I would like to change colors in EXISTING themes, but I can't find all the files. There are two files in \resources\app\node_modules\arduino-ide-extension\src\browser\data, the dark.color-theme.json and the default.color-theme.json, but changes to these files do not alter any offered theme.
In folder \resources\app\node_modules\arduino-ide-extension\lib\browser there is a file arduino-ide-frontend-module.js that "includes" these files as theme options. It seems that adding another option in the code, does not appear in the selection list.
This is due to the fact that the code of color json files is included to the file bundle.js in folder \resources\app\lib, where everything is in a single line without spaces, tabs and "enter" characters. Changing values in THIS file, the corresponding color at IDE is changing also.
So we need a simple tool to create copies of offered themes (and not adding a more complex Visual Studio one), and then a software recreating the bundle.js file (and any other if needed). This because usually we need to try various color combinations in an EXISTING theme, and not adding a new one if we want to change just one color.
I also want to ask if there is the possibility to set some types as bold, as we could in 1.8.
I am having a similar problem. The only solution offered so far was to create an extensions folder and create a new theme in Visual Studio. I find it infuriating that an IDE that is supposed to be uncomplicated requires another piece of software to change the colors. I have a mild disability and all of the color modes are difficult. I am copying code into Windows Notepad and then back to IDE so that I can edit easily. Its absurd. The light grey colors slow me down 75%. No one would use those colors on a commercial web page because they are just too difficult to read. The bright colors on white of black are worse for me.
It is not necessary to create a new theme. There are thousands of existing 3rd party themes available. Surely one of those must be to your liking?
I wrote instructions for installing 3rd party themes in Arduino IDE 2.x here:
If you have specific feedback about how the official themes can be improved, I recommend you to submit an issue report to the Arduino IDE developers here:
Thank you,
I recognize your trying to help and it looks like they will. I read your directions, and then went down the rabbit hole. I tried to find a theme with a darker grey and colors that were reasonable for me. It seemed that this was going to require hours. So I downloaded VS Code. I am sorry, to have to learn some new software that seems to require that I read documentation before I can figure out which version of the software I need in order to use it, seems crazy to change a few colors. Opening your like I find ways to install themes but most of the pages do not even contain samples of the theme, on a few I find a link to a page that does, although I may be missing a link. Hence my description of it as a rabbit hole.
I am going to need a custom theme. I think I will try the online composer you list. Thanks. Likely it will have to wait until I am back on a desktop. Until then I can likely set my screen to black and white.
I will also submit a ticket. I find the complication bizarre given the intent of Arduino. Although I understand that people who work full time in the industry will be perfectly comfortable with it.
Thanks for your time. I hope that I don't come off as ungrateful.
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