Black Screen
Get a free black screen in one click. Pick pure black or a softer dark shade, and your screen stays on.
Press F for full screen · ← → to change the shade · Esc to exit
Pick a setup
Customize your black screen
Shade
Brightness
Download
Saved at full brightness
Timer and clock
Open a full black screen instantly
Black Screen Online turns your whole screen pure black in one click. Press Start black screen, or the F key, and your display fills with pure black (#000000) right away. Your screen stays on, so your device does not lock or go to sleep. Press Esc to come back. It is free, it works in your browser, and there is nothing to install.
Updated October 13, 2026
A simple black screen sounds easy, but the right tool matters. A basic black page may not give you full-screen controls, timer options, display checks, custom shades, or a way to reuse your preferred setup. Choose pure black or another dark shade, pick a ready-made setup if you want one, and start in seconds.
10 shades
Pure black to slate gray
5 setups
One tap per task
#000000
True RGB 0, 0, 0
Free
No install, no sign-up
What is a black screen?
A black screen is a display that shows only black, with nothing else on it. On Black Screen Online, the Pure black shade uses the RGB color model, which creates digital colors by combining red, green and blue light. Pure black is RGB: 0, 0, 0 (#000000). When all three values are set to zero, the result is pure digital black.
A full-screen black screen can also work as a neutral surface when you want to keep your monitor connected while removing visible content. Your device keeps running underneath: a download, a call or music carries on while the screen shows black.
#000000 · RGB 0, 0, 0
All three values at zero: the darkest black a screen can show.
Black screen vs dark mode: what is the difference?
Black screen and dark mode may appear similar, but they solve different problems. Dark mode changes the appearance of applications, websites, or operating systems. A black screen replaces the entire visible display area with a dark surface.
| Feature | Black Screen | Dark Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Makes the entire display black | Changes interface colors |
| Covers the full screen | Yes | Usually no |
| Removes windows and icons | Yes | No |
| Useful for display checking | Yes | Limited |
If you need your complete monitor to become black immediately, a full-screen black screen is the direct solution.
How do I make my screen completely black?
Using a black screen should be quick and simple. Black Screen Online works on a monitor, laptop, phone or tablet, in the browser you already use.
Pick a shade or a ready-made setup, if you want one. Not sure? Skip this step.
Press Start black screen. The page goes full screen and turns black.
To come back, press Esc, or move the mouse (tap on a phone) and press Exit.
Fills your whole screen. Press Esc to come back.
Once activated, the tool covers your visible display area with your selected black shade. It creates a clean viewing surface without browser controls, menus, or other visual distractions. If a browser does not allow full screen, the black fills the browser window instead.
Keyboard and touch controls
Black Screen Online also includes simple controls:
- FPress F, or double-click the preview, to go full screen. On a phone or tablet, double-tap it.
- EscPress Esc to exit full screen.
- ← →Press the left or right arrow keys to change black shades.
- TapMove the mouse, or tap, to show the screen controls: shades, brightness, Lock, a clock or countdown, and Exit.
Your settings are remembered
Your selected settings can remain available for future visits. If you want to start over, Reset to default brings back the original settings in one click.
Which black screen setup should you choose?
Different users need different types of black screens, and a single black display is not always enough for every situation. Black Screen Online includes five ready-made setups. A Computer / Phone or tablet switch above them shows the ones that fit your device.
Each setup changes how the tool works, so you can choose the option that matches your task without adjusting every setting manually. Below the setups, three shortcuts handle common jobs: Clean my screen, Download an image and Use a second monitor.
Black for 30 minutes, then your device can sleep.
Black screen
Computer, phone and tabletBest for: a plain black screen that stays on
Black screen: How does the standard mode work?
The Black screen setup shows pure black at full brightness and keeps your screen on, so your device does not go to sleep while it is open. The standard mode is useful when you want your display to show only black without additional content. Common uses include a presentation pause screen, hiding a distracting display for a while, checking how your monitor shows black, a simple creative background, and preparing a screen before cleaning.
