system colors for windows xp user interface themes

Java tip: SystemColors for Windows XP user interface themesMay 9, 2010Topics: Java, User interfacesTechnologies: Java 5+

Each Windows XP theme sets the desktop image, screen saver, and color scheme for window frames, buttons,scrollbars, and other user interface components. For Java applications, changing the theme also sets colors inJava's java.awt.SystemColor objects, which applications may use to customize user interfaces to match theWindows theme.

This article discusses SystemColor problems on Windows XP, and provides color swatches, RGB/HSV values, anddownloadable color lists for SystemColors for each of the standard Windows XP themes.

Table of ContentsAccessing Windows XP theme colors from JavaSelecting Windows XP themes

Window and button stylesWindow and button colors

Dealing with Windows XP SystemColor problemsColor swatches and values

XP themesClassic themesColored classic themesHigh contrast classic themes

DownloadsFurther reading

Related articles at NadeauSoftware.comWeb articles

This article is part of a series on How to use SystemColors to access OS user interface theme colors that catalogsJava's SystemColors for user interface themes in major OSes. The color catalogs provide a resource for comparingtheme colors and creating custom Java components that match the themes.

Accessing Windows XP theme colors from JavaA Windows XP theme defines the color scheme and style for window frames, title bars, buttons, tabs, and so on.Windows XP's bright blue window title bars, red "X" window close button, rounded window corners, and shadedtabs, buttons, and scrollbars are all part of its theme.

Java's java.awt.SystemColor class provides access to well-defined theme colors, such as the foreground andbackground colors for buttons, text fields, and menus. Each theme color has a static SystemColor object. Forinstance, SystemColor.textHighlight is the background color for selected text in a text field.

A list of SystemColor objects and their use is discussed further in the lead series article. The following articlediscusses Windows XP-specific issues, summarizes user theme choices, and provides color swatches and RGB

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values for theme SystemColors.

Selecting Windows XP themesBriefly, Windows XP themes are selected using the Themes tab on the Display Properties control panel:

Figure 1. Theme selections in theWindows XP Theme tab of the Display Properties control panel.

Each theme combines settings for the desktop image, the window and button style, the font size, and theoverall color scheme. The desktop image can be set using the Desktop tab, while the other theme settings maybe changed from the Appearance tab of the same control panel.

Window and button stylesThe Appearance tab includes a menu to select the window and button style, and a second button to selectamong several preset color schemes for that style:

Figure 2. Theme styles and colors in theWindows XP Appearance tab of the Display Properties control panel.

Windows XP includes two window and button styles:

Windows XP style draws windows with rounded upper corners, a shaded title bar, and brightly coloredwindow buttons. Combo boxes, scroll bars, buttons, and other components have a lightly shaded, soft,


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rounded appearance.

Windows Classic style draws windows with sharp corners, a simpler left-to-right gradient title bar, andsimpler window buttons. Components have a flat, beveled appearance.

The Windows XP style is new in Windows XP, and is the default. The Windows Classic style mimics the look ofWindows 95 and Windows 98.

Each style has its own set of color schemes. The Windows XP style color schemes include blue (default), olivegreen, and silver. The Windows Classic style color schemes include the classic gray scheme, multiple coloredvariants from brick to teal, and several high contrast color schemes for the visually impaired.

Window and button colorsClicking on the Advanced button on the Appearance tab shows the Advanced Appearance control panel withmore detailed settings for the window frame colors, background colors, text colors, and so forth:

Figure 3. Theme controls in theWindows XP Advanced Appearance control panel.

Dealing with Windows XP SystemColor problemsJava's SystemColor class is a flawed approach to accessing OS theme settings. While colors are defined forbutton backgrounds and text, none are defined for tabs, checkboxes, radio buttons, progress bars, and more.Though a highlight color is defined for selected text, none are defined for selected menu items, toggle buttons,radio buttons, or checkboxes. Beyond colors, Java has no access to OS theme fonts, button styles, window titlebar buttons, and so forth. So, while there are specific problems on Windows (and every OS), the primaryproblem is that Java's theme access is flawed.

Some specific problems on Windows XP include:

SystemColor.activeCaption and SystemColor.inactiveCaption provide the window title barbackground color for front and back windows.

