Table of content
- Introduction
- Understanding Visual Studio Themes
- Why Revamp Your Visual Studio Experience?
- Code Examples for Changing Themes in 2019
- Dark Theme vs Light Theme: Which is Better?
- Bonus Tips for Enhancing Your Visual Studio Experience
- Conclusion
Introduction
Visual Studio is a popular integrated development environment (IDE) used by software developers and programmers worldwide. From the latest version in 2019, users can personalize their Visual Studio experience by customizing the IDE's theme, including the colors, fonts, and other display options. This feature creates a comfortable working environment that suits personal preferences and enhances the visual appeal of the code editor. Changing the themes in Visual Studio is beneficial, especially for long coding hours, and preventing strain on the eyes. In this article, we will cover different examples of how to change themes in Visual Studio using code snippets, so you can take your coding setup to the next level.
Understanding Visual Studio Themes
Visual Studio allows users to customize the appearance of their IDE by changing the default theme. Themes allow developers to personalize their workspace and improve focus and productivity by reducing eye strain and fatigue.
A theme consists of various elements such as fonts, colors, icons, and window styles, all of which work together to create a specific look and feel. Visual Studio includes a number of pre-installed themes, including Light, Blue, Dark, and High Contrast, and users can also add and customize their own themes based on their preferences.
To change the theme in Visual Studio 2019, users can navigate to the "Tools" menu and select "Options". From there, they can choose the "Environment" option and select "General". Finally, they can select their preferred theme from the drop-down menu under the "Color theme" section.
It's important to note that changing the default theme in Visual Studio may affect the appearance of certain third-party extensions and add-ons. Users should consult documentation and support forums for any additional steps required to ensure compatibility.
Why Revamp Your Visual Studio Experience?
Revamping your Visual Studio experience can have numerous benefits, including increased productivity, improved workflow, and a more engaging and customizable development environment. With the ability to change themes, fonts, colors, and styles, you can tailor your Visual Studio experience to your personal preferences and coding habits. This can help reduce distractions, increase focus, and make coding feel more enjoyable and immersive. Additionally, custom themes can help prevent eye strain and fatigue, while also making it easier to spot bugs and code issues. Overall, revamping your Visual Studio experience can help you become a more efficient and effective coder, while also improving your overall coding experience.
Code Examples for Changing Themes in 2019
Here are a few code examples for changing themes in Visual Studio 2019:
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To change the theme using the "Options" menu, select "Tools" > "Options" > "Environment" > "General" and then select the desired theme from the "Color theme" drop-down menu. Click "OK" to apply the changes.
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Alternatively, you can change the theme by importing a new theme file. To do this, select "Tools" > "Options" > "Environment" > "Fonts and Colors" and then click the "Import and Export" button. Select "Import Theme" and browse to the location of the new theme file on your computer. Select the file and click "Open" to apply the new theme.
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If you prefer to use a third-party theme, you can download and install a theme from the Visual Studio Marketplace. Once installed, select "Tools" > "Options" > "Environment" > "Color Theme" and choose the newly installed theme from the drop-down menu. Click "OK" to apply the changes.
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Finally, you can create your own custom theme by modifying the existing theme files. You can find these files in the "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2019{Edition}\Common7\IDE\CommonExtensions\Microsoft\Themes" folder. Edit the appropriate XML files to change the colors, fonts, and styles of the different code elements. Once you are done, import the new theme file as described above to apply the changes.
By using these code examples, you can easily revamp your Visual Studio experience and customize the look and feel of the IDE to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a light or a dark theme, a high-contrast or a low-contrast color scheme, or a theme that is optimized for a specific programming language, there are plenty of options available to help you code more effectively and enjoyably.
Dark Theme vs Light Theme: Which is Better?
When it comes to choosing between a dark theme and a light theme in Visual Studio, there is no clear winner. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for your workflow.
Dark themes are popular among developers who find them easier on the eyes and less distracting. They also tend to make code stand out more, making it easier to read and write. However, some developers may find that the contrast between the dark background and light text can cause eye strain over time.
On the other hand, light themes are preferred by some developers due to their clarity and simplicity. They also tend to be easier to read in bright light conditions. However, light themes can also be too bright and distracting for some, and may cause eye strain in low light conditions.
Ultimately, it's up to the individual developer to choose which theme works best for their own unique needs and preferences. Visual Studio offers a variety of themes to choose from, so it's worth taking the time to experiment with different options to find the one that works best for you.
Bonus Tips for Enhancing Your Visual Studio Experience
In addition to changing themes, there are several other ways to enhance your Visual Studio experience. Here are some bonus tips to help you get the most out of this powerful development tool:
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Use keyboard shortcuts: Visual Studio is packed with keyboard shortcuts that can save you time and make you more productive. Some useful shortcuts include Ctrl+K, Ctrl+S (save all), Ctrl+Alt+L (format document), and Ctrl+. (quick actions).
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Customize the toolbar: You can customize the toolbar in Visual Studio to include your most frequently used commands. Simply right-click the toolbar and select Customize. From there, you can add or remove buttons and groups as needed.
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Install useful extensions: Visual Studio has a vast library of extensions available that can add additional functionality to the IDE. Some popular extensions include ReSharper (which provides code analysis and refactoring tools), CodeMaid (which helps keep your code clean and organized), and GitLens (which adds Git integration to Visual Studio).
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Use the debugger: Visual Studio's debugger is incredibly powerful and can save you hours of debugging time. Learn how to use it effectively by setting breakpoints, examining variables, and stepping through code.
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Learn the command line: While Visual Studio's GUI is powerful and user-friendly, sometimes the fastest way to get things done is by using the command line. Visual Studio includes a command line interface (CLI) called Developer Command Prompt, which you can access by searching for it in the Start menu.
By following these tips, you can take your Visual Studio experience to the next level and become a more productive developer.
Conclusion
In , changing themes in Visual Studio 2019 can greatly enhance your coding experience. Whether you prefer a darker background for reduced eye strain or a more colorful theme to make coding more enjoyable, there are plenty of options available to customize the look of your IDE. By using the built-in options or creating your own custom theme, you can create a personalized environment that fits your preferences and style.
Additionally, using themes can also improve productivity and code quality by providing a clearer and more structured view of your code. By selecting a theme that highlights syntax and improves readability, you can quickly identify errors and optimize your code for maximum efficiency.
Overall, by taking advantage of the variety of themes available in Visual Studio 2019, you can revamp your coding experience and create a more enjoyable and efficient development environment. So try out different themes, experiment with customizations, and find the perfect look for your IDE.