Sleep timer
Computer, phone and tabletBest for: a black screen for 30 minutes, then your device can sleep
Sleep timer: How does the timed black screen work?
The Sleep timer setup combines a black display with an automatic timer. It shows a black screen for 30 minutes, then turns off, and your device can sleep as normal. You can change the time in Settings, under Turn off after, from 1 minute up to 8 hours.
This option is useful when you want a black screen for a specific period without manually ending the session later: falling asleep with the screen dark, a short work session, or a waiting period.
The timer controls the Black Screen Online session. It does not directly change your computer power settings or operating system sleep settings, and your device behavior may still depend on those settings, browser permissions and hardware support. This makes the Sleep timer useful when you need a controlled black screen session while keeping your normal device settings unchanged.
Looks switched off
Phone and tabletBest for: a phone that looks off but keeps playing music, a call or a download
Looks switched off: Can your phone look off but keep working?
The Looks switched off setup is made for phones and tablets. Your phone looks switched off but keeps working, so music, a call or a download keeps going. In full screen, taps are ignored, so a pocket or a stray hand cannot change anything. Press and hold the screen to unlock it.
Check bright pixels
ComputerBest for: finding bright pixels and display issues
Check bright pixels: How does the pixel check work?
The Check bright pixels setup helps you inspect your display using a pure black background. A bright pixel becomes easier to notice because it produces visible light while surrounding pixels remain dark. The setup also adds thin grid lines that help you locate the exact position of a pixel issue, and you can change them under Grid lines (No lines, Thin, Medium or Wide). It appears on the Computer side of the setups.
Night clock
Computer, phone and tabletBest for: the time and date on a dim, dark display
Night clock: How can you use a dark clock display?
The Night clock setup adds a simple clock while keeping the background black. It shows the time and date, and the numbers are dim and move a little each minute, so they never stay in one place long enough to leave a mark on your screen.
This creates a minimal dark display when you need time information without opening a bright application. It can be useful as a dark desk or bedside clock, on a secondary display, or in any low-light room. The goal of Night clock is to keep the screen mostly black while adding only the information you need.
What can you use a black screen for?
A black screen can support many everyday tasks. It is useful for professionals, students, creators, and anyone who needs a clean dark display. The best use depends on your situation: a presenter may need a clean screen between slides, a monitor owner may want to check pixels or black levels, a designer may need an exact black background, and a remote worker may want a simpler visual workspace.
| User type | Common problem | Useful solution |
|---|---|---|
| Presenter | Needs a blank display during a talk | Black screen setup |
| Monitor owner | Wants to check display issues | Check bright pixels setup |
| Anyone cleaning a screen | Wants to see dust before wiping | Clean my screen |
| Creator | Needs a clean background | Download an image |
| Remote worker | Wants fewer visual distractions | Full-screen black display |
| Multi-monitor user | Does not need active content on another display | Use a second monitor |
| Someone going to sleep | Wants the screen dark for a set time | Sleep timer setup |
| Phone user | Wants music or a call to keep going with the screen dark | Looks switched off setup |
| OLED user | Wants to view true black performance | Pure black shade |
A black screen is not only an empty display. It can be a practical tool for presentations, creative work, display checking, and everyday computer use.
Cleaning
How can a black screen help when cleaning a monitor?
A black screen makes dust easy to see, while fingerprints and smudges show up better on a white screen. Before cleaning your display, press Clean my screen. It starts the black screen right away, and on a phone or tablet taps are ignored while you wipe (press and hold to unlock). This allows you to inspect the screen without opening another application.
For safe cleaning:
- Follow your display manufacturer's instructions.
- Use suitable cleaning materials.
- Avoid applying liquid directly to the display.
A black screen does not clean the monitor itself. It simply makes some surface marks easier to see.
Presentations
Can you use a black screen during presentations?
