
The COLOR command in Windows allows you to change the background and text colors of the Command Prompt, enabling you to customize your work environment. Changing colors can improve visibility and make long sessions more comfortable on the eyes. By using the COLOR command, you can adjust the color scheme to suit your preferences and make the Command Prompt easier to use.
What is the COLOR Command?
The COLOR command is used to change the background and text colors in Windows Command Prompt. By customizing the colors, you can improve the readability of the console and create a more comfortable working environment. The default colors are a black background and white text, but the COLOR command allows you to change this to any combination from a predefined set of colors.
Main Uses
- Change Background and Text Colors: Customize the default color scheme of the Command Prompt for better visibility.
- Improve Work Efficiency: Adjust colors to reduce eye strain and make the console easier to read during long work sessions.
- Batch File Usage: Use the COLOR command in scripts to differentiate steps and processes visually.
How to Use the COLOR Command
The COLOR command allows you to set both background and text colors using hexadecimal values. Each color has a specific code, and the background and text colors are defined separately.
Basic Syntax
color [background][text]
Color Code | Color Name | Color Code | Color Name |
---|---|---|---|
0 | Black | 8 | Gray |
1 | Blue | 9 | Light Blue |
2 | Green | A | Light Green |
3 | Aqua | B | Light Aqua |
4 | Red | C | Light Red |
5 | Purple | D | Light Purple |
6 | Yellow | E | Light Yellow |
7 | White | F | Bright White |
Examples
- Change Background to Black and Text to Green
To set a black background with green text, use the following command:
color 02
Explanation: 0
represents black, and 2
represents green. This setting improves readability by using a bright green text on a black background.
- Change Background to Blue and Text to White
To set the background to blue and the text to white, use:
color 17
Explanation: 1
represents blue, and 7
represents white. This combination provides a clear contrast between the text and the background, ideal for work environments.
- Reset to Default Colors
To reset the Command Prompt to its default colors (black background, white text), simply run:
color
Explanation: Running the COLOR command without any arguments restores the console to its original settings.
Use Cases for the COLOR Command
- Using COLOR in Batch Files
The COLOR command is useful in batch files to visually distinguish different steps or phases of a script. For example:
@echo off
color 0A
echo Starting batch process...
rem Some process here
color 0C
echo Checking for errors...
rem Error checking process
color 07
echo Process completed.
Explanation: In this script, the color changes as different steps are executed, helping users easily differentiate between them.
- Improving Visibility and Focus
For users who spend long hours working in the Command Prompt, the default black-and-white color scheme can be hard on the eyes. Adjusting the background and text colors with the COLOR command can reduce eye strain and make the console easier to work with.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using COLOR
- Color Combinations: Avoid using the same color for both the background and text (e.g.,
color 00
), as this will make the text invisible. - Resetting Colors: If you accidentally set an unsuitable color combination, you can reset to the default colors by running the COLOR command with no arguments or restarting the Command Prompt.
- Readable Batch Files: When using the COLOR command in batch files, avoid excessive color changes, as this can reduce the readability and clarity of the script.
Conclusion
The COLOR command is a simple yet effective way to customize the Windows Command Prompt for better visibility and ease of use. Whether you’re running long sessions or creating batch files, adjusting the console’s colors can significantly improve readability and reduce eye strain. By selecting the right color combinations, you can create an optimal working environment in the Command Prompt.

Thank you for reading to the end!
Comments