BetterDarkMode
by Crec0
BetterDarkMode is a client-side mod that changes how vanilla black and white text and custom named blocks display in dark mode.
What it does
Only the client needs BetterDarkMode, so players install it on their own game and servers do not need it. It fixes text color for blocks with custom names that use dark colors, which can otherwise be hard to read on a dark background. Fabric API is required, and the mod is published for Fabric and Forge across eight release versions, 1.16.5 – 1.19.1.
A player can switch the vanilla black and white text to other colors with commands, using the command betterdarkmode black or betterdarkmode white to change them, or betterdarkmode custom to pick a color. A custom color is entered as a hex value between 000000 and ffffff inclusive. A resource pack with transparent text is also offered as an alternative approach, and the code is open source under the MIT License.
Key features
Readable dark text
Custom named blocks that use dark colors are adjusted so their text stays legible on a dark background.
Vanilla color commands
The betterdarkmode black and betterdarkmode white commands change how vanilla black and white text is drawn.
Custom color choice
The betterdarkmode custom command sets a chosen color, given as a hex value from 000000 to ffffff.
Transparent resource pack
A separate resource pack makes the affected text transparent, as another way to handle the same problem.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 1
Use cases
Dark-themed builds
Players who build on dark backgrounds can keep signs and named blocks readable without changing the world itself.
Who it’s for: Players on the Fabric or Forge client who use dark-colored text in named blocks or signs. Server owners do not need to install anything for it.
How it compares
Transparent Nametags is also client-side only and open source under the MIT License, but it is a Fabric mod for 1.14.4 – 26.2 and changes name tags rather than dark text. Shadow blocks is a Forge mod for 1.20.1 that needs both client and server and is not open source under All rights reserved terms. hightes is a Forge mod for 1.20.1 that also needs both sides and is covered by the Apache License 2.0.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetterDarkMode | Fabric and Forge | 1.16.5 – 1.19.1 | Client-side only | 2022-08-31 |
| Transparent Nametags | Fabric | 1.14.4 – 26.2 | Client-side only | 2026-09-14 |
| Shadow blocks | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client and server | 2026-03-03 |
| hightes | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client and server | 2026-04-17 |
Questions
Does BetterDarkMode need Fabric API?
Does the server need BetterDarkMode?
Which versions are available for Forge?
Which game versions are supported?
More from Crec0
What the author says
I am no longer supporting forge. If you playing 1.16.5 or 1.17.1, You can get those versions, otherwise you are out of luck. Download BetterDarkMode-Forge-1.16.5 To use on 1.16.5 Forge Minecraft
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/betterdarkmode
- Owner
- Crec0
- Published
- 2021-10-03
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2022-08-31
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15