Finally, a real dark mode for SQL Server Management Studio!

Save your eyes with a nice dark theme.

Download for Windows

SQL Shades v0.7.472 · 2023-08-31 · 5,887 KB · SSMS 18 & 19

Loved by thousands of database experts worldwide

What is SQL Shades?

Shades is the dark mode add-in for SQL Server Management Studio 18 and 19.

How do I get the dark theme in SSMS?

Just install the SQL Shades extension and it'll darken everything automatically, including what SSMS' hidden dark mode misses.

Does SSMS have a dark mode?

Via the SQL Shades plugin, yes! Otherwise, since SSMS uses the Visual Studio shell, you can hack its config to enable Visual Studio's dark mode. There's a glaring reason the SSMS devs disabled it, though: Only controls from Visual Studio are themed. Window border and code editor? Yes. Object explorer and other elements unique to SSMS? No.

Does SQL Shades darken everything, then?

SQL Shades themes the things you use on a daily basis and is getting more complete with every release. See any blatant omissions? Send a screenshot to [email protected]

Are there any settings I can tweak?

A few. You can open the settings dialog from the Tools → SQL Shades Settings menu.

Can I change how code looks in the script editor?

Yep! Script editor text colors, fonts, and sizes can be set via SSMS' Fonts and Colors settings. Find it under Tools → Options → Environment → Fonts and Colors.

Can I use my own custom color scheme with SQL Shades?

If you have a favorite color scheme you'd like to see added to SQL Shades, or want to encourage me to make a theme bulider for SQL Shades, send me an email.

Can I still use SQL Shades if I'm blocked from running the installer?

Yes, if you have write access to Program Files and can copy these files from another computer:

  • %ProgramFiles(x86)%\SqlShades
  • %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 18\Extensions\SqlShades18.pkgdef (if using SSMS v18)
  • %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 19\Extensions\SqlShades19.pkgdef (if using SSMS v19)

(Note on some systems the .pkgdef file might install to \Common7\IDE\Extensions instead of \Extensions.)

 

Alternatively, download this manual installation zip file. Installation instructions are included.

This is awkward, but... how do I disable/uninstall SQL Shades?

To disable SQL Shades, open the SQL Shades settings window and select one of the SSMS built-in themes (light or blue) from the Color Theme drop-down list.

To uninstall it completely, first close SSMS. Then either run the SQL Shades installer again and click the uninstall button, or find its entry in Windows' Programs and Features control panel area.

Do I need to buy a license to use SQL Shades at work?

It's free! Use it wherever you like 😊

Can you send me an email when new versions are released?

Sure! Fill this out, then click the confirmation link in the email it sends you:

Hmm, something went wrong. Please try again.
Thanks!

  • “Great for those who want a "dark mode" experience to support extended time on a screen. Keep up the great work on SQL Shades to support the SQL community!“

    Dan "The BI Man" Evans
    Senior Consultant
    Microsoft

  • “My mission to "darken all the things" in Windows is now complete. This app is great, simple to set up, and adds a dark theme to the last thing that was hurting my eyes.“

    Taylor Wilken
    Chief Technology Officer
    Works24

  • “Light mode was hard for me to work with. SQL Shades is a masterpiece! Do yourself a favor and install it for an amazing dark mode experience.“

    Diane (Dee) Browning
    Systems Programmer
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • “SQL Shades is the perfect tool to shield my poor eyes from the evils of light mode.
    I use SSMS daily for work and this is the best solution out there!“

    Ibraheem Sajid
    Software Engineer
    Microsoft

  • “I think it's great and my eyes do too!“

    David Skinner
    Software Developer
    capSpire

  • “I love that I don't get eye/headaches from looking at my query screen anymore.“

    Matthew Heflin
    Developer

  • “Since I've been using SQL Shades my eyes don't suffer.“

    Gabriel Almendares
    Software Engineer
    FarmaValue

Download SQL Shades

Enjoy all the darkness your heart desires.

Download for Windows

SQL Shades v0.7.472 · 2023-08-31 · 5,887 KB · SSMS 18 & 19

About Me

Michael Van Devender

Your friendly neighborhood SQL Shades developer

Full-stack developer with two decades of
experience bending software to his will.

Buy me a coffee

Consult with me