Dark mode for SSMS! I've been moving towards dark mode for all applications I use. I was surprised to see that SQL Management Studio had no such option (since it's based on Visual Studio which has a dark theme). That's where SQL Shades saved the day!

It just works. And it's free! For any real developer spending time in SSMS (or with it windowed), the incessant glare of white real estate -- a "dark theme" oversight -- is an irritation that turns quickly to a headache. SQL Shades is a perfect solution: It just works. Even better, it's free (without nags)! Nevertheless I found it so useful, I donated "a coffee." The developer, Michael Van Devender, is friendly and responsive to user issues -- and proactive in development. I only just upgraded to v20 and his SQL Shades already supported it.

Lose your indoor tan from the bright whites of the screen! Easy to add to SSMS and it does what it says - all the garish, harsh Windows white is changed to dark mode. I've had multiple screen share sessions get sidetracked as another developer realizes the grid view/object explorer are much easier to read and want to know how that was accomplished. The production server coloring is a nice feature - not as robust as SSMS Toolpack but that extension isn't allowed at my company so I'm thankful for the "don't be stupid" red border!

Very useful tool Very useful tool, given that SSMS lacks a dark mode. Still has some minor issues in the dialogs, but the main window of SSMS and the text editor are perfect.

Your eyes will thank you As others said before me, SSMS was the only remaining app developers use daily that was lacking proper dark theme and this solved that problem. No more strike of light when switching from dark windows. I really love this and huge thanks to a developer who made it free.