Most XP themes use gradients for window title bars. The SystemColors include the starting colorfor the gradients, but there is no SystemColor for the ending color.

While the user can set gradient colors in the Advanced Appearance control panel, the XP stylethemes ignore them. Only the Classic themes use the user's title bar color choices. Nevertheless,the user's color choices set Java's SystemColors, even while they're being ignored by WindowsXP.


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SystemColor.activeCaptionBorder and SystemColor.inactiveCaptionBorder hold the border colorof front and back windows.

When using the XP style themes, the theme draws the window borders using the same colors usedin the title bar. But the SystemColors don't reflect this and remain gray.

While the user can set the border colors in the Advanced Appearance control panel and for thecorresponding Java SystemColors, the XP style themes ignore the colosr. Only the Classic themesuse the border colors.

SystemColor.desktop gives the desktop color.

Most users use a favorite image as their desktop and never touch the desktop color setting.SystemColor.desktop is unlikely to have a color anything like the user's desktop image.

SystemColor.control indicates the background color for buttons, tabs, etc.

While the user can set the control color in the Advanced Appearance control panel and for thecorresponding Java SystemColor, the XP style themes always draw their own beige shadedbuttons, scrollbars, etc. On these themes, the control color is only used for window backgrounds.The Classic themes, however, use the control color for their buttons.

SystemColor.menu gives the background color for menus.

While the user can set the menu color in the Advanced Appearance control panel and for thecorresponding Java SystemColor, the color is ignored when using the XP style themes. Menus onthose themes always use the window background color. Only the Classic themes pay attention tothe menu color.

Because of these problems, the title bar, menu, desktop, and component colors reported by the SystemColorclass may or may not match those actually in use by Windows XP. Since Java applications cannot tell what typeof theme is in use, they cannot determine when the SystemColors do or do not mean anything.

None of these have workarounds. While the SystemColor class is intended to indicate the OS's theme colorscheme, it doesn't work very well.

Similar problems are found for SystemColors on Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Color swatches and valuesSelecting a new theme or changing any of the theme's colors immediately updates one or more JavaSystemColors.

XP themesThe XP themes use brightly colored windows with rounded corners and rounded shaded components. The XPthemes were often derided as having a child's toy look and were discontinued after Windows XP.

XP Blue theme (default)The XP Blue theme is the default theme for Windows XP. The theme uses black text on a light beige backgroundwith bright blue highlights.


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Name Hex triplet Red Green Blue Hue Satur. Value

activeCaption #0054e3 0 84 227 217 100 89activeCaptionBorder #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #ece9d8 236 233 216 49 7 91controlDkShadow #716f64 113 111 100 49 9 43controlHighlight #f1efe2 241 239 226 50 5 93controlLtHighlight #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlShadow #aca899 172 168 153 43 8 65controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #004e98 0 78 152 209 100 59inactiveCaption #7a96df 122 150 223 223 45 87inactiveCaptionBorder #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81inactiveCaptionText #d8e4f8 216 228 248 217 12 97info #ffffe1 255 255 225 59 11 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #316ac5 49 106 197 216 75 77textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #aca899 172 168 153 43 8 65textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

XP Olive Green themeThe XP Olive Green theme replaces the bright blues of the XP Blue theme with olive greens, but uses the sameblack text on a beige background.


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activeCaption #8ba169 139 161 105 83 34 63activeCaptionBorder #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #ece9d8 236 233 216 49 7 91controlDkShadow #716f64 113 111 100 49 9 43controlHighlight #f1efe2 241 239 226 50 5 93controlLtHighlight #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlShadow #aca899 172 168 153 43 8 65controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #9dacbd 157 172 189 211 16 74inactiveCaption #d4d6ba 212 214 186 64 13 83inactiveCaptionBorder #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81inactiveCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100info #ffffe1 255 255 225 59 11 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #93a070 147 160 112 76 30 62textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #aca899 172 168 153 43 8 65textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

XP Silver themeThe XP Silver theme replaces the XP Blue theme's bright blues with a shiny gray and uses a blue-graybackground with black text.


