#+TITLE: Modus themes for GNU Emacs
#+AUTHOR: Protesilaos Stavrou
#+EMAIL: info@protesilaos.com
#+TEXINFO_DIR_CATEGORY: Emacs misc features
#+TEXINFO_DIR_TITLE: Modus Themes: (modus-themes)
#+TEXINFO_DIR_DESC: Highly accessible themes (WCAG AAA)
#+OPTIONS: ':t toc:nil author:t email:t
#+MACRO: version-tag 0.13.0
#+MACRO: release-date 2020-10-08
#+texinfo: @insertcopying
This manual, written by Protesilaos Stavrou, describes the customization
options for the =modus-operandi= and =modus-vivendi= themes, and provides
every other piece of information pertinent to them.
The documentation furnished herein corresponds to version {{{version-tag}}},
released on {{{release-date}}}. Any reference to a newer feature which does
not yet form part of the latest tagged commit, is explicitly marked as
such.
* Copying
:PROPERTIES:
:copying: t
:END:
Copyright (C) 2020--2021 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
#+begin_quote
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this
document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License,
Version 1.3 or any later version published by the Free Software
Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, with no Front-Cover Texts,
and with no Back-Cover Texts.
#+end_quote
#+TOC: headlines 8 insert TOC here, with eight headline levels
* Overview
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:f0f3dbcb-602d-40cf-b918-8f929c441baf
:END:
The Modus themes are designed for accessible readability. They conform
with the highest standard for color contrast between any given
combination of background and foreground values. This corresponds to
the WCAG AAA standard, which specifies a minimum rate of distance in
relative luminance of 7:1.
Modus Operandi (=modus-operandi=) is a light theme, while Modus Vivendi
(=modus-vivendi=) is dark. Each theme's color palette is designed to
meet the needs of the numerous interfaces that are possible in the Emacs
computing environment.
The overarching objective of this project is to always offer accessible
color combinations. There shall never be a compromise on this
principle. If there arises an inescapable trade-off between readability
and stylistic considerations, we will always opt for the former.
To ensure that users have a consistently accessible experience, the
themes strive to achieve as close to full face coverage as possible
(see [[#h:a9c8f29d-7f72-4b54-b74b-ddefe15d6a19][Face coverage]]).
Starting with version 0.12.0 and onwards, the themes are built into GNU
Emacs (current version is {{{version-tag}}}).
** How do the themes look like
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:69b92089-069c-4ba1-9d94-cc3415fc4f87
:END:
Check the web page with [[https://protesilaos.com/modus-themes-pictures/][the screen shots]]. There are lots of scenarios
on display that draw attention to details and important aspects in the
design of the themes. They also showcase the numerous customization
options.
[[#h:bf1c82f2-46c7-4eb2-ad00-dd11fdd8b53f][Customization options]].
** Learn about the latest changes
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:2cc37c36-6c1a-48b2-a010-1050b270ee18
:END:
Please refer to the [[https://protesilaos.com/modus-themes-changelog][web page with the change log]]. It is comprehensive
and covers everything that goes into every tagged release of the themes.
* Installation
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:1af85373-7f81-4c35-af25-afcef490c111
:END:
The Modus themes are distributed with Emacs starting with version 28.1.
On older versions of Emacs, they can be installed using Emacs' package
manager or manually from their code repository.
Modus Operandi (light theme) and Modus Vivendi (dark) are normally
distributed as standalone packages in Emacs-specific archives. There
also exist packages for GNU/Linux distributions.
** Install from the archives
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:c4b10085-149f-43e2-bd4d-347f33aee054
:END:
=modus-operandi-theme= and =modus-vivendi-theme= are available from GNU the
ELPA archive, which is configured by default.
Prior to querying any package archive, make sure to have updated the
index, with =M-x package-refresh-contents=. Then all you need to do is
type =M-x package-install= and specify the theme of your choice.
