Change color windows cmd

Last Updated :
24 Jun, 2024

Customizing the appearance of your Command Prompt can make your coding or command execution sessions more enjoyable and easier on the eyes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of changing colours in Command Prompt, from altering text colour to adjusting the background for better clarity and personal preference. Whether you want to modify the entire colour scheme or just tweak a few settings, these steps will help you personalize your Command Prompt environment effectively. Get ready to transform the standard black-and-white backdrop into a more vibrant and user-friendly interface.

First, it’s important to know for reference how a default Command Prompt terminal looks like, it looks something like this:

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Here, we are going to change the color text and also the background color of cmd. Assume 2 variable x & y which are associated with specific colors.

color xy

‘x‘ represents the color of the Terminal’s background, whereas,

‘y‘ represents the color of the font on the Command Prompt Terminal.

Following the HEX values of the colors supported by Command Prompt:

    0 = Black       8 = Gray
    1 = Blue        9 = Light Blue
    2 = Green       A = Light Green
    3 = Aqua        B = Light Aqua
    4 = Red         C = Light Red
    5 = Purple      D = Light Purple
    6 = Yellow      E = Light Yellow
    7 = White       F = Bright White

Example 1:

Suppose we want a white background, so after referring to the color table above we will type, ‘f’ in place of ‘x’. Similarly, if we want a light purple colored font, we will type ‘d’ in place of ‘y’. (x & y are the variables we had assumed earlier).

color fd

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Example 2:

‘0’ specifies the black color attribute, and since its typed at the place of ‘x’ i.e. it will be applied to background. ‘a’ specifies the light green color attribute, and since its typed at the place of ‘y’ i.e light green attribute will be applied to the font color.

color 0a

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Note: To get all the related information on using color command in Command Prompt you can use the following command

color /?

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In conclusion, customizing the colors in Command Prompt not only enhances the visual appeal but can also improve usability by making the text easier to read. By adjusting the color settings, you can create a Command Prompt environment that aligns with your preferences and working style. Whether you’re setting a different background color or changing the text color for better contrast, these simple modifications can significantly enrich your experience with Windows Command Prompt.

To change the text and background color in the Command Prompt (cmd), use the `color` command followed by a two-digit code representing the desired foreground and background colors.

color 0A

In this example, `0` sets the background to black and `A` changes the text color to light green.

Understanding CMD Color Scheme

What is the Default CMD Color Palette?

The Command Prompt (CMD) operates on a default color scheme that might not suit everyone’s visual preferences. By default, CMD typically displays white text on a black background. Understanding this color palette is essential when deciding how to customize it for better visibility or aesthetics.

The following color codes represent the default colors available in CMD:

• 0 = Black
• 1 = Blue
• 2 = Green
• 3 = Aqua
• 4 = Red
• 5 = Purple
• 6 = Yellow
• 7 = White
• 8 = Gray
• 9 = Light Blue
• A = Light Green
• B = Light Aqua
• C = Light Red
• D = Light Purple
• E = Light Yellow
• F = Bright White

Importance of Color Customization

Customizing the colors of CMD can significantly enhance readability while helping users avoid eye strain during prolonged sessions. For developers and IT professionals who spend substantial amounts of time in the command-line interface, personalizing the appearance can make a world of difference. Moreover, color customization allows users to create an environment that reflects their unique style, making command-line tasks less monotonous.

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Using the COLOR Command

Syntax of the COLOR Command

To change colors in CMD, you utilize the `COLOR` command. The syntax for this command is simple:

COLOR [attr]

Here, `[attr]` is a two-digit hexadecimal number. The first digit represents the background color, while the second digit represents the text color.

Understanding Color Attributes

The color attributes are defined by the numeric codes from 0-9 and A-F. The first digit sets the background, and the second digit sets the foreground (text) color:

• Background color codes: 0-9 and A-F
• Text color codes: 0-9 and A-F

For example, to set a green text on a black background, you would use the following commands:

Step-by-Step: Changing CMD Color

Basic Example

To change the color to light green text on a black background, execute the following command:

COLOR 0A

In this command:

• `0` is the background color (black).
• `A` is the text color (light green).

This change will apply immediately.

Advanced Usage

You can also use the `COLOR` command in combination with other commands to change colors temporarily for specific tasks. If you want to run a command, such as `ping`, with a unique color, you can execute:

COLOR 1F
ping 127.0.0.1
COLOR 07

In this example:

• `1F` changes the text to bright white on a blue background for just the duration of the command.
• The last line resets the colors back to the defaults (gray text on a black background).

Permanent CMD Color Changes

Modifying CMD Properties

For those who want their color changes to be permanent, you can modify CMD properties. Right-click on the CMD title bar and select Properties. You’ll find options to change the font, layout, and colors to suit your preferences.

