AO3 is an open and ad-free website for readers, and those loves to read stories. AO3 has become one of the best sites for open reading. Here, people can write and publish whatever they like without fear of it getting removed. Many people using AO3 want to know whether there is a dark mode for AO3; the answer is yes. You can simply use Reversi Skin to enable it.
- The full form of AO3 is Archive of Our Own.
- It is an open-source platform available for readers and writers.
- AO3 doesn’t have its own application.
- Mobile and desktop users can use it through its official website.
- You can enable dark mode on AO3 using Reversi Skin.
Looking for possible ways to enable AO3 dark mode? Many readers want to read fanfiction in dark mode on Archive of Our Own (AO3), especially during long reading sessions or at night to reduce eye strain. A fan of reading entertainment news but still doesn’t know what is AO3, aka Archive of Our Own?
This guide covers sign-up, login, enabling dark mode, and more to make it easy for anyone to use the AO3 website. Keep reading to learn everything about AO3.
What is AO3?
AO3 is an open and free non-profit fanfiction archive that is made for fans of books, music, art, games, shows, movies, and real-person fiction. People use it to read, publish, and find fictional stories using detailed tags. People can also download the works to read them offline. It hosts a large number of fan works across books and TV shows. Not only writers but also people who have an interest in reading fictional stories can use it to show their works. AO3 prioritizes accessibility, tagging, and user control; as a result, it has become one of the most reliable places to find the best fanfiction online. It is available across the world. Let’s understand the use of AO3.
How to use AO3?
There is no hard-and-fast rule for using Archive of Our Own. You can start reading right away by visiting AO3’s official website. Use the search bar to find the topic according to your niche. You can search by typing authors, characters, titles, and tag names in the search bar to see the rating, word count, and completion status. All these things can be done without signing up for the website.
However, logged-in users get extra benefits and tools like Mark for later, checking browsing history, bookmarking, updates via email, and more. Tags help in finding exactly what you want and avoid any other topics that you don’t want. The site is suitable for both desktop and mobile users. Some of the key features that you can experience without an account are as follows:
- Browse all public fandoms and tags.
- Read most of the fanfictions.
- Use the search tab and filtering tools.
- View work statistics like Kudos, Comments, and Bookmarks.
Some of the additional features that you can use after logging in are given below:
- Post a comment.
- Appreciate using Kudos.
- Bookmark and organize.
- Subscribe to authors and works.
- Post or edit your own work.
How to sign up for AO3?
The sign-in process is a little bit complex, as it takes several days for your number to arrive. But once you sign in, you can experience top-notch features, and that too without any investment. Follow these simple steps to sign in on AO3.
- Visit the official website of AO3, or you can simply paste this URL into your browser: https://archiveofourown.org/users/login.
- Click or tap on Get Invited.
- Enter your email address.
- Click on Add me to the list.
- Submit and wait for the invitation email notification.
The waiting list is huge. You will receive the email within 14-15 days. Keep checking your position using the same email. The waiting time varies depending on the demand.
Once you receive the invitation email → follow the link → create a username and password → accept the terms and conditions → activate your account.
How to log in to the AO3 Website?
- Visit the official website of Archive of Our Own, or AO3. Or Click Here.
- Click on Log In, present in the upper right corner.
- Enter the username and password that you created at the time of signing up.
- Click on Remember Me if you want to stay logged in on that device.
- You are ready to experience a unique and open-source information system.
Note: If you don’t remember your Password, you can simply click on Forget Password to get the password reset link to your email ID.
Keep in mind that you must need to activate your account through the confirmation email before logging in. Once logging in to your account, you can see your dashboard, where you can see your bookmarks, history, and preferences.
How to Enable Dark Mode on the AO3 Website?
Many people want to know the process of enabling dark mode on the AO3 website. Reading in blue light for a long time can strain the eyes. AO3 doesn’t provide a simple toggle-style dark mode feature. It comes with a built-in dark screen feature, and it is available only for its signed-in audience. Let’s take a look at the step-by-step instructions on how to enable AO3 dark mode:
- Log in to your AO3 account.