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activeCaption #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75activeCaptionBorder #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81activeCaptionText #0e1010 14 16 16 180 12 6control #e0dfe3 224 223 227 254 1 89controlDkShadow #716f64 113 111 100 49 9 43controlHighlight #f1efe2 241 239 226 50 5 93controlLtHighlight #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlShadow #9d9da1 157 157 161 240 2 63controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #585768 88 87 104 243 16 40inactiveCaption #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100inactiveCaptionBorder #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81inactiveCaptionText #a2a1a1 162 161 161 0 0 63info #ffffe1 255 255 225 59 11 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #b2b4bf 178 180 191 230 6 74textHighlightText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0textInactiveText #aca899 172 168 153 43 8 65textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Classic themesThe two Classic themes, named Classic and Standard, mimic the look of Windows 95 and 98 with squaredwindow corners, a gradient window title bar, and flat beveled buttons, scrollbars, and tabs.

Classic themeThe Classic theme uses black text on a blue-gray background with dark blue highlights. The window title bar'slighter blue secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.

The Classic theme is available in Windows Vista as the Windows Classic theme, but is not included in Windows 7.


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activeCaption #000080 0 0 128 240 100 50activeCaptionBorder #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlLtHighlight #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlShadow #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #3a6ea5 58 110 165 210 64 64inactiveCaption #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50inactiveCaptionBorder #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75inactiveCaptionText #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75info #ffffe1 255 255 225 59 11 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #000080 0 0 128 240 100 50textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Standard themeThe Standard theme brightens the Classic theme's colors to lighter blues and a beige background. The windowtitle bar's light blue secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.

The Standard theme is available in Windows Vista as the Windows Standard theme, and in Windows 7 as theWindows Classic theme.


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activeCaption #0a246a 10 36 106 223 90 41activeCaptionBorder #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81controlDkShadow #404040 64 64 64 0 0 25controlHighlight #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81controlLtHighlight #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlShadow #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #3a6ea5 58 110 165 210 64 64inactiveCaption #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50inactiveCaptionBorder #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81inactiveCaptionText #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81info #ffffe1 255 255 225 59 11 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #d4d0c8 212 208 200 29 3 81text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #0a246a 10 36 106 223 90 41textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Colored classic themesThe Colored classic themes are Classic theme variants with different background and highlight colors. Theyoften have garish color schemes with poor contrast and are good examples of "Just because you can use lots ofcolors, doesn't mean you should." All of the colored classic themes were discontinued after Windows XP.

Brick themeThe Brick theme uses black text on a warm gray background with sand and brick red highlights. The windowtitle bar's orange secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #800000 128 0 0 0 0 0activeCaptionBorder #c2bfa5 194 191 165 53 13 74activeCaptionText #e1e0d2 225 224 210 55 6 87control #c2bfa5 194 191 165 53 13 74controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #c2bfa5 194 191 165 53 13 74controlLtHighlight #e1e0d2 225 224 210 55 6 87controlShadow #8d8961 141 137 97 53 29 53controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #420000 66 0 0 0 0 0inactiveCaption #8d8961 141 137 97 53 29 53inactiveCaptionBorder #c2bfa5 194 191 165 53 13 74inactiveCaptionText #e1e0d2 225 224 210 55 6 87info #e1e0d2 225 224 210 55 6 87infoText #800000 128 0 0 0 0 0menu #c2bfa5 194 191 165 53 13 74menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #e1e0d2 225 224 210 55 6 87text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #8d8961 141 137 97 53 29 53textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #8d8961 141 137 97 53 29 53textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Desert themeThe Desert theme uses a US Southwestern decor color scheme with black text on a beige background withturquoise highlights. The window title bar's light turquoise secondary color is not represented in Java'sSystemColor set.


