How to change background color of XAML designer in vs2012?

Question

I just try to view the result after XAML code in Designer. However, it\'s hard to recognize the black letters when I use a dark theme in vs2012.

My question is how t

Answer 1

Alternate approach that doesn't involve code:

1. Install the "Visual Studio Color Theme Editor" Extension

   • VS 2013 "RC": http://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/9e08e5d3-6eb4-4e73-a045-6ea2a5cbdabe
   • VS 2012 : http://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/366ad100-0003-4c9a-81a8-337d4e7ace05
   • VS 2010 : http://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/20cd93a2-c435-4d00-a797-499f16402378

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2. Create a new custom theme based on the one you want to modify. (2013-specific help image below)

3. Click the "Show All Elements" filter button in the upper-left of the theme editor

4. Type "artboard" in the search-box in the upper-right of the theme editor

5. Set the "Cider -> ArtboardBackground" color to a different color of your choice.

   • VS2013 also introduces a second value "Cider -> ArtboardSecondaryBackground" to create a helpful checker-boarding effect.
6. Yay! :D

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Note: The "Cider -> ArtboardBackground" color theme field is found in VS2012 but I cannot confirm whether it has the same name in VS2010.

Edits: Added link to VS2013 (thank you @treaschf for the note!) official extension, although I think its an "RC" version. Also, added handy pictures.