change. Users may encounter bugs or unexpected behavior.

Alternatives and Customization Options

Greg shares a few alternatives for those who are not fully sold on dark mode or prefer some level of customization:

• Themes: Users can apply a theme with darker backgrounds to reduce eye strain without fully committing to dark mode.
• Windows High Contrast Themes: A system-wide contrast theme in Windows can also improve visibility in Power BI without enabling dark mode entirely.

Conclusion

While Power BI’s dark mode offers many advantages in terms of eye comfort and accessibility, there are some challenges to consider. As Greg points out, Power BI’s dark mode is still in preview, and users can expect future updates and fixes. If dark mode is not for you, exploring themes and high contrast settings may provide a balanced alternative. Pragmatic Works encourages users to experiment with these features and find the best settings that suit their needs.

Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on Power BI and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the Pragmatic Works YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks.