diff --git a/src/_macosx.m b/src/_macosx.m
index b72d6efd4e0d..5c9688fdf6ad 100755
--- a/src/_macosx.m
+++ b/src/_macosx.m
@@ -881,6 +881,9 @@ -(void)save_figure:(id)sender { gil_call_method(toolbar, "save_figure"); }
         NSImage* image = [[NSImage alloc] initWithContentsOfFile: filename];
         buttons[i] = [[NSButton alloc] initWithFrame: rect];
         [image setSize: size];
+        // Specify that it is a template image so the content tint
+        // color gets updated with the system theme (dark/light)
+        [image setTemplate: YES];
         [buttons[i] setBezelStyle: NSBezelStyleShadowlessSquare];
         [buttons[i] setButtonType: buttontypes[i]];
         [buttons[i] setImage: image];