Category: desktop

If you are using the premium Turn Off the Lights – Desktop Mac app (aka TOtL Desktop), and have just upgraded or are considering upgrading to macOS 26 Tahoe, there are some hidden gems and new behaviours you might not yet have discovered. Even if you have used the Turn Off the Lights for Desktop app for years, the macOS 26 update unlocks a few subtleties that change how the app works, especially when paired with Tahoe’s redesigned UI and features. Here are three things you probably did not know, plus how to get the most out of them.

1. Liquid Glass Icon for macOS 26

One of the subtle but neat changes in macOS 26 is the introduction of the Liquid Glass effect, which gives app icons a fresh and adaptive look. With this new rendering system, icons are no longer static. Instead, they dynamically adjust their appearance depending on your selected system theme. That means the TOtL Desktop icon can look slightly different in Light Mode, Dark Mode, Clear Style, and your chosen Tinted Style.

This creates a more seamless integration with the macOS environment, as the icons feel alive and consistent with the overall design language of Tahoe.

👉 Try switching between Light, Dark, Clear, and Tinted modes with the TOtL Desktop Settings window open. You will see the icon subtly transform to match each environment, creating a polished, system-native feel.

2. New Slider and User Interface Changes that Fit Tahoe’s Style

When you click the lamp icon in the Apple menu bar, you will see the Turn Off the Lights for Desktop control panel. It now includes a new update slider, harmonized with the design style of macOS Tahoe.

The settings window has been redesigned: instead of the traditional top-tab navigation, TOtL Desktop now uses a tab bar on the left side, giving it a cleaner, more modern look that aligns with macOS 26’s UI trends.

👉 Try to open the menu panel when you click on the white/black lamp button in your Apple menubar that is located left of the clock.

3. Deeper Shortcut and Automation Integration

The macOS 26 update makes TOtL Desktop even more powerful when paired with the Shortcuts app and scheduled automation.

• You can also connect TOtL Desktop to weather or time-based conditions. For instance, when the sun sets in your location at a specific time, TOtL Desktop can automatically activate and add a dimming layer to your Mac’s screen, helping you transition to a softer evening workspace.
• Keyboard shortcuts and menu bar triggers are snappier, reducing lag when toggling dimming or switching focus modes.

👉 Try creating a Shortcut that dims the desktop to 60% whenever you switch to Dark Mode or when sunset begins in your city. It is a simple automation that helps eye comfort in low-light environments.

Final thought

Turn Off the Lights for Desktop has always been a great tool for focus and eye comfort, but with macOS 26, it feels even more integrated into the Mac experience. If you have not yet explored these hidden improvements, now’s the perfect time to rediscover them. You can get the premium Turn Off the Lights for Desktop app from the Mac App Store.

The popular screen dimming app for Windows, Turn Off the Lights for Desktop, just got a major upgrade with version 1.9.0.0. This powerful tool that helps users reduce screen glare and improve focus is now more intelligent, secure, and customizable than ever. Whether you are binge-watching shows, working late at night, or just trying to reduce eye strain, the new version brings a host of features that make it even better suited for modern Windows 11 users.

Smarter Application Detection

One of the standout improvements in this update is the smarter application detection system. With the Application Focus feature enabled, the experience is now much more intuitive. If you have ever had multiple apps open and tried to use Turn Off the Lights, you might have encountered an issue where the dark layer obscured a window you wanted to keep on top. That is now a thing of the past.

With version 1.9.0.0, the app intelligently detects when a window appears on top of the dark layer — for example, when you are running multiple instances of Microsoft Edge. Now, it ensures that your selected window remains fully visible and accessible. This small tweak massively improves multitasking and usability, especially for power users who rely on several open applications simultaneously.

Windows 11 Widget Support: New Layout

Windows 11 users, rejoice! The new version brings updated support for the newer layouts of Windows 11 widgets. No matter how your widgets are arranged, the Turn Off the Lights Color Palette widget can be added to your widgets panel.

This makes the widget feel like a native part of the operating system, aligning with Microsoft’s sleek and responsive UI philosophy in Windows 11.

