Need to change display colors in Octave 5.1

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around changing display colors in Octave 5.1, specifically addressing issues with the editor's white background and text contrast. Participants explore options for improving visibility and comfort while using the software, focusing on both the GUI and CLI versions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses discomfort with the white background and orange text in the Octave editor, seeking advice on changing these properties.
  • Another participant suggests using the CLI version of Octave, which features a black background with white text, as an alternative to the GUI.
  • A participant confirms they have the CLI version but emphasizes the need to develop scripts in the GUI, where color changes are necessary.
  • One participant provides a step-by-step guide on how to change the editor and command colors through the preferences menu in Octave.
  • A later reply expresses gratitude for the provided solution and indicates intent to try it out.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for color adjustments in the Octave GUI, but there are differing views on the utility of the CLI version as an alternative. The discussion remains open regarding personal preferences and experiences with the software.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the assumption that users are familiar with navigating the Octave interface and the potential variability in user experiences based on system configurations.

Dr.D
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TL;DR
The white background is too bright for long hours of use. The orange on while text used in the editor does not have enough contrast and is very difficult to read. Does anyone how to change these properties?
I'm running Octave 5.1 on a Win10 system. I find the white background for the editor has far too much glare for old eyes. The orange text used in the editor does not have good contrast with the white background. I could go on, but I'm sure you can see where I want to go. Does anyone know how to change the properties? (I'm fairly new to Octave, so not an old hand in this regard at all.) Thanks.
 
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Although the Octave GUI is more useful, you should also have a CLI (Command Line Interface) that is generally installed along with the GUI. Maybe use that? It is like CMD - white text on black background.
 
Yes, I have the CLI version, but is it possible to develop a script using CLI? For most of my work, I want to develop script files that can be run repeatedly with variations on the input data.

It is the GUI version where I particularly need to change colors, but thanks for the suggestion.
 
Found it!

Go to Edit --> Preferences. Now, you have the tabs "Editor" and "Command".

Choose Editor and scroll down. You will find "Editor Styles". Under that, choose the Octave tab. Change the colours for the "Default" option. The first set is for Text Colours, while the second set is for Background Colours.

octave.png


You can change the same under the Command tab:

1567260201435.png
 
Wow! Thank you. I'll have a go at that this afternoon after I take my daughter to the airport. This should be a big help to me.
 
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