** Install on GNU/Linux
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:da640eb1-95dd-4e86-bb4e-1027b27885f0
:END:
The themes are also available from the archives of some GNU/Linux
distributions. These should correspond to a tagged release rather than
building directly from the latest Git commit. It all depends on the
distro's packaging policies.
*** Debian 11 Bullseye
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:7e570360-9ee6-4bc5-8c04-9dc11418a3e4
:END:
The two themes are distributed as a single package for Debian and its
derivatives. Currently in the unstable and testing suites and should be
available in time for Debian 11 Bullseye (next stable).
Get them with:
#+begin_src sh
sudo apt install elpa-modus-themes
#+end_src
*** GNU Guix
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:a4ca52cd-869f-46a5-9e16-4d9665f5b88e
:END:
Users of either the Guix System (the distro) or just Guix (the package
manager) can get each theme as a standalone package.
#+begin_src sh
guix package -i emacs-modus-operandi-theme
#+end_src
And/or:
#+begin_src sh
guix package -i emacs-modus-vivendi-theme
#+end_src
* Enable and load
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:3f3c3728-1b34-437d-9d0c-b110f5b161a9
:END:
This section documents how to load the theme of your choice and how to
further control its initialization. It also includes some sample code
snippets that could help you in the task, especially if you intend to
use both Modus Operandi and Modus Vivendi.
** Load automatically
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:1777c247-1b56-46b7-a4ce-54e720b33d06
:END:
A simple way to load the theme from your Emacs initialization file is to
include either of the following expressions:
#+BEGIN_SRC emacs-lisp
(load-theme 'modus-operandi t) ; Light theme
(load-theme 'modus-vivendi t) ; Dark theme
#+END_SRC
Make sure to remove any other theme that is being loaded, otherwise you
might run into unexpected issues.
Note that you can always =M-x disable-theme= and specify an item. The
command does exactly what its name suggests. To deactivate all enabled
themes at once, in case you have multiple of them enabled, you may
evaluate the expression:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(mapc #'disable-theme custom-enabled-themes)
#+end_src
** Load at a given time or at sunset/sunrise
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:4e936e31-e9eb-4b50-8fdd-45d827a03cca
:END:
It is possible to schedule a time during the day at or after which a
given theme will be loaded.[fn:: Contributed on Reddit by user =b3n=,
https://www.reddit.com/r/emacs/comments/gdtqov/weekly_tipstricketc_thread/fq9186h/.]
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
;; Light for the day
(load-theme 'modus-operandi t t)
(run-at-time "05:00" (* 60 60 24)
(lambda ()
(enable-theme 'modus-operandi)))
;; Dark for the night
(load-theme 'modus-vivendi t t)
(run-at-time "21:00" (* 60 60 24)
(lambda ()
(enable-theme 'modus-vivendi)))
#+end_src
A modified version of the above technique is to use the sunrise and
sunset as references, instead of specifying a fixed hour value.[fn::
Contributed directly by André Alexandre Gomes https://gitlab.com/aadcg.]
If you set =calendar-latitude= and =calendar-longitude= (defined in the
built-in =solar.el= library---read it with =M-x find-library=), you can
automatically switch between both themes at the appropriate time-of-day.
Note that /those calendar variables need to be set before loading the
themes/.
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
;; Define coordinates
(setq calendar-latitude 35.17
calendar-longitude 33.36)
;; Light at sunrise
(load-theme 'modus-operandi t t)
(run-at-time (nth 1 (split-string (sunrise-sunset)))
(* 60 60 24)
(lambda ()
(enable-theme 'modus-operandi)))
;; Dark at sunset
(load-theme 'modus-vivendi t t)
(run-at-time (nth 4 (split-string (sunrise-sunset)))
(* 60 60 24)
(lambda ()
(enable-theme 'modus-vivendi)))
#+end_src
For the sake of completeness, the =load-theme= call in these snippets is
slightly different than the one shown in [[#h:1777c247-1b56-46b7-a4ce-54e720b33d06][Load automatically]], because it
does not enable the theme directly: the subsequent =enable-theme= does
that when needed.
