[REQUEST] Dark mode setting

[jist]

I would really like to use the Dark mode, but (if I understand correctly) you cannot activate it yourself.
You need to have Windows set to use Dark mode, which is what I don't want to use.

So my request is a Calibre setting to be able to switch between light and dark mode.

[kovidgoyal]

CALIBRE_USE_DARK_PALETTE https://manual.calibre-ebook.com/cus...ment-variables

[jist]

Thanks, I gave it a shot, and it's probably me, but I couldn't figure it out.
Also, I would like to be able to switch easily between light and dark mode. (daytime use vs. night time use)

For some software you can use a customized shortcut with some 'switch' code in it for such purposes.
Could that perhaps be achieved with Calibre too?

[thiago.eec]

Originally Posted by jist

Thanks, I gave it a shot, and it's probably me, but I couldn't figure it out.
Also, I would like to be able to switch easily between light and dark mode. (daytime use vs. night time use)

For some software you can use a customized shortcut with some 'switch' code in it for such purposes.
Could that perhaps be achieved with Calibre too?

If your Windows is set to light mode, you can do this:

1) Create a new shortcut on you desktop and rename it to Calibre-Dark (or something like that);
2) Right-click it and go to Properties;
3) On the Properties window, edit the target to this:

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c SET CALIBRE_USE_DARK_PALETTE=1 && START calibre

4) Click on Change Icon and ponint it to: %ProgramFiles%\Calibre2\calibre.exe

Now, when you want to open calibre in light mode, just open as always (start menu, taskbar, etc). When you want dark mode, use this new shortcut.

[jist]

Originally Posted by thiago.eec

If your Windows is set to light mode, you can do this:

Thnx, that looks very promising thiago.eec

But... I am using a portable installation.
I tried editing the code, but I can't make it work.
Is this doable for portable? If so can you assist with that too?

[JSWolf]

Have a watch and you'll see how to set an environment variable for Windows 10.

[thiago.eec]

Originally Posted by jist

Thnx, that looks very promising thiago.eec

But... I am using a portable installation.
I tried editing the code, but I can't make it work.
Is this doable for portable? If so can you assist with that too?

Then, use it like this:

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c "SET CALIBRE_USE_DARK_PALETTE=1 && START /D ^"Full_Path_Calibre_Portable^" calibre-portable.exe"

Edit Full_Path_Calibre_Portable accordingly.

P.S.: To avoid the CMD window flashing up when you click the shortcut, go to its properties and choose "Run: Minimized".

[jist]

Thanks againthiago.eec

I got it to work, but it turns out flawed.
Things like the header bar and main panels remain white.

I am guessing it has to do with running a portable install. Well, it's even more complicated: I am running the normal calibre.exe from the deeper Calibre\Calibre Portable\Calibre folder.
(because else Calibre won't work with libraries on other drives/partitions.)

I'm giving up for now, thanks for helping to give it a try, much appreciated.

[thiago.eec]

Originally Posted by jist

Thanks againthiago.eec

I got it to work, but it turns out flawed.
Things like the header bar and main panels remain white.

The window header is white for me too, even without using environment variables.

Originally Posted by jist

I am guessing it has to do with running a portable install. Well, it's even more complicated: I am running the normal calibre.exe from the deeper Calibre\Calibre Portable\Calibre folder.
(because else Calibre won't work with libraries on other drives/partitions.)

I'm giving up for now, thanks for helping to give it a try, much appreciated.

I've tried pointing to calibre.exe here, and it worked just the same. I really don't know what the problem might be.

[JSWolf]

@jist, did you watch the video?

[jist]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

@jist, did you watch the video?

Yes I did, and thanks for the link.
But it was wasted on me. It looked like some course on learning Environment Variables part II.
It just didn't connect to me, and I am probably a bit too lazy to put in much effort in this. It feels like too much of a hassle with limited chances of succes.

I hope it helps others though.