In the Colors tab, you can choose different colors for the screen background and the text. Once done, save your changes, and CMD will remember these settings for future sessions.

Creating a Custom CMD Shortcut

To launch CMD with specific colors every time, you can create a custom shortcut. Right-click on your desktop and select New > Shortcut. Enter the following in the location field:

cmd /k color 1F

This command tells CMD to start with a blue background and white text. Name the shortcut accordingly, and every time you use it, CMD will open with your specified color scheme.

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Additional Tips for Customizing CMD Colors

Using Batch Files for Customization

One effective way to manage CMD colors is by utilizing batch files. Batch scripting allows you to automate the color-changing process each time you open CMD.

Creating a Batch Script

You can create a simple batch file. Open Notepad and enter the following lines:

@echo off
color 3E

Save it with a `.bat` extension, say `ChangeColor.bat`. When you run this batch file, it will execute the command to change the color to a specifically defined scheme (in this case, a purple background with yellow text).

Saving and Running the Batch File

When saved, double-clicking the `.bat` file will change your CMD colors instantly, allowing for an easy and quick setup.

Advanced CMD Color Customization with Registry Edits

For advanced users looking for more persistent customization, editing CMD registry entries is an option. However, proceed with caution, as improper modifications to the registry can affect system stability.

To edit colors, navigate to the registry path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor

You may adjust the `ColorTable` values according to your preferences.

Utilizing Third-Party Tools

There are also many third-party tools available that enhance CMD customization capabilities. These tools can provide additional customization options beyond CMD’s innate capabilities, allowing for more robust themes, fonts, and background images.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Colors not Changing as Expected

If your CMD colors do not appear as set, verify that you have correct syntax. Check for possible conflicting scripts or previously set colors that might override your changes. To restore CMD to its defaults, simply type `COLOR` with no parameters, and it will revert to the original settings.

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Conclusion

Changing color in CMD is not only about aesthetics; it’s an essential practice for improving productivity and personalizing your working environment. By following the guidelines and commands outlined here, you can easily create a command-line interface that caters to your preferences.

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Call to Action

Feel free to share your custom CMD setups! We encourage you to experiment with various colors and shortcuts, enhancing your command-line experience further. Don’t forget to subscribe for more valuable tips and guides on using CMD effectively!

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Additional Resources

For further reading on CMD customization and tutorials, check out online communities dedicated to CMD enthusiasts or instructional forums that provide detailed discussions on command-line best practices.

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Overview

The COLOR command in Windows Command Prompt (CMD) is used to set the default foreground (text) and background colors of the console window. This command can enhance readability or personalize the look of the command-line interface. It is often used in scripts to denote different process stages or alert statuses visually.

Syntax

To use the COLOR command, the syntax is:

COLOR [attribute]

The attribute is a two-digit hexadecimal code where the first digit represents the background color and the second digit represents the text color.

If no attribute is provided, the command resets the color to what was set when CMD was opened.

Options/Flags

The COLOR command supports hexadecimal characters, each representing a different color:

• 0 Black
• 1 Blue
• 2 Green
• 3 Aqua
• 4 Red
• 5 Purple
• 6 Yellow
• 7 White
• 8 Gray
• 9 Light Blue
• A Light Green
• B Light Aqua
• C Light Red
• D Light Purple
• E Light Yellow
• F Bright White

Leading zero is necessary if the color attribute should change only one color (foreground or background).

Default:
If the COLOR command is run without arguments, it will revert to the default colors of the CMD window.

Examples

• Set text color to Light Red with Black background

  COLOR 4C
  

• Reset to default color settings

  COLOR
  

• Set background to Green and text color to Light Aqua

  COLOR 2B
  

Common Issues

• Invalid color codes: Users must ensure the syntax contains only two valid hexadecimal characters. If invalid codes are used, CMD will ignore the command.
• Visibility issues: Some color combinations (e.g., blue text on a blue background) can lead to unreadable text. Always choose contrasting colors.

Integration

Script Usage

In batch files, COLOR can be used to signal different sections of the script or signify success/warning/error states:

@echo off
COLOR 2E
echo Starting processing...
REM Processing steps here
COLOR 4E
echo WARNING: Low memory detected.
REM More processing steps here
COLOR A2
echo Process completed successfully.

Combined with ECHO

Used with ECHO, COLOR can highlight specific messages:

COLOR C
echo IMPORTANT: System will restart in 5 minutes!

• MODE: Adjusts properties of the console, including display settings.
• TITLE: Sets the Command Prompt window title which can be visually informative along with color coding.

For more commands related to CMD customization, see Microsoft’s official CMD documentation.

This guide covers how to use the COLOR command to customize the appearance of your CMD session dynamically and visually communicates the condition or status within scripts or during routine CMD interactions.