How to Adjust Your Computer’s Brightness for Each Hour of the Day

The default brightness for a majority of computers is set to a level most suitable for mid-day use. The level is light emitted from your screen is meant to mimic the sun. When you’re checking your e-mail at lunch time this is not a bad thing, but if you are working on a paper late into the night or checking in for a flight in the early morning hours, the brightness of your computer screen can be jarring or uncomfortable. Some individuals complain that experiencing bright computer light in the evening makes it difficult for them to fall asleep.

F.lux is a software program that adjusts the brightness and color of your computer screen based on your location and the time of day. By taking into account the type of lighting in your house and your location, it will make adjustments to keep your eyes comfortable.

1. Download f.lux and install the software onto your computer. F.lux can be downloaded at stereopsis.com/flux. The program is compatible with Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS, and Cydia platforms.

2. Check that the program launches and explore the available settings. F.lux should automatically run in the background after it is installed. There are various ways to play with the settings to suit your needs, so explore the possibilities before setting your preferences.

3. Once you have decided, click “Change settings” and set your preferences. The “Change settings” button will prompt you to enter information about your exact location and the lighting in your home or workspace. You can choose to have it transition between stages quickly or gradually.

4. If at any point you need to view something with true color, you can turn off the adjusted settings for hour-long intervals by ticking the box in the bottom left corner of the main window.

Whether or not you have trouble sleeping after a late night in front of a bright computer screen, your eyes will thank you for keeping their light expectations consistent with the time of day.