Customizable Shortcuts

Another great addition is the ability to enable or disable keyboard shortcuts. While keyboard shortcuts are great for quick access, not everyone needs them — especially if you are already using a lot of hotkeys in your workflow.

With this new version, you can customize how Turn Off the Lights works for you. Want the app to activate only from the system tray? Go ahead and turn off shortcuts. Prefer fast toggling with a simple keystroke? Keep them on. This kind of user-centric customization is exactly what sets Turn Off the Lights apart from other utilities.

Windows Hello Integration

Security and convenience come together in this release with Windows Hello integration. Now, when the screen dimmer is active, you can use facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or a pincode to disable it.

This is particularly useful in shared environments or in public settings, where the dimmer might be used as a subtle privacy layer. With Windows Hello, only you can lift that layer — making it a seamless experience that blends security with comfort.

Expanded Language Support

And finally, version 1.9.0.0 brings broader accessibility with new translations added for Brazilian Portuguese (br), Czech (cs), Hungarian (hu), Slovak (sk), Slovenian (sl), Lithuanian (lt), Latvian (lv), and Estonian (et). This makes the app more welcoming for international users who prefer using software in their native language.

Whether you are a long-time user or new to Turn Off the Lights for Desktop, this update delivers meaningful enhancements that make your desktop experience smoother, more secure, and more intuitive.

Wrapping Up

Turn Off the Lights for Desktop has always been a fan-favorite for those seeking a more focused, cinematic, or relaxed desktop experience. With version 1.9.0.0, it is not just about dimming your screen—it is about smarter control, greater accessibility, and better integration with the modern Windows ecosystem.

Whether you are using it to enhance movie nights, reduce eye strain, or just make your desktop look cleaner, this update makes the app feel like a natural extension of Windows. With thoughtful new features like Windows Hello integration and expanded language support, Turn Off the Lights for Desktop continues to evolve into one of the most refined productivity tools available for Windows users today.

​The Turn Off the Lights for Desktop Mac app has long been a favorite among users seeking to reduce eye strain and enhance focus by dimming their screens. With its latest update, the app introduces two significant features: Touch ID Integration and Apple Focus Filter Support. These enhancements aim to provide a more seamless and personalized user experience.​

Touch ID Integration: Unlocking Convenience

Previously, when the screen dimmer was enabled, users had to input a custom PIN code to remove the dimmed layer and return to their regular screen brightness. While this method ensured security, it could interrupt workflow, especially for those who frequently toggled the dimmer. Recognizing the need for a more fluid experience, the latest Turn Off the Lights for Desktop Mac app update introduces Touch ID integration.​

With this feature, users can now simply place their finger on the Touch ID sensor to instantly remove the dimmed layer. This biometric authentication method not only speeds up the process but also maintains the security that users expect. By leveraging the built-in Touch ID sensor on compatible Mac devices, the app ensures that only authorized users can disable the screen dark layer, adding a layer of personalized security.​

Apple Focus Filter Support: Tailored Dimming for Every Situation

Apple’s Focus mode allows users to customize notifications and app behavior based on their current activity, such as working, personal time, or sleeping. Building upon this functionality, Turn Off the Lights for Desktop now supports Apple Focus Filters, enabling users to automate screen dimming based on their selected Focus mode.​

For instance, during “Do Not Disturb” or “Work” Focus modes, the app can automatically dim the screen, creating a subdued environment that minimizes distractions and promotes concentration. Once the Focus mode is switched back to “Personal” or another setting, the app can revert to the previous brightness levels, ensuring a consistent and comfortable viewing experience throughout the day.​

This integration allows for a harmonious workflow, aligning screen brightness with the user’s current needs and preferences. By syncing with Apple’s Focus modes, the app offers a dynamic approach to screen dimming, adapting to various scenarios without manual intervention.​

Conclusion

The latest enhancements to the Turn Off the Lights for Desktop Mac app demonstrate a commitment to user-centric design and functionality. By integrating Touch ID, the app offers swift and secure control over screen dimming. The support for Apple Focus Filters further personalizes the experience, allowing the app to adapt to the user’s current context seamlessly. These features collectively contribute to a more intuitive and efficient workflow, underscoring the app’s dedication to enhancing user comfort and productivity.