How do you use a different theme in a remote VS Code window

Question

Using VS Code Remote Development (SSH, container, WSL) I want a different theme on my remote and local VS Code windows so that I can easily tell them apart.

Answer 1

You can set your theme in remote settings to use a different theme for that specific remote, open up the command palette (F1) and run the "Open Remote Settings" command:

Then add the following setting and save:

{
    "workbench.colorTheme": "<your theme of choice>"
}

Or if you're using the settings editor:

---

There is currently no way to do this all at once for all remotes, it must be configured per machine.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if the top answer is applicable anymore, however this approach works.

1. Go to Settings -> Workbench -> Appearance
2. Pay attention to the tabs at the top which has User, and Workspace
   • You may have more option like Remote [<server_name>] if you are connected to your code via ssh
3. Modify the settings under the tab to get the desired result.
   • User means global default settings for vscode
   • Remote overrides global and takes effect to all specified remote sessions
   • Workspace takes highest precedence, and modifies only the settings for the current folder.