- Scroll to the bottom/footer of the homepage.
- Click on the term Customize. You will see a list of official site skins.
- Next, click on Reversi. The page will automatically switch to dark mode for the current session (till you are logged in).
Note for people who want to make dark mode permanent: It is simple; follow the same steps and then click on the Use button to fix it. Once it is fixed, Reversi will automatically open in dark mode on any device or browser with the same email address.
(If you want to revert to the light screen, go back to the Reversi page and click on Revert to Default Skin).
Alternative Option to Get AO3 Dark Mode
Another option that you can try for dark mode in AO3 without signing in is to use a browser extension for dark mode. There are several extensions available out there that can give you the experience of dark mode in AO3. These are some of the free dark mode extensions available that you can try.
- Dark Reader
- Night Eye
- Turn Off the Light
You can set them up by simply installing the extension in your browser, then opening AO3, clicking on the extension icon, and enabling dark mode for this domain. Adjust the brightness according to your preference.
How to Enable AO3 Dark Mode on Mobile Devices
AO3 doesn’t have its own application. However, the website is mobile phone-compatible. Users with an account can follow the same steps to turn on Reversi Skin. Meanwhile, users with no account can enable dark mode on their mobile phones. Many updated devices come with this setting and automatically darken the AO3 website.
Or
You can simply install a mobile-friendly browser extension that includes dark themes.
Why User wants To Enable Dark Mode?
- The brighter the screen, the higher the chances of getting your eyes strained.
- Lower exposure to blue light helps with better sleep.
- It improves readability in a dark room or at night.
- Can save battery on OLED or AMOLED screens.
The official way and an alternative way you can easily change the mode of the AO3 website, but I suggest using the official Reversi Skin for authentic and credible work. However, a guest or occasional reader can use the extension.
Process of Searching for Fan Fiction on AO3?
To search for fanfiction, you can use the search box available on the upper right side of the homepage. You can search based on title, author, tags, categories, and more. These are some of the useful search filters:
- Rating: General, teen, mature, and explicit
- Archive warning
- Freeform tags
- Word count range
- Completion status
- Language
- Date ranges
- Categories like General, F/M, M/M, F/F, and more
Best search process based on your category.
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Quick Search | Tags, authors, titles |
| Advance Search | For applying multiple filters at once |
| Fandom Filters | Narrowing for a specific fandom |
| Tag Search | While exploring relatable tags |
How to Delete or Edit Work on AO3?
For editing your work on AO3: Log in to your account. → Go to the work you want to edit → Click on Edit that appears at the top of the page → Update whatever you want to change (tags, summary, visibility, ratings, and more) → Click on Save.
For deleting the work on AO3: Go to your work section → Select the works that you want to delete → Click on Delete Works.
Note: Works that are co-created have a limited deletion option, so that other creators keep access. Orphaning is available if you want to remove your name without deleting the whole work. Also, do a quick cross-check before deleting it permanently.
Conclusion
AO3 is one of the best free places to read and share fanfiction. The blog has a complete guide on how to use AO3, features, signing up tips, and more. Here, I have also mentioned how to enable AO3 dark mode on desktop and mobile devices, with and without signing in. With these steps, you can start using Archive of Our Own on both mobile devices and desktop. The AO3 website is free to use and ad-free.
Also Read: Custom Web Application Development Process: Benefits, Example, Process, and Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any app for AO3?
No, there is no application of AO3/ Archive of Our Own. You can use the website on both mobile and desktop.
Does AO3 have a dark mode?
Yes, it has a dark mode called Reversi Skin. Enabling dark mode for AO3 is different from other websites with a simple toggle.
Can I download fictions from AO3?
Yes, you can download limited fanfiction. Only open fiction can be downloaded.
Why does dark mode turn off when I log out?
To make dark mode permanent in AO3, you will have to click on the Use button.
