Should we use a manual toggle or rely on system preferences for dark mode?

Relying on system preferences via CSS media queries is generally the most efficient approach for corporate websites. This method automatically respects the user’s global operating system settings without adding unnecessary UI elements to your header. A manual toggle button requires additional JavaScript, state management, and testing to ensure it works correctly across all browsers. It also introduces another interactive element that must be designed and maintained within your design system. For most corporate audiences, an automatic adjustment based on their system preference provides a seamless and expected experience. If you do choose to implement a manual toggle, ensure it saves the user’s preference in local storage so they do not have to reset it on every visit. However, starting with system-preferred styles is a great way to minimize initial development complexity. This allows you to deliver a tailored experience with less technical overhead.