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Super Dark Theme Variant (BETA)

The Super Dark variant is a darker version of Shades of Purple, featuring deeper backgrounds and adjusted contrast levels. This variant is currently in BETA and is designed specifically for developers who prefer working in low-light environments or those who want an even darker coding experience.
This is a BETA feature. While fully functional, it’s still being refined based on user feedback.

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What Makes it Different

The Super Dark variant offers:
  • Deeper Blacks: Ultra-dark backgrounds that reduce screen brightness
  • Lower Light Emission: Perfect for night-time coding or dark room environments
  • Adjusted Contrast: Optimized color contrast for visibility on darker backgrounds
  • OLED Friendly: Ideal for OLED displays with true black pixels
  • Reduced Eye Strain: Minimizes eye fatigue in low-light conditions

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Key Differences from Standard

ElementStandardSuper DarkDifference
Editor Background#2D2B55#191830Much darker
Sidebar Background#222244#131327Significantly darker
Activity Bar#28284E#15152aDeeper black tone
Status Bar#1E1E3F#15152bAlmost black
Gutter Background#28284E#15152aDarker gutter

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Super Dark Color Values

Key colors specific to the Super Dark variant: 
{
  "editor.background": "#191830",
  "sideBar.background": "#131327",
  "activityBar.background": "#15152a",
  "statusBar.background": "#15152b",
  "panel.background": "#15152b",
  "titleBar.activeBackground": "#15152b"
}

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Best Suited For

The Super Dark variant excels in:
  • Night-Time Coding: Perfect for late-night development sessions
  • Dark Rooms: Ideal when working without ambient lighting
  • OLED Displays: Takes full advantage of true black pixels
  • Light Sensitivity: Great for developers sensitive to bright screens
  • Battery Saving: Can help extend battery life on OLED devices
  • Cinema/Studio Work: Perfect for dark editing environments
If you work in a bright office or with lots of natural light, the Standard variant may be more suitable.

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Activation Instructions

The Super Dark variant is included with the main Shades of Purple theme extension.

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Method 1: Using the Command Palette

  1. Open the Command Palette with Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P
  2. Type “Color Theme” and select Preferences: Color Theme
  3. Choose Shades of Purple (Super Dark) from the list
  4. Look for the (Super Dark) · BETA label

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Method 2: Via Settings

Add this to your settings.json: 
{
  "workbench.colorTheme": "Shades of Purple (Super Dark)"
}

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Method 3: Quick Switch

If you’re already using Shades of Purple:
  1. Press Cmd/Ctrl + K then Cmd/Ctrl + T
  2. Select Shades of Purple (Super Dark) · BETA
  3. Compare with the Standard variant to find your preference

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Tips for Best Experience

For optimal viewing with Super Dark:
  • Reduce monitor brightness by 10-20%
  • Enable night mode on your OS if available
  • Adjust contrast on your display settings
  • Use f.lux or similar to reduce blue light at night

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Known Considerations

As this variant is in BETA, here are some things to keep in mind:
  • Bright Environments: May be too dark for well-lit offices
  • Projectors: The Standard variant is better for presentations
  • Color Accuracy: Some syntax colors may appear slightly different
  • Accessibility: Ensure sufficient contrast for your needs

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Feedback Welcome

Since Super Dark is in BETA, your feedback is valuable:

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Switching Between Variants

You can easily switch between Standard and Super Dark: 
# Press these keys in sequence:
Cmd/Ctrl + K, then Cmd/Ctrl + T

# Then select your preferred variant:
# - Shades of Purple (Standard)
# - Shades of Purple (Super Dark) · BETA
Many users keep Standard for daytime work and Super Dark for evening coding sessions.

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Next Steps

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