macOS: How to Automatically Dim Videos Containing Flashes of Light - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

macOS: How to Automatically Dim Videos Containing Flashes of Light

by

In macOS Ventura 13.3, Apple has added an accessibility option that dims video when flashes of light or strobe effects are detected. Here's how to enable the feature on your device.

apple logo backlit mac
When watching video on your Mac, there may be times when the content includes rapid flashes of light or stroboscopic effects. In such cases, a key concern is user safety.

Some people with photo-sensitive epilepsy can be affected by strobing light, which may induce seizure. The effect can also produce undesirable sensations amongst the general population, such as disturbed vision.

With this in mind, Apple has added a new option in its accessibility feature set that can automatically reduce the brightness of video if it includes triggering light effects.

The following steps show you how to enable the feature. Note that you must have macOS 13.3 installed on your device to see the option. You can check that your Mac is up-to-date by going to System Settings -> General -> Software Update.

  1. Click the Apple symbol () in your Mac's menu bar and select System Settings... in the dropdown menu.
  2. Select Accessibility in the settings sidebar.
    settings

  3. Under "Vision," click Display.
  4. Toggle on the switch next to Dim Flashing Lights.
    settings

That's all there is to it. Next time you play video and macOS detects the lighting effects, the screen will be automatically dimmed to reduce the possibility of a negative reaction.

Popular Stories

iphone 17 pro black feature

iPhone 18 Pro's Camera Upgrade Will Cost Apple 50% More

Friday May 29, 2026 3:44 am PDT by
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max's all-new variable aperture lens will cost Apple 50% more than the camera unit used in current models, according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Variable aperture has been one of the most persistent iPhone camera rumors of the past few years. Kuo first flagged the feature in late 2024, and it has since been corroborated by multiple reports and...
HomePod mini and Apple TV Sage

New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Are 'Nearly Ready' to Launch, New Siri Remote Also Rumored

Sunday May 31, 2026 8:47 am PDT by
New models of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are "nearly ready to go," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Both devices have been ready "for months," but Apple is holding off on launching them until the more personalized version of Siri is available, he said. "I am told the hardware for the next Apple TV...
iphone 18 pro color dummies

First Look at iPhone 18 Pro Color Options Revealed by Dummy Models

Friday May 29, 2026 4:50 am PDT by
Leaker Sonny Dickson today shared images of iPhone 18 Pro dummy models in the device's four rumored colors, offering the first real-world look at what to expect from the lineup visually. Corroborating previous rumors, the dummies show the iPhone 18 Pro Max in Light Blue, Black, Silver, and Dark Cherry. Dickson said "Cherry will probably be the next hit, orange did very well." Cosmic Orange...
Related Apple News: World News | Business | Health | Education | Mac