Frequently asked questions

What is Darkkle?

Darkkle is a free, open-source Manifest V3 browser extension that applies a true-black, configurable dark theme to the Google Sheets web app, including the canvas-rendered grid itself. It is licensed under the Mozilla Public License 2.0 and maintained by volunteers.

Does Darkkle cost anything?

No. Darkkle is free and open source. There is no paid tier, subscription, account, trial, or upsell.

Which browsers does Darkkle support?

Darkkle targets Chromium-based browsers and declares a minimum of Chrome 111, which covers Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Firefox compatibility has not been established and is not claimed. Community testing across browser versions is still in progress.

Does Darkkle read or send my spreadsheet data?

No. Darkkle has no developer-operated server, account system, analytics SDK, advertising SDK, or remote code loader. It requests only the storage permission plus narrow host access to the spreadsheet web app. Settings stay in your own browser. Because the rendering hook runs inside the page and observes canvas drawing, it may encounter rendered text during normal execution, but the project does not retain or transmit that content.

Why is Darkkle not on the Chrome Web Store?

Darkkle is currently distributed as an unpacked extension ZIP through GitHub Releases. A store listing is not promised. Installing means enabling Developer mode in the browser and using Load unpacked.

How is Darkkle different from a generic dark mode extension?

Generic dark-mode extensions restyle HTML elements. The Google Sheets grid is painted onto an HTML canvas, which those extensions cannot restyle, so the sheet usually stays white while the menus turn dark. Darkkle hooks the canvas drawing operations themselves, which is what allows the grid, the selection, and the row and column headers to be recoloured.

Will Darkkle change my data or formatting?

No. Darkkle changes rendering only. It does not modify formulas, values, comments, or stored spreadsheet formatting. Turning it off restores the normal appearance.

Does Darkkle work on Google Docs or Slides?

No. Darkkle targets the Google Sheets web app. It also applies interface styling to Calendar, Keep, Contacts, and Tasks companion panels when they appear inside the spreadsheet workspace.

Why do my settings not sync between Chrome and Edge?

Chrome and Microsoft Edge use separate browser-account sync services that do not exchange data. Use the export and import feature to move profiles between them.

Who maintains Darkkle and is it actively supported?

Darkkle is maintained by volunteers. The repository owner may be unavailable for extended periods and does not promise response times, fixes, compatibility, or release dates. Contributors, testers, and future maintainers are welcome.

Is Darkkle affiliated with Google?

No. Darkkle is independent software, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google. Google Sheets is a trademark of Google LLC and is referenced only to describe compatibility.

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