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SQL Shades is an online company. Based on 50 reviews on TrustPlane, it has an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Last reviewed March 4, 2026.
SQL Shades to the rescue! I am a huge fan of dark themes and the one that is built into SQL Server Management Studio is lacking, to say the least. SQL Shades solved that issue and then some. I can not only select a thorough dark them out of the box, but I can customize it to my needs if so desired and pick from other out of the box themes as well.
My main work life is spent in SSMS. I've been using SQL Shades for about half a year now, and it has been a game changer. So much easier to work in dark mode!Be aware that at this point, SQL Shades doesn't handle the following: - Integration services catalog - Packages - Reports. - Some Redgate extensions (SQL Search, SQL History, SQL Source Control).In addition, Redgate's SQL Test extension doesn't play happily with SQL Shades - the on-screen text is colored such that it simply disappears to the point that when I need to use that tool, I have to turn off SQL Shades.But I'm not in those areas enough that it bothers me. The main query panes are where I spend most of my time, and they couldn't be better!
Works perfectly in SSMS, my everyday tool. SQL Shades saved my eyes.
I really appreciate a dark mode option for something that I have to stare at all day. SSMS not having one was a major let down. The color options too from SQL Shades has been so cool to have. Even though I'm only using the Basic Dark right now, I'm pretty tempted to up my subscription to try the others out.
SQL Shades has been a wonderful add in for SSMS that I would not want to be without! The color schemes of the applications I use are very important to me. My favorite theme is the Cyberpunk (OLED) theme, which is in Beta. Taking Cyberpunk, then making all the application backgrounds true black is a hot combo!
A real life saver! Recent eye surgery necessitated dark mode, and this is a home run.
Why isn't this a built in functionality already? I don't really get it. But as things are right now, this is a lifesaver. I would have moved to another DB manager if shades didn't exist
For those that spend a lot of time in SSMS, SQL Shades is an eye saver. I use multiple add-ins for SSMS and, IMHO, SQL Shades is a must have.
SQL Shades is absolutely the best in business. Microsoft fails to provide a Dark theme for SSMS, but SQL shades gives it.
For too long, I have been using SSMS without SQLShades. The day I installed it, my eyes were so thankful. I can’t believe I didn’t know about this until now!!
If you spend any amount of time within SQL Server Management Studio - you need SQL Shades.The fact that Microsoft has overlooked adding a 'dark mode' to SSMS is crazy, thankfully there is a solution to address that.
I like shades a lot, my dailywork is very nice now , I would to like an other free theme .. nice app add on, keep working!.
I have been using SQL Shades for a couple of years and it is a game-changer. I have "floaters" in my eyes and light backgrounds just stink for me. As a DBA I spend a very large part of my day in SSMS and SQL Shades makes it a much better experience. I was more than happy to upgrade to the licensed version and feel it is well worth the money. I would actually spend more, but don't tell them I said that.
Easy applied and easy setting for getting dark mode in microsoft sql
Easy to install and configure, I needed a dark mode due to some eye issues, and it has been very helpful.
Great tool, does exactly what it says!
I have the same experience as Pete, I used a bad theme hack to get a dark theme, and context menus where white font on white background. Also, getting this to work was cumbersome. SQL Shades just works! Just install it, the next time you open SSMS it will change to the dark theme. For people with bad eye sight this is a game changer, no more white to strain my eyes.
Great dark mode for SSMS, simple to install and clean
I've been using the pkgundef hack for years, and while it works...it's always left a lot to be desired. Context menus in particular would be difficult to read.SQL Shades provides a dark mode that's actually a comprehensive Dark Mode as it should be. It works perfectly, seamlessly...doesn't slow anything down and does exactly what it says on the tin.
Fantastic little addon that immediately feels like a natural part of SSMS.
According to TrustPlane, SQL Shades has a 5.0/5 rating based on 50 verified reviews as of March 2026. Source: trustplane.app/company/sqlshades-com
