--- feed: "DANIEL_ON_SLOPE" title: Notepad++ JSON Colorization created: 2025-01-29 13:03:58.940879 updated: 2025-01-29 13:38:27.826102 source: ChatGPT source_file: conversations-002.json conversation_id: 679a97be-0964-800d-9d62-4d227847878c message_count: 8 tags: - notepad - json - colorization - source/chatgpt - status/raw - notepad++ - text-editor - syntax-highlighting category: - Notepad++ - JSON - Text Editor summary: How to improve JSON readability in Notepad++ keypoints: - Use a custom style to differentiate between keys and values - Install a JSON syntax plugin for enhanced highlighting - Try VS Code for built-in JSON color differentiation - Customize colors using the Style Configurator - Manually adjust JSON highlighting with specific settings monomyth_stage: "06 - Tests, Allies, Enemies" gameboard_position: '' truth_score: 75 entropy_score: Low tone: sentiment: Neutral emotions: - Informational - Positive - Negative - Mixed sycophancy_level: None notes: '' related_events: [] syndication_status: arnie: false chris: false redmond: false clint: false pilot: false ma5_inheritance: None pre_silicon: false voice_print: false codex_candidate: false phase: '' enriched_date: '2026-04-09' --- # Notepad++ JSON Colorization > Exported from ChatGPT | 2025-01-29 | 8 messages --- **You:** I am using Notepad++ to write/edit json code. I have json plugins enabled, and I am using a custom style (configurator) but can't figure out how to color the text values differently than the code/script. See images. I want to do something like you do when writing json so I can read the values easier. --- **ChatGPT:** In Notepad++, the default JSON syntax highlighting does not differentiate between JSON keys and values in the way you want (with values appearing in a different color from keys and structure). However, you can achieve better readability by following these steps: ### **1. Use a JSON-specific Language Setting** Notepad++'s built-in JSON support is limited, so try manually selecting **JSON** as the language: - **Go to** `Language > J > JSON` - This will apply basic JSON syntax highlighting. ### **2. Customize Colors Using the Style Configurator** Since you are using a custom theme (`Daniel-style`), you can manually adjust the JSON highlighting: 1. **Open the Style Configurator** - `Settings > Style Configurator` - In the left pane, select `JSON` (if available) or `JavaScript` (since JSON is based on JavaScript). 2. **Modify the Color for String Values** - Locate `STRING` or `VALUE` - Change the **Foreground** color to something distinct (e.g., green, blue, or orange). 3. **Modify the Color for Keys** - Locate `PROPERTY NAME` or `KEY` - Choose a different **Foreground** color from values. 4. **Modify Numbers and Booleans** - Locate `NUMBER` and `BOOLEAN` - Assign a separate color to differentiate them. ### **3. Install a JSON Syntax Plugin** If the default JSON highlighting is not detailed enough, try installing a JSON-specific plugin: - **JSON Viewer**: Enhances syntax highlighting and allows formatting. - **JSTool**: Provides coloring options and JSON validation. You can install these from: - `Plugins > Plugins Admin > Search for "JSON Viewer" or "JSTool"` ### **4. Use an External Theme for JSON Readability** Some community themes enhance JSON readability with clear distinctions between keys, values, numbers, and punctuation. You can download and apply them from: - `Settings > Import > Import Style` - Choose a JSON-focused `.xml` theme from the [Notepad++ Themes Repository](https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/npp-themes). ### **Alternative Approach: Try VS Code for JSON Editing** If Notepad++ does not provide the level of differentiation you need, **VS Code** (Visual Studio Code) has **built-in JSON color differentiation** with themes that separate keys, values, numbers, and booleans automatically. Let me know if you need more detailed steps! --- **You:** 1 - selecting json rather than javascript makes it worse. See capture image 2 - doublestring changes the javascript but it does all of it. There is no 'value' selection. see capture. 