You can reduce Liquid Glass transparency on macOS Tahoe — here's how

How To
By published

Liquid Glass isn't for everyone

MacBook Pro 2021 (16-inch) review unit sitting on a coffee table
(Image credit: Future)

It's fair to say that, despite Apple making a big deal of the Liquid Glass design in macOS Tahoe, it's not to everyone's taste. The idea is that it lends a transparent look to various elements of the operating system, one which looks fresh and modern on the surface. However, it can make some items more difficult to see.

Recognizing that it may be a step too far for some users, Apple created an option that allows you to reduce the transparency effects. Doing so can make a big difference — it makes the menu bar easier to see, for instance, and it can even make navigation feel more straightforward. There's also a chance it will reduce eye strain.

1. Open System Settings

To tone down the Liquid Glass transparency effect in macOS Tahoe, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select System Settings.

2. View the Accessibility options (first method)

There are two ways of reducing transparency. The first is to select Accessibility from the left-hand side menu.

Next, select Display under the Vision section in the right-hand section of the window.

3. Reduce the transparency

Simply toggle the switch next to Reduce transparency and look at the menu bar: you will see an immediate difference – it will become a gray bar.

You will also find changes to the dock, widgets, icons and folders, all of which become more opaque.

4. Use the Tinted option (second method)

The second method only works if you don’t use the first method. It also requires you to update your Mac to macOS Tahoe 26.1. For this one, select Appearance from the left-hand menu.

5. Choose Tinted

If you select Tinted next to Liquid Glass, you will find opacity increases and there is greater overall contrast. You may, however, find it to be a more subtle change than if you reduce transparency.

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(Image credit: Future)

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David Crookes
David Crookes
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David Crookes is a freelance writer, reporter, editor and author. He has written for technology and gaming magazines including Retro Gamer, Web User, Micro Mart, MagPi, Android, iCreate, Total PC Gaming, T3 and Macworld. He has also covered crime, history, politics, education, health, sport, film, music and more, and been a producer for BBC Radio 5 Live.

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