** Toggle between the themes on demand
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:2a0895a6-3281-4e55-8aa1-8a737555821e
:END:
With both themes available, it is possible to design a simple command to
switch between them on demand.
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(defun modus-themes-toggle ()
"Toggle between `modus-operandi' and `modus-vivendi' themes."
(interactive)
(if (eq (car custom-enabled-themes) 'modus-operandi)
(progn
(disable-theme 'modus-operandi)
(load-theme 'modus-vivendi t))
(disable-theme 'modus-vivendi)
(load-theme 'modus-operandi t)))
#+end_src
You could use =(mapc #'disable-theme custom-enabled-themes)= instead of
disabling a single target, but you get the idea.
** Configure options prior to loading
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:a897b302-8e10-4a26-beab-3caaee1e1193
:END:
If you plan to use both themes and wish to apply styles consistently
(see [[#h:bf1c82f2-46c7-4eb2-ad00-dd11fdd8b53f][Customization Options]]), you could define wrapper functions around
the standard =load-theme= command. These extend the simple function we
presented in [[#h:2a0895a6-3281-4e55-8aa1-8a737555821e][Toggle between the themes on demand]].
Here is a comprehensive setup (the values assigned to the variables are
just for the sake of this demonstration):[fn:: The =defmacro= and =dolist=
method were contributed on Reddit by user =b3n=
https://www.reddit.com/r/emacs/comments/gqsz8u/weekly_tipstricketc_thread/fsfakhg/.]
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(defmacro modus-themes-format-sexp (sexp &rest objects)
`(eval (read (format ,(format "%S" sexp) ,@objects))))
(dolist (theme '("operandi" "vivendi"))
(modus-themes-format-sexp
(defun modus-%1$s-theme-load ()
(setq modus-%1$s-theme-slanted-constructs t
modus-%1$s-theme-bold-constructs t
modus-%1$s-theme-fringes 'subtle ; {nil,'subtle,'intense}
modus-%1$s-theme-mode-line '3d ; {nil,'3d,'moody}
modus-%1$s-theme-syntax 'alt-syntax ; {nil,faint,'yellow-comments,'green-strings,'yellow-comments-green-strings,'alt-syntax,'alt-syntax-yellow-comments}
modus-%1$s-theme-intense-hl-line nil
modus-%1$s-theme-intense-paren-match nil
modus-%1$s-theme-links 'faint ; {nil,'faint,'neutral-underline,'faint-neutral-underline,'no-underline}
modus-%1$s-theme-no-mixed-fonts nil
modus-%1$s-theme-prompts nil ; {nil,'subtle,'intense}
modus-%1$s-theme-completions 'moderate ; {nil,'moderate,'opinionated}
modus-%1$s-theme-diffs nil ; {nil,'desaturated,'fg-only}
modus-%1$s-theme-org-blocks 'grayscale ; {nil,'grayscale,'rainbow}
modus-%1$s-theme-headings ; Read further below in the manual for this one
'((1 . section)
(2 . line)
(t . rainbow-line-no-bold))
modus-%1$s-theme-variable-pitch-headings nil
modus-%1$s-theme-scale-headings t
modus-%1$s-theme-scale-1 1.1
modus-%1$s-theme-scale-2 1.15
modus-%1$s-theme-scale-3 1.21
modus-%1$s-theme-scale-4 1.27
modus-%1$s-theme-scale-5 1.33)
(load-theme 'modus-%1$s t))
theme))
(defun modus-themes-toggle ()
"Toggle between `modus-operandi' and `modus-vivendi' themes."