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activeCaption #008080 0 128 128 180 100 50activeCaptionBorder #d5ccbb 213 204 187 28 8 80activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #d5ccbb 213 204 187 28 8 80controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #d5ccbb 213 204 187 28 8 80controlLtHighlight #eae6dd 234 230 221 33 3 90controlShadow #a28d68 162 141 104 25 26 55controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #a28d68 162 141 104 25 26 55inactiveCaption #a28d68 162 141 104 25 26 55inactiveCaptionBorder #d5ccbb 213 204 187 28 8 80inactiveCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #d5ccbb 213 204 187 28 8 80menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #eae6dd 234 230 221 33 3 90text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #008080 0 128 128 180 100 50textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #a28d68 162 141 104 25 26 55textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Eggplant themeThe Eggplant theme uses black text on a green-gray background with green highlights. The window title bar'seggplant purple secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #588078 88 128 120 168 31 50activeCaptionBorder #90b0a8 144 176 168 165 18 69activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #90b0a8 144 176 168 165 18 69controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #90b0a8 144 176 168 165 18 69controlLtHighlight #c8d8d8 200 216 216 180 7 84controlShadow #588078 88 128 120 168 31 50controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #400040 64 0 64 300 100 25inactiveCaption #90b0a8 144 176 168 165 18 69inactiveCaptionBorder #90b0a8 144 176 168 165 18 69inactiveCaptionText #588078 88 128 120 168 31 50info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #800080 128 0 128 300 100 50menu #90b0a8 144 176 168 165 18 69menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #90b0a8 144 176 168 165 18 69text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #588078 88 128 120 168 31 50textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #588078 88 128 120 168 31 50textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Lilac themeThe Lilac theme uses black text on a light purple background with dark purple highlights. The window title bar'spink secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #5a4eb1 90 78 177 247 55 69activeCaptionBorder #aea8d9 174 168 217 247 22 85activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #aea8d9 174 168 217 247 22 85controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #aea8d9 174 168 217 247 22 85controlLtHighlight #d8d5ec 216 213 236 247 9 92controlShadow #5a4eb1 90 78 177 247 55 69controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0inactiveCaption #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50inactiveCaptionBorder #aea8d9 174 168 217 247 22 85inactiveCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #aea8d9 174 168 217 247 22 85menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #aea8d9 174 168 217 247 22 85text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #5a4eb1 90 78 177 247 55 69textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #5a4eb1 90 78 177 247 55 69textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Maple themeThe Maple theme uses black text on an orange-beige background with orange highlights. The window title bar'sorange secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #800000 128 0 0 0 0 0activeCaptionBorder #e6d8ae 230 216 174 39 19 84activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #e6d8ae 230 216 174 39 19 84controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #e6d8ae 230 216 174 39 19 84controlLtHighlight #f2ecd7 242 236 215 42 8 92controlShadow #c6a646 198 166 70 39 57 65controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0inactiveCaption #c6a646 198 166 70 39 57 65inactiveCaptionBorder #e6d8ae 230 216 174 39 19 84inactiveCaptionText #f2ecd7 242 236 215 42 8 92info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #e6d8ae 230 216 174 39 19 84menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #f2ecd7 242 236 215 42 8 92text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #c6a646 198 166 70 39 57 65textHighlightText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0textInactiveText #c6a646 198 166 70 39 57 65textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Marine themeThe Marine theme uses black text on a sea foam blue-green background with blue highlights. The window titlebar's light blue secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #000080 0 0 128 240 100 50activeCaptionBorder #88c0b8 136 192 184 171 29 75activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #88c0b8 136 192 184 171 29 75controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #88c0b8 136 192 184 171 29 75controlLtHighlight #c8e0d8 200 224 216 160 10 87controlShadow #489088 72 144 136 173 50 56controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #2c4e47 44 78 71 167 43 30inactiveCaption #489088 72 144 136 173 50 56inactiveCaptionBorder #88c0b8 136 192 184 171 29 75inactiveCaptionText #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75info #c8e0d8 200 224 216 160 10 87infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #88c0b8 136 192 184 171 29 75menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #c8e0d8 200 224 216 160 10 87text #c8e0d8 200 224 216 160 10 87textHighlight #000080 0 0 128 240 100 50textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #489088 72 144 136 173 50 56textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #c8e0d8 200 224 216 160 10 87windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Plum themeThe Plum theme uses black text on a purple-beige background with purple and turquoise highlights. The windowtitle bar's lighter purple secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #484060 72 64 96 254 33 37activeCaptionBorder #a89890 168 152 144 300 5 59activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #a89890 168 152 144 300 5 59controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #a89890 168 152 144 300 5 59controlLtHighlight #d8d0c8 216 208 200 0 3 81controlShadow #786058 120 96 88 240 8 37controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #402840 64 40 64 300 37 25inactiveCaption #786058 120 96 88 240 8 37inactiveCaptionBorder #a89890 168 152 144 300 5 59inactiveCaptionText #a89890 168 152 144 300 5 59info #d5ccc8 213 204 200 285 1 80infoText #300058 48 0 88 272 100 34menu #a89890 168 152 144 300 5 59menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #d8d0c8 216 208 200 0 3 81text #d8d0c8 216 208 200 0 3 81textHighlight #008080 0 128 128 180 100 50textHighlightText #d8d0c8 216 208 200 0 3 81textInactiveText #786058 120 96 88 240 8 37textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #d8d0c8 216 208 200 0 3 81windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pumpkin themeThe Pumpkin theme uses black text on an orange-beige background with orange and purple highlights. Thewindow title bar's light orange secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #d7a52f 215 165 47 34 71 64activeCaptionBorder #ecd59d 236 213 157 35 26 83activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #ecd59d 236 213 157 35 26 83controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #ecd59d 236 213 157 35 26 83controlLtHighlight #f5eacf 245 234 207 35 11 91controlShadow #d7a52f 215 165 47 34 71 64controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #420042 66 0 66 300 100 25inactiveCaption #a0a0a4 160 160 164 240 2 