solarized
precision color scheme for multiple applications (terminal, vim, etc.) with both dark/light modes
Solarized is a precision-designed 16-color palette for terminals and text editors that reduces eye strain with balanced brightness in both dark and light background modes.
Solarized is a color scheme — a carefully chosen set of 16 colors designed to make text editors, terminals, and other coding tools easier on your eyes. It was built with a specific goal: reduce eye strain without sacrificing readability. The creator used a scientific color model to select colors with precisely balanced brightness relationships, so text stays easy to read whether you are in a bright office or a dim room.
One of its key features is that it comes in both a dark background mode and a light background mode, and the colors are designed so both modes feel consistent and equally readable. Switching between them does not feel jarring because the same color relationships are preserved in both. This is less common than it sounds — many color schemes only look good in one mode.
Solarized was designed for wide compatibility. It works in many different tools, including several text editors (such as Vim, Emacs, and others listed in the readme), terminal applications, and even design tools like image editors, with downloadable palette files. If your specific tool is not in the list, you can use the raw color values to create your own version.
It is primarily aimed at developers and anyone who spends long hours reading and writing text or code on screen. The full README is longer than what was provided.
Where it fits
- Apply a consistent, eye-friendly color scheme to your Vim or Emacs setup for long coding sessions.
- Theme your terminal emulator with Solarized's balanced palette to reduce eye strain in bright or dim environments.
- Use the raw color values to port Solarized to any tool not already included in the repository.