(interactive)
(if (eq (car custom-enabled-themes) 'modus-operandi)
(progn
(disable-theme 'modus-operandi)
(modus-vivendi-theme-load))
(disable-theme 'modus-vivendi)
(modus-operandi-theme-load)))
#+end_src
* Customization Options
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:bf1c82f2-46c7-4eb2-ad00-dd11fdd8b53f
:END:
The Modus themes are highly configurable, though they should work well
without any further tweaks.
By default, all customization options are set to =nil=.
All customization options need to be evaluated before loading their
theme (see [[#h:3f3c3728-1b34-437d-9d0c-b110f5b161a9][Enable and load]]).
** Option for more bold constructs
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Bold constructs
:DESCRIPTION: Toggle bold constructs in code
:CUSTOM_ID: h:b25714f6-0fbe-41f6-89b5-6912d304091e
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-bold-constructs=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-bold-constructs=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =t=
Display several constructs in bold weight. This concerns keywords and
other important aspects of code syntax. It also affects certain mode
line indicators and command-line prompts.
The default is to only use a bold weight when it is required.
Additionally, and while not necessary, to define the precise weight for
bold constructs, you can change the typographic intensity of the =bold=
face. The standard is a bold weight. It requires no further
intervention. Assuming though that your typeface of choice supports a
"semibold" weight, adding the following snippet to your init file should
suffice.
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(set-face-attribute 'bold nil :weight 'semibold)
#+end_src
Note that if you are switching themes, you need to re-evaluate this
expression after the new theme is loaded.
** Option for more slanted constructs
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Slanted constructs
:DESCRIPTION: Toggle slanted constructs (italics) in code
:CUSTOM_ID: h:977c900d-0d6d-4dbb-82d9-c2aae69543d6
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-slanted-constructs=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-slanted-constructs=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =t=
Choose to render more faces in slanted text (italics). This typically
affects documentation strings and code comments.
The default is to not use italics unless it is absolutely necessary.
** Option for faint code syntax highlighting (deprecated for ~0.14.0~)
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Faint syntax
:DESCRIPTION: Toggle subtle coloration in code (deprecated for 0.14.0)
:CUSTOM_ID: h:741379fe-7203-4dad-a7f8-ab71f61b43e6
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-faint-syntax=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-faint-syntax=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =t=
Use less saturated colors in programming modes for highlighting code
syntax. The default is to use saturated colors.
This option essentially affects the font-lock faces, so it may also have
implications in other places that are hard-wired to rely directly on
them instead of specifying their own faces (which could inherit from
font-lock if that is the intent). The author is aware of =vc-dir= as a
case in point.
** Option for syntax highlighting
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Syntax styles
:DESCRIPTION: Choose the overall aesthetic of code syntax
:CUSTOM_ID: h:c119d7b2-fcd4-4e44-890e-5e25733d5e52
:END:
This option supersedes the "faint syntax" one ahead of version =0.14.0=
([[#h:741379fe-7203-4dad-a7f8-ab71f61b43e6][Option for faint code syntax highlighting]]).
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-syntax=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-syntax=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =faint=
3. =yellow-comments=
4. =green-strings=
5. =yellow-comments-green-strings=
6. =alt-syntax=
7. =alt-syntax-yellow-comments=
The default style (nil) for code syntax highlighting is a balanced
combination of colors on the cyan-blue-magenta side of the spectrum.
There is little to no use of greens, yellows, or reds, except when it is
necessary.
Option =faint= is like the default in terms of the choice of palette but
applies desaturated color values.
Option =yellow-comments= applies a yellow tint to comments. The rest of
the syntax is the same as the default.
Option =green-strings= replaces the blue/cyan/cold color variants in
strings with greener alternatives. The rest of the syntax remains the
same.
Option =yellow-comments-green-strings= combines yellow comments with green
strings and the rest of the default syntax highlighting style.
Option =alt-syntax= expands the color palette and applies new color
combinations. Strings are green. Doc strings are magenta tinted.
Comments are gray.
Option =alt-syntax-yellow-comments= combines =alt-syntax= with
=yellow-comments=.
