feature_request(darkmode): classes/ids for some elements

[Kristinita]

1. Summary

It would be nice, if users find out how to change the colors of certain elements — see screenshots from 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 items.

I'm not asking to change colors for these elements in dark mode, — it is your right what colors to do for dark mode — but it would be nice, if users can change colors of these elements for their custom TE themes.

2. Argumentation

2.1. Common cause

See my principles for color themes creating.

2.2. Details

2.2.1. Visibility

In my opinion, each element must be had a good visibility for software users. Dark element color on dark background — this is bad in most cases.

Tablacus Explorer colors, which I consider bad:

2.2.2. Customization

I think, that be nice to provide for users the ability to customize UI elements by any reasons. For example, elements from screenshot below have a good visibility, but in my opinion they look awful for dark mode. I would like to change them for my custom TE theme, if there was such an opportunity.

3. Not helped

3.1. General

1. Google
2. Issues of TablacusExplorer and TablacusExplorerAddons repositories
3. Addons descriptions

3.2. CSS

I don't find, how I can customize marked TE UI elements in:

1. CSS files of TablacusExplorer repository — index.css and options.css
2. CSS file of TablacusExplorerAddons repository — darkmode/style.css
3. Description of usercss addon

Thanks.

[ccfs]

As far as I know, TE is built by embedding barebone Windows Explorers in an IE window as tabs. You can use CSS to change the colors of the HTML page TE shows, but not the embedded Windows Explorers which you have marked. If you want to customize them, you will need to raise an enhancement request.

Regards,

[tablacus]

This can be set in the CSS class "link". Example

.link {
  color: #29e;
}

---

These cannot be set in CSS. Set it in the Windows themes.

You must turn on dark mode for apps.

Dark mode

Light mode

Regards,

[Kristinita]

@tablacus, Type: Additional questions ❓

1. Unanswered

What do you say to that?

2. Dark mode

You must turn on dark mode for apps.

I'm not sure, that recommend it — it is a better idea (as recommend high contrast themes).

2.1. Operating principle

If dark mode enabled, its features applied to all Windows applications, not Tablacus Explorer solely.

I'm not sure, that change all apps for one Tablacus Explorer — is a good recommendation.

2.2. Customization

When I enable Windows dark mode, I'll be forced to use default dark mode colors. I can't customize them.

3. Questions

These cannot be set in CSS.

Set it in the Windows themes.

It makes no difference to end user to customize these elements through CSS or any other method. Is it possible set them by any method?

If you say “no”, please answer to these questions.

3.1. Examples of another apps

Have you looked at how custom elements are implemented in these programs?

3.1.1. BetterExplorer

Interface of BetterExplorer — open source Tablacus Explorer alternative:

As you see, I haven't default scrollbar and column headings; I haven't dotted lines in the navigation pane.

I didn't need to enable Windows dark mode for it. I set Dark Ribbon Color in BetterExplorer, but I use Windows light theme for all another Windows apps:

3.1.2. WindowBlinds

Some themes of WindowBlinds (I didn't test them personally):

• Cozy

• Altrexia

3.2. Registry hacks

Did you try registry tricks for elements customization? Example for scrollbar.

3.3. Custom elements

Is it possible use custom elements instead of Windows native elements? For example, in my site I use open source and secure gemini-scrollbar, written in JavaScript:

3.4. Feedback

If 3.1—3.3 methods not possible, have you tried Microsoft support and feedback channels?

Thanks.

[tablacus]

Anyway, I have adjusted it to dark mode application by the background color instead of the setting of OS with Tablacus Explorer 20.5.15. Give it a try.

Regards,

[Kristinita]

Status: Partially fixed :moon:

Thanks, all elements now have a good visible.

1. Not changed elements

Horizontal and vertical:

1. Scrollbars around file and folder listing
2. Dotted lines in navigation pane

2. Customization question

@tablacus,

Is elements, that you reworked in the newest TE version customizable? I.e. can I change colors of column headings and/or selected folder in navigation pane?

Thanks.

[Kristinita]

Type: Addition ➕

1. Summary

This scrollbar also not customized:

2. Steps to reproduce

I clicked to Tablacus Explorer address bar → I printed D:\.

Thanks.

[tablacus]

1.Scrollbars around file and folder listing

There are two ways to do this. Method 1. Set Windows to dark mode. Method 2. Install an add-on "Classic Style".

Dotted lines in navigation pane You can hide lines. Uncheck Options -> Tree -> Lines.

Customization column headings and/or selected folder It depends on the Windows theme. I think it can be customized at https://uxthemepatcher.com etc.

Regards,