IntelliJ: How to change background color of Project Folder window?

Question

I am using IntelliJ IDEA 2017.1 (latest at this time) and am using the dark theme ("Darcula"). The editor window background color can be changed from Settings as per your preference. Though I haven't found a way to change the look-&-feel of the Project Window panel on the left of the editor. Even in dark theme the Project Window has a some kind of grey background which blurs the file/folder names (see screenshot).

How can I change the background color of Project Folder window?

Answer 1

Project view background color depends on the theme selected and cannot be changed:

• IDEA-132299 Allow custom colors for the built-in UI themes (LAFs Darcula and Default)

Certain folders and files will have different colors based on the Scopes.

Answer 2

Go to:

Settings->Appearance & Behavior->File colors

On the right side there will be small '+' button. Add All, Project Files etc. Add your custom colour. Apply, Ok, Voila!

Answer 3

In addition to what @CrazyCoder said.

You may use another GUI Theme. There are at least 2 plugins available that will provide different dark themes:

• Afterglow Theme
• Material Theme UI

Since they provided via plugins you will have to disable such plugin if you wish to switch to another GUI Theme.

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As for the Project View panel background:

• That yellowish color can be changed/disabled as per @CrazyCoder's screenshot
• Actual background color might be changed with the help of one of such plugins (sorry, I do not know if they still work -- but used to work in the past -- last update 4 years ago):
  • Color Ide
  • Color Tree