Monochromate
Greyscale browser extension to reduce distractions and screen time
What is Monochromate? Complete Overview
Monochromate is a free browser extension designed to help users reduce screen time and combat doomscrolling by converting websites to greyscale. By removing colors from web pages, it decreases visual stimulation that triggers dopamine responses, making browsing sessions less addictive. The tool works by modifying webpage CSS in real-time while preserving all functionality. It's particularly useful for people looking to minimize digital distractions, improve focus, or break compulsive browsing habits. Monochromate is completely open-source and privacy-focused, storing all settings locally without tracking user activity. Available for both Chrome and Firefox browsers, it offers customizable intensity controls and smart site exclusion features for when color is necessary.
Monochromate Interface & Screenshots
Monochromate Official screenshot of the tool interface
What Can Monochromate Do? Key Features
Real-time Greyscale Conversion
Monochromate instantly applies a greyscale filter to all web pages you visit, transforming colorful interfaces into black and white. This modification happens in real-time through CSS adjustments without affecting website functionality or performance.
Smart Site Exclusion
Users can create a blacklist of websites where colors should remain enabled. This is perfect for situations requiring color accuracy like photo editing, design work, or specific work applications.
Privacy-Focused Design
The extension collects zero personal data and doesn't track browsing activity. All settings and preferences are stored locally on the user's device, ensuring complete privacy and security.
Cross-Browser Compatibility
Monochromate offers identical functionality on both Chrome and Firefox browsers, built using the WXT framework for consistent performance across platforms.
Simple Toggle Interface
The extension features an intuitive toolbar icon that allows users to easily turn greyscale mode on or off with a single click, with adjustable intensity settings available in the popup interface.
Best Monochromate Use Cases & Applications
Digital Minimalism
Individuals practicing digital minimalism use Monochromate to make their browsing experience less visually stimulating, helping them spend less time online and focus only on essential content.
Focus Enhancement
Students and professionals enable Monochromate during work sessions to eliminate colorful distractions from social media and entertainment sites, improving concentration on tasks.
Breaking Social Media Habits
Users trying to reduce compulsive social media scrolling find that greyscale mode makes these platforms less engaging, helping them break addictive browsing patterns.
Accessibility Testing
Designers and developers use Monochromate to quickly preview how their websites appear in greyscale, helping ensure accessibility for color-blind users.
How to Use Monochromate: Step-by-Step Guide
Visit either the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons store and search for Monochromate, or use the direct installation links provided on the official website.
Click 'Add to Browser' to install the extension. The installation process is quick and requires no additional configuration.
After installation, locate the Monochromate icon in your browser's toolbar. Click it to toggle greyscale mode on or off instantly.
Access the extension's settings by clicking the toolbar icon, where you can adjust greyscale intensity and manage site exclusions.
To exclude specific sites, navigate to the website you want to preserve colors for, then add it to your blacklist through the extension's popup interface.
Monochromate Pros and Cons: Honest Review
Pros
Considerations
Is Monochromate Worth It? FAQ & Reviews
Yes, research shows that colorful interfaces trigger dopamine responses that make websites more addictive. By removing colors, Monochromate makes browsing less visually stimulating, naturally reducing time spent scrolling.
Absolutely! Monochromate is completely free and open-source. It doesn't collect personal data, track browsing, or display ads. All settings are stored locally on your device for maximum privacy and security.
Yes, Monochromate includes smart site exclusion features. You can easily add websites to your blacklist where colors should remain enabled - perfect for photo galleries, design work, or applications requiring color accuracy.
Monochromate is available for both Chrome and Firefox with identical features. It's built using the WXT framework, ensuring consistent performance across both browsers.
You can create an issue on our GitHub repository with details about the bug. For non-technical users, you can join our Discord server to report issues - our community is always happy to help!