Desktop darkmode is different to the website

[BenJury]

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Describe the bug
A file created on the website in dark mode doesn't display in the desktop version in the same way using dark mode.

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Create a file in the website and add text to the objects.
2. Save the file locally
3. Open the file in the desktop (29.5.2)

Expected behavior
The text in dark mode in the desktop should be black, its currently white.

Screenshots
If applicable, add screenshots to help explain your problem.

Desktop:

Website:

draw.io version (In the Help->About menu of the draw.io editor):

• draw.io version 29.5.2

Desktop (please complete the following information):

• OS: Windows

Additional context
Add any other context about the problem here.

[draw-io-triage-bot]

👋 Thank you for opening this issue!

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Summary: User reports that text color displays differently in desktop dark mode (white text) compared to website dark mode (black text) when opening the same diagram file created on the website.

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📝 Additional Information Needed

To help us investigate this more effectively, could you please provide:

• browser_version: Browser version used for the website comparison (e.g., Chrome 120, Firefox 121)
• website_version: Version of draw.io website used (can be found in Help->About menu on the website)
• diagram_file: The actual .drawio file that demonstrates the issue would help reproduce the problem

We also have some questions:

• Does this text color issue occur with all text elements (shapes, standalone text boxes, labels) or only specific types?
• Are you using the same theme/dark mode settings on both the website and desktop app (e.g., both using 'Dark' theme vs 'Automatic' theme)?
• Does the issue persist if you create a new diagram directly in the desktop app using dark mode, or does it only affect files created on the website?

📋 Bug Report Template

**Environment:**
- draw.io version: [e.g., web app / desktop 24.x.x / Confluence plugin]
- Browser (if web): [e.g., Chrome 120, Firefox 121]
- OS: [e.g., Windows 11, macOS 14, Ubuntu 22.04]

**Steps to Reproduce:**
1. Go to ...
2. Click on ...
3. See error

**Expected Behavior:**
What you expected to happen.

**Actual Behavior:**
What actually happened.

**Screenshots/Files:**
If applicable, add screenshots or attach the .drawio file.

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_{🤖 This is an automated response to help with initial triage. A human maintainer will review this issue. If you've provided all the requested information, no further action is needed - we'll get back to you soon!}

[BenJury]

To help us investigate this more effectively, could you please provide:

browser_version: Firefox 148.0
website_version: 29.5.2
diagram_file: 

Test.drawio

We also have some questions:

Does this text color issue occur with all text elements (shapes, standalone text boxes, labels) or only specific types? **It looks like its connected to the colour setting.**
Are you using the same theme/dark mode settings on both the website and desktop app (e.g., both using 'Dark' theme vs 'Automatic' theme)? **Yes.**
Does the issue persist if you create a new diagram directly in the desktop app using dark mode, or does it only affect files created on the website? **Yes**

Desktop:

Website:

The colours that dont appear to work are these:

[BenJury]

Those colours dont work on the desktop site either!

[Maxim21S]

'Default' Adaptive Colors mode is different (Extras > Adaptive Colors). In website app it's 'Automatic' while in desktop app it's 'Simple'.

[alderg]

The default Adaptive Colors mode (under Extras > Adaptive Colors) differs between the web app and the desktop app:

• Web app defaults to Automatic
• Desktop app defaults to Simple

This was done intentionally for backwards compatibility with the desktop version.

To match the web app behavior on desktop, you can change this in Extras > Adaptive Colors > Automatic. Or, to change the default permanently, use a configuration with:

{ "defaultAdaptiveColors": "auto" }

[BenJury]

Now we've noticed this, we simply dont use those default colours. Which is a shame as they look better than the others!

I try to stay away from changing the defaults as I'd need to ensure everyone in the team has the same. Possible ofc, but a bit of a pain.

Personally I'd say the desktop version is wrong as the colours do not work in a 'dark mode' desktop as the text is illegible. I understand the compatibility issue, maybe its a breaking change in the next major version?