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Official Turn Off the Lights Blog

🔵 Master ‘Turn Off the Lights for Desktop’ with 5 New YouTube Tutorials: Focus, Customize, and Automate Your Mac Experience

Last month, we witnessed the release of the highly anticipated Turn Off the Lights for Desktop app for Mac users — and it is a game-changer! The app, completely written in SwiftUI, features a modern user interface. We have now published helpful YouTube tutorials to guide you through some of the app’s most useful functions and show you how to enable certain features. If you are looking to enhance your workflow and get the most out of this nifty tool, be sure to check out these YouTube tutorials.

YouTube tutorials for the Turn Off the Lights for Desktop Mac app
YouTube tutorials for the Turn Off the Lights for Desktop Mac app

Let us dive into the key YouTube tutorials that are now available for you to explore!

Turn Off the Lights for Desktop Mac YouTube Tutorials

Explore our YouTube tutorials for step-by-step guides on using Turn Off the Lights for Desktop. Learn how to enable key features and make the most of this powerful tool!

1. How to Focus an App?

Sometimes, the sheer number of apps and windows on your desktop can be overwhelming. The first tutorial in the series teaches you how to focus on a specific app. This feature is perfect for those who want to eliminate distractions and zone in on the task at hand. By dimming everything else on your screen except for the app you are using, you can ensure that nothing pulls your attention away.

YouTube Tutorial: How do I focus an application on macOS?

The tutorial walks you through how to easily select and focus on the app of your choice. Whether you are working on a project, editing documents, or even just reading, this feature helps you block out the clutter so you can be fully present in your work.

2. How to Change the Opacity and Color of the Screen Dimmer?

One of the standout features of Turn Off the Lights for Desktop is the ability to customize the screen dimmer. With this feature, you can adjust the opacity and color of the dimmer to suit your environment. In the second tutorial, you will learn exactly how to modify these settings.

YouTube Tutorial: How to customize the color and opacity value?

This is ideal for users who prefer a more subtle or visually calming background. Maybe you are working late into the night, and the standard dimming is too harsh — adjust the opacity to a level that feels comfortable to your eyes. Want to give your workspace a little flair? You can even change the dimmer’s color to something that matches your aesthetic or helps reduce eye strain.

3. How to Enable the Spotlight That Follows Your Mouse Cursor?

A fun and highly practical feature in Turn Off the Lights for Desktop is the Spotlight. This tool follows your mouse cursor, highlighting the area where you are currently focused. It is perfect for presentations, drawing, or any task where you want to draw attention to a particular part of your screen.

YouTube Tutorial: How to enable the spotlight feature?

The third tutorial walks you through how to activate and customize this feature. You can adjust the spotlight’s type from a circle to a rectangle size, ensuring it matches your specific needs. Whether you are giving a virtual lecture or working on a project, the spotlight feature will make it easier to highlight your focus area, ensuring that no one misses what you’re doing.

4. How to Use the Mac Shortcuts App?

For users who love efficiency, the Mac Shortcuts app is a must-have tool. In this tutorial, you will learn how to integrate Turn Off the Lights for Desktop with the Shortcuts app. By doing so, you can automate various functions like dimming the screen, adjusting the opacity, or changing the color — all with a simple shortcut command.

YouTube Tutorial: How to use the Mac Shortcuts app with Turn Off the Lights?

The tutorial explains how to create custom shortcuts that suit your workflow, making it even easier to activate your preferred settings without having to manually adjust them each time. If you are someone who loves using shortcuts to speed up your tasks, this tutorial is a must-watch!

5. How to Add a Widget?

Lastly, the fifth tutorial covers how to add a widget for Turn Off the Lights for Desktop to your Mac’s notification center. By adding this widget, you can quickly toggle your screen dimmer or instantly change the opacity value.

YouTube Tutorial: How to add a screen dimmer widget?

This quick access method is a game-changer for those who want seamless control over their desktop without interrupting their flow. The tutorial walks you through the simple steps to add and customize the widget so it fits perfectly within your daily routine.

