How can I change the color of the top bar that holds tabs and other actions and the breadcrumb bar in VS Code?

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05-10-2024

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Personalize Your VS Code: Customizing the Title Bar and Breadcrumb Colors

VS Code's clean and customizable interface allows you to tailor it to your preferences. One common request is to modify the colors of the top bar, which houses the tabs and actions, and the breadcrumb bar, which displays the current file's location. While VS Code doesn't offer direct built-in settings for these, there are a couple of ways to achieve this customization.

The Power of Themes

The most popular and user-friendly approach is to utilize VS Code's vast collection of themes. Themes can dramatically alter the look and feel of your editor, including the colors of the title bar and breadcrumb.

Here's how to explore and apply themes:

1. Open the Command Palette: Press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac).
2. Type "Themes": Start typing "Themes" to filter the command list.
3. Select "Preferences: Color Theme": Choose this option to open the theme picker.
4. Browse and Apply: Explore the various available themes. You can filter by categories like "Dark", "Light", or "High Contrast." Once you find a theme you like, simply click on it to apply it.

Example:

Let's say you prefer a dark theme with a distinct color for the title bar. You can search for themes like "Dark+ (Dracula)" or "Material Theme Darker," both of which offer vibrant accents on the title bar.

Pro Tip: If you want even more control, consider using a theme that allows you to customize individual elements, such as the "Dracula" or "Material Theme" extensions.

Diving Deeper with User Settings

For those who crave complete customization, diving into the VS Code settings can provide granular control. Here's how to modify the colors directly using the settings:

1. Open User Settings: Press Ctrl+, (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+comma (Mac) to open the settings.
2. Navigate to "Workbench > Color Customizations": Use the search bar to quickly locate this section.
3. Explore Available Color Keys: You'll find a list of customizable color keys. These keys correspond to different elements in the UI. For instance, titleBar.activeBackground controls the background color of the active tab, while breadcrumb.background modifies the breadcrumb bar's background.
4. Set Custom Colors: Click on the color value and choose your desired color using the color picker. Alternatively, you can enter a hex color code.

Example:

To change the title bar background to a light blue color, you'd set the titleBar.activeBackground key to "#ADD8E6" (the hexadecimal code for light blue).

Important Note: This method requires a deeper understanding of CSS and VS Code's settings structure. It's recommended for users who are comfortable working with these aspects.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer a straightforward theme-based approach or prefer a more hands-on experience, VS Code offers flexibility in personalizing the colors of the title bar and breadcrumb. Experiment with different themes or fine-tune individual colors to create a workspace that truly reflects your style and preferences.