High-contrast shortcut: invert or boost screen contrast
Toggle a high-contrast theme on Windows with Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen. On Mac, invert screen colors with Control+Option+Command+8 for a similar effect.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toggle high-contrast theme (Windows) | — | Left Alt+Left Shift+PrtScn | |
| Invert display colors (Mac) | ⌃⌥⌘8 | — | |
| Reduce / increase contrast (Mac) | ⌃⌥⌘, / ⌃⌥⌘. | — |
Turn on High Contrast in Windows
Press Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen together. Windows asks whether you want to switch on a Contrast theme; confirm to swap to a high-contrast color scheme that makes text and UI elements easier to read. Press the same combination again to switch back. You can pick which theme it toggles under Settings → Accessibility → Contrast themes.
Invert colors on Mac
macOS does not ship a single "high contrast theme" hotkey, but ⌃⌥⌘8 (Control-Option-Command-8) inverts the display colors, which many people use for the same reason. To fine-tune, use ⌃⌥⌘, and ⌃⌥⌘. to decrease and increase contrast. Enable Increase contrast permanently in System Settings → Accessibility → Display.
When to use it
High contrast and inverted colors help with low vision, glare and reading in bright light. They affect the whole system, not just one app.
FAQ
What is the high-contrast shortcut on Windows?
Press Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen. Windows prompts you to turn a Contrast theme on or off. Choose which theme it toggles in Settings → Accessibility → Contrast themes.
Is there a high-contrast shortcut on Mac?
macOS has no single high-contrast theme hotkey, but ⌃⌥⌘8 inverts the display colors, and ⌃⌥⌘, / ⌃⌥⌘. decrease and increase contrast.
Does high contrast affect every app?
Yes. Both the Windows Contrast theme and Mac color inversion change the whole display, including the desktop, menus and every open app.