Final Thoughts

The release of Turn Off the Lights for Desktop has opened up a world of possibilities for Mac users, offering a way to reduce distractions, improve focus, and create a more immersive workspace. With these brand-new YouTube tutorials, the app’s full potential is now at your fingertips.

So, whether you are new to the app or a seasoned user looking to master its advanced features, these YouTube tutorials will guide you every step of the way. Head over to the official YouTube channel to get started today — your ideal, distraction-free workspace awaits!

About The Author

Stefan Van Damme

 Introducing the All-New Screen Dimmer for Mac App

The wait is over! The completely redesigned version of Turn Off the Lights for Desktop is here, and it is more powerful, intuitive, and modern screen dimmer for Mac than ever before. Built from the ground up with SwiftUI, this latest version sets a new benchmark for a screen dimmer for Mac. Whether you are working late, watching movies, or want to focus better by dimming your desktop distractions, this app has everything you need to create the perfect ambiance.

Turn Off the Lights for Desktop the best screen dimmer for Mac
Turn Off the Lights for Desktop the best screen dimmer for Mac

Let us dive into what makes this new version a must-have for Mac users.

Redesigned the Screen Dimmer for Mac from scratch using SwiftUI

This new version of Turn Off the Lights for Desktop is completely reimagined using SwiftUI, Apple’s modern framework for building beautiful and seamless user interfaces. This means the app feels right at home on macOS, taking full advantage of system integrations, a clean design language, and blazing-fast performance. Whether you are using the latest MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, or a trusty iMac, the app runs smoothly and looks stunning on Apple Silicon M Chip.

A Modern Panel with Easy Controls

Say goodbye to clunky interfaces. The new version of screen dimmer for Mac includes a sleek, modern control panel that is designed for simplicity and usability. At the heart of the panel is a responsive slider that lets you adjust the brightness of your screen with precision. Whether you want a gentle dim or near-total darkness, the intuitive slider ensures you are always in control.

Modern popover to control instantly your screen brightness and color
Modern popover to control instantly your screen brightness and color

Below that, you can choose from ten different dimmed layer colors to customize your screen. Whether you prefer warmer tones for nighttime or cooler tones for focus, there is a color to suit your needs. This feature allows you to create the perfect environment for your comfort and productivity.

You can even fine-tune settings directly from the panel to match your preferences. Need a quick dimming action? It is just a click away.

Widgets: Instantly adjust the screen dimmer for Mac

Widgets are a game-changer, and this app fully embraces them. The new Turn Off the Lights for Desktop supports macOS widgets, allowing you to control your screen lighting right from your desktop or Notification Center. No need to open the app every time—adjusting your lighting is now faster and more convenient than ever before.

Notification Center Widgets
Notification Center Widgets

If you want a different color, you can select one from the color palette widget. Additionally, the current opacity level can be displayed in a widget for easy reference.

Choose from multiple widget sizes to fit your desktop setup, and enjoy the ability to dim your screen in just a single click.

Support for macOS Shortcuts

Automation enthusiasts, rejoice! The app now integrates with macOS Shortcuts, enabling you to create custom workflows that fit your routine. Want to dim the lights automatically when you open Netflix or start a Zoom call? Done. With macOS Shortcuts, you can:

  • Trigger to change the opacity of the dimming layer to your value.
  • Automatically adjust the color to your chosen HEX value so it matches your action.
  • Combine app functionality with other shortcuts for maximum productivity. Such as the weather app to get real-time sunset information.

The possibilities are endless, and this feature ensures the app adapts perfectly to how you use your Mac.

Mac Shortcuts app to automate your screen dimmer
Mac Shortcuts app to automate your screen dimmer

Why Turn Off the Lights for Desktop?

If you spend long hours in front of your screen, you already know how important it is to minimize eye strain and create a comfortable workspace. The Turn Off the Lights for Desktop app is the only app that provides you with a simple yet powerful way to manage your screen lighting, reducing distractions and helping you focus better. Whether you are editing a Word document, coding, or just enjoying a movie night, this app enhances your experience by putting lighting control in your hands.

Get It Today!

