solarized/README.md
Ethan Schoonover 49e3d50a6d readme work
2011-03-18 20:27:58 -07:00

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Solarized
=========
A precision colorscheme for machines and people. Available in formats for:
* **Vim** (a repository with *just* the Vim colorscheme is [available
here](https://github.com/altercation/vim-colors-solarized), for use with
Pathogen, etc.)
* **Mutt** e-mail client (a repository with *just* the Mutt colorscheme is
[available here](https://github.com/altercation/mutt-colors-solarized))
* Adobe Photoshop Palette
* GIMP Palette
* Apple Color Picker Palette
* iTerm2
* OS X Terminal.app
* Xresources / Xdefaults
What
----
Solarized is a sixteen color palette (eight monotones, eight accent colors)
designed for use with terminal and gui applications and has several unique
properties. It has been designed with both precise [CIELAB] lightness
relationships and a refined set of hues based on fixed color wheel
relationships. It has been tested extensively in real world use on color
calibrated displays and in a variety of lighting conditions.
Features
--------
1. **Selective contrast**
Solarized reduces brightness based contrast in general. Our display devices
today are capable of blasting retina clean off with max brightness and
I found my eyes growing tired using high contrast colorschemes, even with
the brightness turned down. Solarized reduces *brightness contrast* but,
unlike many low contrast colorschemes, retains *contrasting hues* (based on
colorwheel relations) for syntax highlighting readability.
2. **Dual modes: Dark/Light**
I switch between dark and light modes when editing text even when editing
different types of files. Solarized retains the same selective contrast
relationships and overall feel when switching between the light and dark
background modes. A *lot* of thought, planning and testing has gone into
making both modes feel like part of a unified colorscheme.
3. **16/5 Palette modes**
Solarized works as a sixteen color palette for compatibility with comment
terminal based applications / emulators. It has been designed to scale down
to a variety of five color palettes (four base monotones and one accent
color) for use in design work, such as web development.
4. **Personality that doesn't crowd out the room**
Solarized can be used as a pure monotone palette, a five-up monotone+accent
colorscheme or in full on sixteen color mode for full syntax highlighting.
In every case it retains a strong identity but doesn't overwhelm. Like any
good supporting actor, it keeps the story moving without chewing up the
scenery.
Why
---
How
---
[CIELAB](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lab_color_space)