3 - there is no 'property name' or 'key' 4 - 'number' or 'boolean' are not available 5 - json tools are already installed. see capture Visual Studio is a little better. see capture. Is there a way to customize the coloring in VS? --- **ChatGPT:** ### **Customizing JSON Syntax Highlighting in Visual Studio (VS) Code or VS 2019+** Visual Studio does offer more detailed JSON syntax highlighting than Notepad++, but by default, it does not always distinguish JSON **keys** from **values** effectively. However, you can customize this. --- ## **1. Modify JSON Color Theme in Visual Studio** ### **Steps to Change JSON Colors in Visual Studio:** 1. **Open Settings:** - Go to **Tools > Options**. - Navigate to **Environment > Fonts and Colors**. 2. **Find JSON-Specific Items:** - Look for **Display Items** related to JSON: - **JSON String** (Values) - **JSON Property Name** (Keys) - **JSON Number** (Numeric values) - **JSON Keyword** (True/False, null) 3. **Customize Colors:** - Select each category and assign different colors for **Foreground** and **Background**. - Click **OK** to save the changes. --- ## **2. Use a Custom JSON Theme in VS Code (If Preferred)** If you use **VS Code**, JSON color customization is more straightforward: 1. **Open the Command Palette** (`Ctrl+Shift+P`). 2. Type and select **"Preferences: Open Settings (JSON)"**. 3. Add the following customization: ```json { "editor.tokenColorCustomizations": { "[Default Dark+]": { "textMateRules": [ { "scope": "support.type.property-name.json", "settings": { "foreground": "#FFA500" } // Orange for keys }, { "scope": "string.quoted.double.json", "settings": { "foreground": "#00FF00" } // Green for values }, { "scope": "constant.numeric.json", "settings": { "foreground": "#FFD700" } // Gold for numbers }, { "scope": "constant.language.json", "settings": { "foreground": "#FF4500" } // Red for true/false/null } ] } } } ``` 4. Save the file, and your JSON colors should now be more readable. --- ### **Alternative: JSON Theme Extensions** If this level of customization is not enough, you can install **JSON-focused themes** in VS Code by: - Going to **Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X)**. - Searching for **“Better JSON Syntax Highlighting”** or **“Material Theme JSON”**. Would you prefer sticking with Visual Studio, or does this approach with VS Code interest you? --- **You:** In VS, what is the light brown colored text? I can not find where it is assigned. none of the json selections are that color --- **ChatGPT:** In Visual Studio, the **light brown colored text** in your JSON file is likely categorized under **"Text" or "Plain Text"** rather than a dedicated JSON element. ### **To Identify and Customize It:** 1. **Open the Font and Color Settings:** - Go to **Tools > Options**. - Navigate to **Environment > Fonts and Colors**. 2. **Check "Display Items":** - Scroll through the **Display Items** list and look for: - `"JSON Text"` or `"String"` (if it applies to values). - `"Plain Text"` (this might be the color assignment you're seeing). - `"Other"`, `"Identifier"`, or `"Default"` (if it's not explicitly categorized). 3. **Modify the Color:** - Select the suspected category (e.g., `"Plain Text"`). - Change the **Foreground Color** to verify if it affects the light brown text. - Click **OK** to save. ### **Why This Happens** Visual Studio sometimes applies a general **fallback color** when the syntax highlighter doesn't explicitly classify a text type. If the JSON theme doesn’t recognize certain keys or values distinctly, they might default to `"Text"` or `"Plain Text"` styling. Would you like help modifying your JSON theme further to ensure all elements are properly categorized? --- **You:** Yes it was 'String' thanks --- **ChatGPT:** You're welcome! Glad you found the issue—it makes sense that it was categorized under **"String"** in Visual Studio's **Fonts and Colors** settings. If you ever need to tweak JSON formatting further or set up a **more distinct syntax highlighting scheme**, feel free to ask. Happy coding! 🚀 ---