Yes. A full-screen black screen can work as a simple presentation pause screen in business meetings, online presentations, classroom lessons, training sessions and public talks. Presenters often need a way to remove visual distractions between slides or while explaining a topic. A black screen provides a clean display so attention can move back to the speaker instead of the monitor.
If you present from PowerPoint or Keynote, you do not even need to leave the slide show: press B for a black screen, and B again to go back. In PowerPoint, W gives a white screen. For a pause outside a slide show, or on a second screen, press Start black screen.
Focus
Can a black screen create a cleaner workspace?
Yes. Some users prefer a simple black display when they want fewer visual distractions. A black screen hides desktop icons, colorful backgrounds, open windows and other visual content. This can be useful for remote workers, students, writers, developers, and people using multiple displays.
A black screen does not improve computer performance or change applications. It simply creates a cleaner visual environment.
Creative work
How can creators use a black screen?
Black backgrounds are common in creative workflows. Creators use black screens or black images for video editing, photography, graphic design, presentations and digital artwork.
A pure black background gives creators a simple starting point without unwanted colors or patterns. For video editors, a black screen video can work as a background layer or a timed gap. For designers, a pure black image provides an exact color reference. To save one as a file, use Download an image (more on that below).
Multiple displays
How can a black screen help with a second monitor?
Many people use more than one display, from developers and designers to traders, researchers and office workers. A second monitor does not always need active content. Use a second monitor turns it black while you keep working on your main screen, in one of two ways:
- Choose a monitor: pick your other monitor, and the black screen fills it while you keep working here. This works in Chrome and Edge.
- Open a new window: drag the new window to your other monitor, then press F11 for full screen. This works in any browser.
A secondary monitor with a black display can help create a cleaner workstation when the extra screen is not currently needed, without unplugging it or switching it off.
Fills your other screen with black.
How can you customize your black screen?
Black does not look identical on every display. Some users prefer pure black, while others prefer a softer near-black shade. Black Screen Online includes ten built-in shades:
Pure black
#000000
Rich black
#010A13
Jet
#0A0A0A
Ink
#0D1117
Obsidian
#101014
Onyx
#121212
Charcoal
#1C1C1C
Gunmetal
#242424
Graphite
#2B2B2B
Slate
#333333
These options allow you to choose between absolute black and darker gray tones. For example:
- Pure black (#000000) gives the darkest value in the RGB color model.
- Ink (#0D1117) provides a softer, cool blue-gray look.
- Slate (#333333) creates a lighter dark gray tone.
Different shades can be useful depending on your environment, display type, and personal preference. Not sure which one to use? Which black should I pick? in Settings describes each shade in one line, and Custom color lets you pick any other color.
What is the difference between pure black and near-black shades?
Pure black and near-black shades may look similar, but their RGB values are different. Near-black shades contain small amounts of color information. For example, #101014 is still very dark, but it is not complete black because its RGB values are slightly higher.
The difference becomes easier to notice depending on your display technology. It is clearest on an OLED screen, where pure black pixels switch off (see the battery section below).
Can you adjust brightness on a black screen?
Yes. Black Screen Online includes a Brightness control that makes the lighter dark shades dimmer. Pure black is already the lowest value in the RGB color model, and because RGB values cannot go below zero, pure black cannot become darker. The brightness control is mainly useful for near-black shades such as Charcoal, Gunmetal, Graphite and Slate.
This gives you more control when different situations require different levels of darkness. A dark room may feel better with pure black. A bright office may be easier to use with a softer near-black shade. A designer may prefer a specific dark tone for creative work. The goal is not to make pure black darker; it is to help you adjust the appearance of lighter dark shades.
Does Black Screen Online keep the display awake?
Keep screen on, by default
Yes. Keep screen on is turned on by default: while the black screen is open, it stops your device from locking or going to sleep. It uses your browser's wake feature, so it works in most modern browsers, but a battery saver can still refuse it. Your device behavior can still depend on operating system settings, browser permissions and hardware support.