64inactiveCaptionBorder #ecd59d 236 213 157 35 26 83inactiveCaptionText #f5eacf 245 234 207 35 11 91info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #800080 128 0 128 300 100 50menu #ecd59d 236 213 157 35 26 83menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #f5eacf 245 234 207 35 11 91text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #800080 128 0 128 300 100 50textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #d7a52f 215 165 47 34 71 64textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Rainy Day themeThe Rainy Day theme uses black text on a dark blue-gray background with gray highlights. The window titlebar's lighter blue secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #4f657d 79 101 125 211 36 49activeCaptionBorder #8399b1 131 153 177 211 25 69activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #8399b1 131 153 177 211 25 69controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #8399b1 131 153 177 211 25 69controlLtHighlight #c1ccd9 193 204 217 212 11 85controlShadow #4f657d 79 101 125 211 36 49controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0inactiveCaption #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50inactiveCaptionBorder #8399b1 131 153 177 211 25 69inactiveCaptionText #c1ccd9 193 204 217 212 11 85info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #8399b1 131 153 177 211 25 69menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #c1ccd9 193 204 217 212 11 85text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #4f657d 79 101 125 211 36 49textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #4f657d 79 101 125 211 36 49textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Red, White, & Blue themeThe Red, White, & Blue theme uses the Classic theme's black text on a neutral gray background with redhighlights. The window title bar's dark blue secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #800000 128 0 0 0 0 0activeCaptionBorder #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlLtHighlight #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlShadow #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #000042 0 0 66 240 100 25inactiveCaption #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50inactiveCaptionBorder #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75inactiveCaptionText #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #000080 0 0 128 240 100 50menu #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #800000 128 0 0 0 0 0textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Rose themeThe Rose theme uses black text on a pink background with rose highlights. The window title bar's whitesecondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #9f6070 159 96 112 116 14 43activeCaptionBorder #cfafb7 207 175 183 119 4 71activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #cfafb7 207 175 183 119 4 71controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #cfafb7 207 175 183 119 4 71controlLtHighlight #e7d8dc 231 216 220 104 1 86controlShadow #9f6070 159 96 112 116 14 43controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50inactiveCaption #a0a0a4 160 160 164 240 2 64inactiveCaptionBorder #cfafb7 207 175 183 119 4 71inactiveCaptionText #7d7d7d 125 125 125 0 0 49info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #cfafb7 207 175 183 119 4 71menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #cfafb7 207 175 183 119 4 71text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #9f6070 159 96 112 116 14 43textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #9f6070 159 96 112 116 14 43textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Slate themeThe Slate theme uses black text on a blue-gray background with gray highlights. The window title bar's lightblue secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #558097 85 128 151 200 43 59activeCaptionBorder #9db9c8 157 185 200 200 21 78activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #9db9c8 157 185 200 200 21 78controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #9db9c8 157 185 200 200 21 78controlLtHighlight #cedce3 206 220 227 199 9 89controlShadow #558097 85 128 151 200 43 59controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #414141 65 65 65 0 0 25inactiveCaption #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50inactiveCaptionBorder #9db9c8 157 185 200 200 21 78inactiveCaptionText #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #9db9c8 157 185 200 200 21 78menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #cedce3 206 220 227 199 9 89text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #558097 85 128 151 200 43 59textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #558097 85 128 151 200 43 59textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Spruce themeThe Spruce theme uses black text on a light green background with darker olive green highlights. The windowtitle bar's light blue secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #599764 89 151 100 130 41 59activeCaptionBorder #a2c8a9 162 200 169 131 19 78activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #a2c8a9 162 200 169 131 19 78controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #a2c8a9 162 200 169 131 19 78controlLtHighlight #d0e3d3 208 227 211 129 8 89controlShadow #599764 89 151 100 130 41 59controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #213f21 33 63 33 120 47 24inactiveCaption #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50inactiveCaptionBorder #a2c8a9 162 200 169 131 19 78inactiveCaptionText #d0e3d3 208 227 211 129 8 89info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #a2c8a9 162 200 169 131 19 78menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #d0e3d3 208 227 211 129 8 89text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #599764 89 151 100 130 41 59textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #599764 89 151 100 130 41 59textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Storm themeThe Storm theme uses the Classic theme's black text on a neutral gray background with purple highlights. Thewindow title bar's blue secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #800080 128 0 128 300 100 50activeCaptionBorder #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlLtHighlight #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlShadow #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0inactiveCaption #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50inactiveCaptionBorder #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75inactiveCaptionText #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #800080 128 0 128 300 100 50menu #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #800080 128 0 128 300 100 50textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Teal themeThe Teal theme uses the Classic theme's black text on a neutral gray background with teal highlights. Thewindow title bar's brighter teal secondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #008080 0 128 128 180 100 50activeCaptionBorder #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlLtHighlight #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlShadow #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #004040 0 64 64 180 100 25inactiveCaption #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50inactiveCaptionBorder #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75inactiveCaptionText #fffbf0 255 251 240 38 4 98info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #008080 0 128 128 180 100 50textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

