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As we rely more on our electronic devices, the amount of time we spend in front of screens has increased dramatically. This can lead to several health issues such as eye strain, blurry vision, headache, and trouble sleeping. A major cause of these health risks is blue light which is emitted from computer screens, smartphones, and other digital devices. To combat this, many Mac users have started filtering blue light in their devices. If you want to do the same, keep reading to learn more about how to filter blue light on Mac.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To filter blue light on your Mac, you’ll need to have a few things on hand. Firstly, you’ll need a Mac with macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later. Then, you’ll have to adjust the color temperature settings and set up a color filter. Finally, ensure that you have an updated version of macOS to fully access the available features.
What Requires Your Focus?
When filtering blue light on your Mac, there are a few things that you need to focus on. Firstly, you need to adjust the color temperature of your display to a warmer tone. Then you need to set up a filter of the same temperature in the accessibility settings. Once that’s done, you should make sure that this setting is turned on whenever you’re using your device to prevent health risks.
Different Methods to Filter Blue Light on Mac
Method 1: Using Night Shift feature
To use the Night Shift feature on your Mac, follow these simple steps:
1. Open the Apple menu and click on System Preferences.
2. Click on Displays and then choose the Night Shift tab.
3. From here, you can adjust the color temperature on a schedule or manually as per your preference.
4. Enable ‘Turn On Until Tomorrow’ to set the filter for a specific time period.
Pros:
• The Night Shift feature is already available on your Mac.
• It’s easy to find and use, and you can adjust the settings as per your requirement.
Cons:
• The Night Shift is only effective if you set a schedule that works for you.
• It’s only available in devices that run macOS Sierra or later.
Method 2: Using F.lux on Mac
F.lux is a third-party software that’s incredibly effective in filtering blue light. To use F.lux on your Mac, follow these simple steps:
1. Download the app from the official website.
2. Once installed, open the app and adjust the settings as per your preference.
3. F.lux comes with some presets such as Working Late, Movie Mode, and Darkroom Mode.
4. Enable ‘Turn On Until Sunrise’ to set the filter for a specific time period.
Pros:
• F.lux is a free app that you can download from its official website.
• It’s easy to integrate into your Mac and adjust the settings.
• You can set it up to adjust automatically.
Cons:
• It’s an external third-party app that might require initial configuration.
• Not everyone will be comfortable installing a third party app.
Method 3: Using Twilight for Mac
Another third-party app that’s effective in filtering blue light is Twilight. To use Twilight on your Mac, follow these simple steps:
1. Download the app from the official website.
2. Once installed, open the app and adjust the settings as per your preference.
3. Twilight comes with some presets such as Reading, Sleeping, and Custom.
4. You can also adjust the brightness and color temperature according to your needs.
Pros:
• Twilight is a free app that you can download from its official website.
• It’s easy to set up and adjust according to your needs.
• It has options to adjust the brightness as well as temperature.
Cons:
• It’s an external third-party app that might require initial configuration.
• Not everyone will be comfortable installing a third party app.
Why Can’t I Filter Blue Light on Mac?
There might be some reasons you’re unable to filter blue light on your Mac. Here are a few possible issues and fixes:
1. Your Mac might be running on an older version of macOS that doesn’t support the Night Shift feature. In this case, you’ll need to update your macOS to access this feature.
2. Your Mac might not have any built-in or third-party apps that can filter blue light. In this case, you’ll need to download a reliable app such as F.lux or Twilight to filter blue light.
3. If you’re unable to enable blue light filter or it’s greyed out, you need to first turn on True Tone or disable Display Calibration.
Implications and Recommendations
Filtering blue light on your Mac can help reduce eye strain, blurry vision, headache and trouble sleeping. It’s crucial to find a filter that works for you, whether it’s the built-in Night Shift feature, F.lux, or Twilight. However, make sure you don’t solely rely on filtering blue light and take regular breaks and consider using blue-light glasses to protect your eyes.
5 FAQs about Filtering Blue Light on Mac
Q1: How does blue light affect my health?
A: Blue light from digital devices can lead to several health risks such as eye strain, blurry vision, headache, and trouble sleeping.
Q2: Can filtering blue light on my Mac affect the display quality?
A: Filtering blue light on your Mac might give your display a warm tint. However, the overall display quality is not affected.
Q3: How long should I work on a device before taking a break?
A: It’s recommended to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away.
Q4: Can I disable the blue light filter?
A: Yes, you can disable the filter whenever you like or adjust the schedule according to your needs.
Q5: Can I use blue-light glasses with my filtered Mac display?
A: Yes, using blue-light glasses with your filtered Mac display can help better protect your eyes.
Final Words
Filtering blue light on your Mac is crucial for protecting your eyes and overall health, but finding a blue light filter that works for you is also essential. Whether it’s the built-in Night Shift feature, F.lux, or Twilight, make sure you take the necessary preventative measures while working on your device, such as taking regular breaks and using blue-light protection.