If you want it to sleep later
If you want your device to sleep later, set Turn off after in Settings (from 1 minute to 8 hours). Show on screen can also add a Clock or a Countdown to the black. The Countdown only shows time; it turns nothing off.
Does a black screen save battery or cause burn-in?
A black screen saves battery on most newer phones, but not on most computer screens. The difference comes from how each screen makes black.
OLED and AMOLED displays
OLED displays use individual pixels that produce their own light. When an OLED pixel displays black, it can turn off completely. Because those pixels produce no light, they can create very deep black levels, very high contrast, and use almost no power. AMOLED displays are a type of OLED technology commonly used in mobile devices. To see how your own screen handles true black, an OLED test goes further than a plain black screen.
LCD displays
LCD panels work differently because they use a backlight behind the display layer. Since the backlight remains active, black areas may appear slightly lighter compared with OLED displays, and a black screen uses about the same power as any other color.
| Display type | How black is created | Saves battery on black? |
|---|---|---|
| OLED / AMOLED | Pixels can turn off completely | Yes |
| LCD | Pixels block light from a backlight | About the same as any color |
Can a black screen cause burn-in?
No. Black cannot burn into a screen, because on an OLED its pixels are off. A bright picture left on for hours can leave a mark on some phones and TVs, which is why the Night clock is dim and moves a little each minute. A black screen also does not remove a mark that is already there; it simply cannot create one.
Can a black screen help test your monitor?
Yes. A black screen can help you perform a quick visual check of your display. A dark background makes bright pixels, stuck pixels, uneven lighting and black level differences easier to notice.
A black screen is useful for an initial inspection, but it is not a complete hardware diagnostic tool. Different display problems may require different colors and testing methods.
How can a black screen reveal bright pixels?
A display contains millions of small pixels that create images by controlling brightness and color. When the screen shows black, pixels that continue producing light become easier to notice.
A bright pixel stays lit while the pixels around it are dark, and may appear white or another color.
A stuck pixel remains fixed on one color instead of changing correctly, so on black it shows as a colored dot.
A dead pixel does not produce visible light, so it blends into a black background; it is easier to see on a white screen.
The Check bright pixels setup adds grid lines to help you note exactly where a dot is. To check for all three at once, a dead pixel test shows several solid colors in turn.
Black with grid lines, to mark where a dot is.
Why does black sometimes look gray on a monitor?
Black may look gray because different displays create black in different ways. OLED screens can turn pixels off completely, while LCD screens use a backlight that may still produce some visible light. The final appearance also depends on panel technology, viewing angle, screen settings and display quality.
Can a black screen show backlight bleed?
Yes. A black screen can help you notice uneven lighting on LCD displays. Sometimes light from the backlight appears unevenly near the screen corners and edges. This is called backlight bleed, and a black background makes these brighter areas easier to notice because the surrounding screen is dark.
Look at the black in a dark room. A glow that changes when you move your head is usually IPS glow, a normal effect of IPS panels and different from physical damage. A bright patch that stays in one place, often in a corner, can mean backlight bleed. Some brightness changes can be normal, depending on the panel type, viewing angle and screen design. For a closer look at the edges and corners, a backlight bleed test uses patterns made for judging them.
Can you save a black screen as an image?
Sometimes you need a black screen as an image file instead of a live full-screen display: for presentations, video editing, graphic design, photography projects or digital backgrounds. Black Screen Online allows you to create a pure black image with your preferred resolution and file format. Press Download an image, or open the Download tab in Settings.
| Resolution | Common use |
|---|---|
| 1280×720 HD | Smaller displays and basic projects |
| 1920×1080 Full HD | Standard monitors, presentations, and videos |
| 2560×1440 2K | High-resolution displays |
| 3840×2160 4K | Ultra HD screens |
| 1080×1920 Phone | Phone screens and vertical videos |
| Custom size | Specific width and height needs |
You can save the image as PNG, JPG or WebP. PNG is lossless and is useful when exact pixel values matter, JPG is common for general images, and WebP is a modern format made for the web. The image is saved at full brightness, and grid lines are never saved in a download.