Wheat themeThe Teal theme uses black text on a light yellow background with tan highlights. The window title bar's orangesecondary color is not represented in Java's SystemColor set.


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activeCaption #808000 128 128 0 59 100 50activeCaptionBorder #dedea0 222 222 160 59 27 87activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #dedea0 222 222 160 59 27 87controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #dedea0 222 222 160 59 27 87controlLtHighlight #eeeed0 238 238 208 59 12 93controlShadow #bcbc41 188 188 65 59 65 73controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #00401d 0 64 29 147 100 25inactiveCaption #bcbc41 188 188 65 59 65 73inactiveCaptionBorder #dedea0 222 222 160 59 27 87inactiveCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #dedea0 222 222 160 59 27 87menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #eeeed0 238 238 208 59 12 93text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #808000 128 128 0 59 100 50textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #bcbc41 188 188 65 59 65 73textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

High contrast classic themesThe High Contrast themes are intended for the visually impaired. They have the same window and componentshapes as the Classic themes, but with a high-contrast color palette and no bevels and gradients.

All of the High Contrast Classic themes are also available in Windows Vista and Windows 7, though a few haveminor color differences.

High Contrast 1 themeThe High Contrast 1 theme uses yellow text on a black background with green highlights.


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activeCaption #0000ff 0 0 255 240 100 100activeCaptionBorder #0000ff 0 0 255 240 100 100activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlDkShadow #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlHighlight #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlLtHighlight #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlShadow #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50controlText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100desktop #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0inactiveCaption #00ffff 0 255 255 180 100 100inactiveCaptionBorder #00ffff 0 255 255 180 100 100inactiveCaptionText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0info #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0infoText #ffff00 255 255 0 59 100 100menu #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menuText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100scrollbar #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0text #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0textHighlight #008000 0 128 0 120 100 50textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #00ff00 0 255 0 120 100 100textText #ffff00 255 255 0 59 100 100window #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowBorder #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowText #ffff00 255 255 0 59 100 100

High Contrast 2 themeThe High Contrast 2 theme uses green text on a black background with blue highlights.


