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Vent: I keep seeing designers use pure black for dark mode backgrounds...

It crushes shadow detail and makes everything feel flat, a lesson I learned the hard way after a client project in 2021. What's your go-to dark gray base color instead?
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2 Comments
allen.reese
My friend Jake's app got roasted in a 2022 review for looking "soulless and cheap." His designer had used pure black everywhere. He switched to a dark charcoal, something like #121212, and the next update's feedback praised the improved depth. It totally changed how users felt about the interface.
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casey_campbell
Remember that pure black can feel harsh and flat on screens. Using a dark gray instead adds subtle depth and makes other colors pop. It's a small change that makes a huge difference in how polished an app feels.
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