A pure black image contains only one color value, RGB 0, 0, 0, with no gradients, patterns, textures or extra colors. That makes it a predictable black background for design, video and display work. Need an SVG or more sizes? Black Screen Image makes a plain black screen image at any exact size, as PNG, JPG, WebP or SVG.
Opens the Download tab in the tool above.
Need a black wallpaper, video or screensaver?
A full-screen black page is not the right tool for every job. Black Screen Online has four more black tools, each made for one of them:
Want the screen to go black only when you step away? The black screensaver does that.
A true black wallpaper sized for your iPhone, Android, iPad, Mac or PC, with simple steps to set it on your lock screen and home screen.
A pure black video at any size, length and frame rate, as MP4, WebM or MOV. It fits YouTube, video editors, TVs, Shorts and Reels, with no watermark.
A black screensaver that runs in your browser on Mac and Windows. It goes fully black when you are away and wakes the moment you move.
A plain black background image sized for Zoom and Teams calls, slides and social posts.
Can you share a black screen setup with another device?
Yes. The Share setup button creates a link with your shade, brightness and download size, so the black screen opens the same way for anyone who clicks it. On a computer, Send to phone shows a QR code. Scan it with your phone camera, and the same black screen opens on your phone without selecting everything again.
Troubleshooting
Did your screen go black on its own?
Some people search for "black screen" because their screen went dark by itself. That is a different problem, and Black Screen Online cannot fix it: this page makes a black screen on purpose. If your screen turned black on its own, check that the device and monitor have power, check that the cable is firmly connected, and press a key or move the mouse to wake it. If it stays black, your device maker's help pages are the best next step.
How Black Screen Online works
Black Screen Online runs in your web browser, so there is nothing to install and no sign-up. A black screen may look like a simple tool, but the reason people need one is different in every situation. Black Screen Online was built around these practical needs: accurate pure black using RGB 0, 0, 0, full-screen controls, ten shades, five setups, downloadable images and sharing options.
It also has honest limits.
- Brightness cannot go below pure black, because pure black is already the darkest a screen can show.
- An LCD screen still glows a little on black, because its backlight stays on.
- Keep screen on depends on your browser and battery settings.
- Every display is different, so the experience of black can change between OLED, LCD, and other screen technologies.
Whether you are preparing a presentation, checking a monitor, creating content, or building a cleaner workspace, Black Screen Online gives you a simple browser-based way to create the black screen you need.
Frequently asked questions about black screen
Is a black screen the same as turning my monitor off?
No. A black screen shows black, but your monitor and computer stay on. That is useful when you want a dark screen without stopping a download, a call or music, or when you want to keep a second monitor connected and ready. On an OLED screen, black pixels are switched off, so it looks very close to off. On an LCD screen, the backlight stays on, so you may see a faint glow. To really switch your monitor off, use its power button.
Does Black Screen Online work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. Open it in your phone's browser, then press Start black screen or double-tap the preview. Switch the setups to Phone or tablet to see the ones made for touch screens, like Looks switched off, which ignores taps until you press and hold. Clean my screen also ignores taps while you wipe. If your browser does not allow full screen, the black fills the browser window instead, which still covers the page.
Can a black screen fix a dead or stuck pixel?
No. A black screen only helps you find a pixel that stays lit; it does not repair anything. A dead pixel does not light up at all, so it hides on black and is easier to spot on a white screen. If you find a faulty pixel on a new screen, use the grid lines in Check bright pixels to note exactly where it is, then check the seller's return policy or the maker's warranty.
Is Black Screen Online free, and do I need to install anything?
Yes, it is free, and there is nothing to install and no sign-up. Everything runs in your web browser on a computer, phone or tablet. Your last settings are remembered in that browser, so your next visit opens the way you left it. If you want the original look back, press Reset to default in Settings.
Ready for a pure black screen?
One click, no install, no sign-up. Press Esc whenever you want to come back.