Ready to revolutionize how you use your Mac? The new Turn Off the Lights for Desktop app is available now! Do not miss out on the most advanced and intuitive desktop lighting control app yet.

Download Now your copy today and experience the difference SwiftUI and modern design make.

Transform your desktop experience and take control of your screen lighting like never before. Get the all-new Turn Off the Lights for Desktop app today and see the difference for yourself!

About The Author

Stefan Van Damme

🏆 Best Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024 + Celebrating 15 Years of Turn Off the Lights

This year marks a monumental milestone for Turn Off the Lights, the beloved Chrome extension that has transformed online video viewing for millions of users. For 15 years, Turn Off the Lights has enhanced the browsing experience by offering a simple yet powerful way to focus on videos and reduce eye strain, all with a single click. And as we celebrate this remarkable anniversary, it is truly heartwarming to announce that Turn Off the Lights has been crowned by Google as the Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024. This recognition underscores the extension’s enduring impact and the trust of its global user base.

A Humble Beginning, A Revolutionary Idea

The journey of Turn Off the Lights began in 2009 with a clear mission: to create a distraction-free viewing experience. The idea was simple—dim the rest of the screen while highlighting the video player for all websites. This innovation quickly struck a chord with users, especially as online video consumption was beginning to skyrocket.

Over the years, the extension has grown in functionality, catering to evolving user needs and technological advancements. What started as a basic dimming feature now includes options like customizable background, Night Mode, Atmosphere Lighting, and support for nearly every major web browser. Yet, at its core, the mission has remained unchanged: “It is our job to assertively maintain mission-critical benefits as well as continue to completely embrace multimedia based materials”.

Why Users Love Turn Off the Lights

The extension’s appeal lies in its simplicity, reliability, and customizability. With over 2 million users worldwide for only Google Chrome and an average rating of 4.6 stars, it is clear that Turn Off the Lights has earned its place in the hearts of its community. Here’s why users love it:

  1. Enhanced Video Watching: Whether you are streaming your favorite show or catching up on YouTube tutorials, Turn Off the Lights dims the distractions, helping you stay focused on the content.
  2. Eye Comfort and Health: Prolonged screen time is taxing on the eyes. Features like Night Mode and the ability to adjust the brightness provide much-needed relief, especially during late-night browsing.
  3. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Turn Off the Lights supports multiple languages, ensuring a seamless experience for users across the globe. Its accessibility features make it a valuable tool for individuals with visual impairments.
  4. Trust and Security: Unlike many extensions, Turn Off the Lights prioritizes user privacy. It does not collect personal data, giving users peace of mind while they browse.

Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024 – Thanks to You!

This year’s recognition as the Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024 Extension is not just a badge of honor for the development team but a testament to the unwavering support of its users. The extension has thrived because of your feedback, reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Every update, feature, and improvement is inspired by your input.

Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024
Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024

It is part of many collections such as the best Dark Mode tool, and Transform YouTube.

Eclipse your screen collection
Eclipse your screen collection
Transform YouTube collection
Transform YouTube collection

Sustaining the Vision: Your Donations Matter

Turn Off the Lights has always been free to use, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can benefit from its features. However, maintaining and improving the extension takes time, resources, and commitment. As we celebrate 15 incredible years, we invite you to consider supporting the project financially.

Your donations directly contribute to:

  • Ongoing Development: New features, improved performance, and compatibility with future web technologies.
  • Enhanced Support: Ensuring users receive timely help and updates.
  • Accessibility Initiatives: Making the extension even more inclusive for all.

Every dollar helps sustain this mission. By donating, you become a vital part of this journey, ensuring that Turn Off the Lights continues to shine for years to come.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To our loyal users, thank you for making Turn Off the Lights a household name in the world of browser extensions. Your trust, feedback, and enthusiasm drive everything we do. Let us continue this incredible journey together.

Celebrate with us by sharing the extension with friends, leaving a review, or making a donation. Let us make the next 15 years even brighter!

Donate Now to support the future of distraction-free browsing. Together, we can keep turning off the lights and illuminating the content that matters most

About The Author

Stefan Van Damme