** Option for no font mixing
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: No mixed fonts
:DESCRIPTION: Toggle mixing of font families
:CUSTOM_ID: h:115e6c23-ee35-4a16-8cef-e2fcbb08e28b
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-no-mixed-fonts=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-no-mixed-fonts=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =t=
By default, the themes configure some spacing-sensitive faces, such as
Org tables and code blocks, to always inherit from the =fixed-pitch= face.
This is to ensure that those constructs remain monospaced when users opt
for something like the built-in =M-x variable-pitch-mode=. Otherwise the
layout would appear broken. To disable this behaviour, set the option
to =t=.
Users may prefer to use another package for handling mixed typeface
configurations, rather than letting the theme do it, perhaps because a
purpose-specific package has extra functionality. Two possible options
are =org-variable-pitch= and =mixed-pitch=.
** Option for no link underline (deprecated for ~0.14.0~)
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Link underline
:DESCRIPTION: Toggle underlined text in links (deprecated for 0.14.0)
:CUSTOM_ID: h:a1a639e9-d247-414c-a0ad-08adadcbc6c1
:END:
Note: deprecated ahead of version =0.14.0= ([[#h:c119d7b2-fcd4-4e44-890e-5e25733d5e52][Option for links]]).
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-no-link-underline=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-no-link-underline=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =t=
Remove the underline effect from links, symbolic links, and buttons.
The default is to apply an underline.
** Option for links
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Link styles
:DESCRIPTION: Choose color intensity or no underline for links
:CUSTOM_ID: h:c119d7b2-fcd4-4e44-890e-5e25733d5e52
:END:
This option supersedes the "no link underline" one ahead of version
=0.14.0= ([[#h:a1a639e9-d247-414c-a0ad-08adadcbc6c1][Option for no link underline]]).
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-links=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-links=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =faint=
3. =neutral-underline=
4. =faint-neutral-underline=
5. =no-underline=
The default style (nil) for links is to apply an underline and a
saturated color to the affected text. The color of the two is the
same, which makes the link fairly prominent.
Option =faint= follows the same approach as the default, but uses less
intense colors.
Option =neutral-underline= changes the underline's color to a subtle
gray, while retaining the default text color.
Option =faint-neutral-underline= combines a desaturated text color with a
subtle gray underline.
Option =no-underline= removes link underlines altogether, while keeping
their text color the same as the default.
** Option for command prompt styles
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Command prompts
:DESCRIPTION: Choose among plain, subtle, or intense prompts
:CUSTOM_ID: h:db5a9a7c-2928-4a28-b0f0-6f2b9bd52ba1
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-prompts=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-prompts=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =subtle=
3. =intense=
The symbols "subtle" and "intense" will apply a combination of accented
background and foreground to the minibuffer and other REPL prompts (like
=M-x shell= and =M-x eshell=). The difference between the two is that the
latter has a more pronounced/noticeable effect than the former.
The default does not use any background for such prompts, while relying
exclusively on an accented foreground color.
** Option for mode line presentation
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Mode line
:DESCRIPTION: Choose among plain, three-dimension, or moody-compliant styles
:CUSTOM_ID: h:27943af6-d950-42d0-bc23-106e43f50a24
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-mode-line=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-mode-line=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =3d=
3. =moody=
The default value (=nil=) produces a two-dimensional effect both for the
active and inactive modelines. The differences between the two are
limited to distinct shades of grayscale values, with the active being
more intense than the inactive.
A =3d= symbol will make the active modeline look like a three-dimensional
rectangle. Inactive modelines remain 2D, though they are slightly toned
down relative to the default. This aesthetic is the same as what you
get when you run Emacs without any customizations (=emacs -Q= on the
command line).
While =moody= removes all box effects from the modelines and applies
underline and overline properties instead. It also tones down a bit the
inactive modelines. This is meant to optimize things for use with the
[[https://github.com/tarsius/moody][moody package]] (hereinafter referred to as "Moody"), though it can work
fine even without it.