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activeCaption #00ffff 0 255 255 180 100 100activeCaptionBorder #00ffff 0 255 255 180 100 100activeCaptionText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0control #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlDkShadow #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlHighlight #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlLtHighlight #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlShadow #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50controlText #00ff00 0 255 0 120 100 100desktop #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0inactiveCaption #0000ff 0 0 255 240 100 100inactiveCaptionBorder #0000ff 0 0 255 240 100 100inactiveCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100info #ffff00 255 255 0 59 100 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menuText #00ff00 0 255 0 120 100 100scrollbar #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0text #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0textHighlight #0000ff 0 0 255 240 100 100textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #00ff00 0 255 0 120 100 100textText #00ff00 0 255 0 120 100 100window #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowBorder #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowText #00ff00 0 255 0 120 100 100

High Contrast Black themeThe High Contrast Black theme uses white text on a black background with magenta highlights.


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activeCaption #800080 128 0 128 300 100 50activeCaptionBorder #ffff00 255 255 0 59 100 100activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlDkShadow #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlHighlight #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlLtHighlight #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlShadow #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50controlText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100desktop #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0inactiveCaption #008000 0 128 0 120 100 50inactiveCaptionBorder #008000 0 128 0 120 100 50inactiveCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100info #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0infoText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100menu #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menuText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100scrollbar #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0text #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0textHighlight #800080 128 0 128 300 100 50textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #00ff00 0 255 0 120 100 100textText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100window #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowBorder #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100

High Contrast White themeThe High Contrast White theme uses black text on a white background, and inverts the text and backgroundcolors for text highlighting.


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activeCaption #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0activeCaptionBorder #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50activeCaptionText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100control #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100controlDkShadow #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0controlHighlight #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlLtHighlight #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75controlShadow #808080 128 128 128 0 0 50controlText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0desktop #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100inactiveCaption #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100inactiveCaptionBorder #c0c0c0 192 192 192 0 0 75inactiveCaptionText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0info #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100infoText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0menu #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100menuText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0scrollbar #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100text #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textHighlight #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0textHighlightText #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100textInactiveText #00ff00 0 255 0 120 100 100textText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0window #ffffff 255 255 255 0 0 100windowBorder #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0windowText #000000 0 0 0 0 0 0

DownloadsEach theme's Java SystemColor set is available as a download in the X11 rgb.txt file format:

XP themesMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-XP-Blue-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-XP-Olive-Green-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-XP-Silver-SystemColors-RGB.txt

Classic themesMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Classic-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Standard-SystemColors-RGB.txt

Colored Classic themes


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Microsoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Brick-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Desert-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Eggplant-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Lilac-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Maple-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Marine-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Plum-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Pumpkin-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Rainy-Day-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Red-White-Blue-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Rose-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Slate-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Spruce-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Storm-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Teal-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-Wheat-SystemColors-RGB.txt

High Contrast Classic themesMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-High-Contrast-1-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-High-Contrast-2-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-High-Contrast-Black-SystemColors-RGB.txtMicrosoft-WindowsXP-Theme-High-Contrast-White-SystemColors-RGB.txt

Further reading

Related articles at NadeauSoftware.com

Java tip: How to use SystemColors to access OS user interface theme colors is the lead article in this series onSystemColor use for the major OSes.

Java tip: SystemColors for Windows Vista user interface themes provides color swatches and RGB values forJava's SystemColor objects for Windows Vista themes.

Java tip: SystemColors for Windows 7 user interface themes provides color swatches and RGB values for Java'sSystemColor objects for Windows 7 themes.

Web articles

Color-Name Dictionaries. Aubrey Jaffer's article goes into great depth on different standard color name lists andincludes X11 rgb.txt format files for many of them.

X11 color names. Wikipedia's article discusses the standard X11 window system "rgb.txt" colors that form thebasis of the W3C's list of standard colors for HTML and CSS. The article lists the color names and RGB and HSVcolors. The X11 rgb.txt file is available for download from XFree86's CVS archive.

Comments

Windows RGB codingSubmitted by Firas Qatouni (not verified) on December 22, 2012 - 2:01am.

This is a great help ... Thanks and a million

Copyright Nadeau Software Consulting (Dr. David R. Nadeau). All rights reserved.


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system colors for windows xp user interface themes

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