Colour scheme for editor - guidelines or medical reccomendations

Question

Is anyone aware of any studies on what colour scheme is best for use in multi-coloured text based computer work? Specifically in terms of reducing eye strain. For instance is a blackback ground and light text best? Should it be a dark colour rather than going all the way to black?

I've seen the questions on this site about "which is your favourite" that is not what I am after.

I also aware that my question may be too specific in asking for a colour scheme, if anyone could link me to some guidelines instead that would be appreciated as well.

I'm concious of the fact that anyone using a computer is really using it for text based work but with the multitude of colours used to convey information within our modern IDEs I feel this is a good StackExchange site for this question.

Answer 1

There is software called F.lux which adjusts monitor's brightness and color temperature based on the time of day. I use it for several months and I can confirm it really reduces eye strain caused by looking into monitor during night hours.

It just needs to get used to (the midnight color tone is almost red compared to "untuned" displays). I recommend starting slow - enable it on 30% or so and then add 10% every few days.

They also link medical research on their page.

Answer 2

If you're really worried about eye strain, then take breaks every so often. Ideally every half hour or sooner if it's not distracting. It's called the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes look at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

But to answer your question, look into using the Zenburn color scheme.

Answer 3

Personally I prefer dark bagkround and slightly light foregrounds. Typical color schemes that I use are "Son of Obsidian" and "Zenburn" with some modifications.

To answer your question, I do not have any link for actual studies, but I can tell you what I gathered from my experience.

• With older crt monitors I always used dark backgrounds, because the white background where too eye straining
• with older ~17" TFT monitors both dark and light backgrounds were ok and not too straining
• now with the >24" TFT monitors I once again suggest dark backgrounds, because chances are that you will have a lot of code windows open and all that "white light" can be a little eye straining.

As you can guess I suggest a dark background, but you should always make sure that the "brightness" of the text is just enough to make it clear without having to focus much, but not too bright as to cause eye strain.