How To Dim Flashing Lights On macOS

Reducing or dimming flashing lights on your Mac running macOS 14 is an important step for ensuring a comfortable and safe computing environment, particularly if you are sensitive to light or prone to seizures. macOS includes a feature to reduce motion and flashing effects, which can help mitigate the impact of intense visuals. Here’s how to enable these settings:

Quick Guide

1. Open System Settings: Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Settings.”
2. Access Accessibility Features: Navigate to “Accessibility.”
3. Enable Reduce Motion: In the Accessibility menu, select “Display” and then enable “Reduce motion.”

Detailed Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Step 1: Open System Settings

• Click on the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen.
• Select “System Settings” from the dropdown menu. This will open the system settings window where you can adjust various settings for your Mac.

Step 2: Access Accessibility Features

• Within the System Settings window, scroll through the sidebar to find “Accessibility.” Click on it.
• Accessibility settings are designed to improve the user experience for those with various needs, making the device easier and safer to use.

Step 3: Enable Reduce Motion

• In the Accessibility settings, click on “Display” in the sidebar under the “Vision” category.
• Look for the option “Reduce motion.” This setting reduces the movement of user interface elements on the screen, which includes the intensity of some animations and transitions that can cause flashing effects.
• Toggle the “Reduce motion” option to the on position. Enabling this setting will help diminish the motion of elements on your Mac’s screen and reduce the likelihood of flashing that could be bothersome or harmful.

Additional Steps to Consider

• Reduce Transparency: In the same “Display” settings under Accessibility, you can also enable “Reduce transparency.” This helps by decreasing the visual complexity of the interface, further reducing potential triggers for discomfort or seizures.
• Adjust Screen Brightness: Manually reducing the screen brightness can also help mitigate flashing effects. You can adjust brightness directly from the menu bar (if enabled) or from System Settings under “Displays.”

By setting up your Mac with these adjustments, you can create a more visually comfortable environment that minimises the risk associated with flashing lights and animations. This is particularly beneficial for users with light sensitivity or those who are prone to migraines or seizures due to flashing lights.