Note that Moody does not expose any faces that the themes could style
directly. Instead it re-purposes existing ones to render its tabs and
ribbons. As such, there may be cases where the contrast ratio falls
below the 7:1 target that the themes conform with (WCAG AAA). To hedge
against this, we configure a fallback foreground for the =moody= option,
which will come into effect when the background of the modeline changes
to something less accessible, such as Moody ribbons (read the doc string
of =set-face-attribute=, specifically =:distant-foreground=). This fallback
comes into effect when Emacs determines that the background and
foreground of the given construct are too close to each other in terms
of color distance. In effect, users would need to experiment with the
variable =face-near-same-color-threshold= to trigger the fallback color.
We find that a value of =45000= would suffice, contrary to the default
=30000=. Do not set the value too high, because that would have the
adverse effect of always overriding the default color (which has been
carefully designed to be highly accessible).
Furthermore, because Moody expects an underline and overline instead of
a box style, it is recommended you also include this in your setup:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(setq x-underline-at-descent-line t)
#+end_src
** Option for completion framework aesthetics
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Completion UIs
:DESCRIPTION: Choose among standard, moderate, or opinionated looks
:CUSTOM_ID: h:f1c20c02-7b34-4c35-9c65-99170efb2882
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-completions=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-completions=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =moderate=
3. =opinionated=
This is a special option that has different effects depending on the
completion UI. The interfaces can be grouped in two categories, based
on their default aesthetics: (i) those that only or mostly use
foreground colors for their interaction model, and (ii) those that
combine background and foreground values for some of their metaphors.
The former category encompasses Icomplete, Ido, Selectrum as well as
pattern matching styles like Orderless and Flx. The latter covers Helm,
Ivy, and similar.
A value of =nil= will respect the metaphors of each completion framework.
The symbol =moderate= will apply a combination of background and
foreground that is fairly subtle. For Icomplete and friends this
constitutes a departure from their default aesthetics, however the
difference is small. While Helm et al will appear slightly different
than their original looks, as they are toned down a bit.
The symbol =opinionated= will apply color combinations that refashion the
completion UI. For the Icomplete camp this means that intense
background and foreground combinations are used: in effect their looks
emulate those of Ivy and co. in their original style. Whereas the other
group of packages will revert to an even more nuanced aesthetic with
some additional changes to the choice of hues.
To appreciate the scope of this customization option, you should spend
some time with every one of the =nil= (default), =moderate=, and =opinionated=
possibilities.
** Option for fringe visibility
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Fringes
:DESCRIPTION: Choose among plain, subtle, or intense fringe visibility
:CUSTOM_ID: h:1983c3fc-74f6-44f3-b917-967c403bebae
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-fringes=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-fringes=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =subtle=
3. =intense=
The "subtle" symbol will apply a grayscale background that is visible,
yet close enough to the main background color. While the "intense"
symbol will use a more noticeable grayscale background.
The default is to use the same color as that of the main background,
meaning that the fringes are not obvious though they still occupy the
space given to them by =fringe-mode=.
** Option for line highlighting (hl-line-mode)
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Line highlighting
:DESCRIPTION: Toggle intense style for current line highlighting
:CUSTOM_ID: h:1dba1cfe-d079-4c13-a810-f768e8789177
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-intense-hl-line=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-intense-hl-line=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =t=
Draw the current line of =hl-line-mode= or its global equivalent in a more
prominent background color. This would also affect several packages
that enable =hl-line-mode=, such as =elfeed= and =mu4e=.
The default is to use a more subtle gray.
** Option for parenthesis matching (show-paren-mode)
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Matching parentheses
:DESCRIPTION: Toggle intense style for matching delimiters/parentheses
:CUSTOM_ID: h:e66a7e4d-a512-4bc7-9f86-fbbb5923bf37
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-intense-paren-match=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-intense-paren-match=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =t=
Apply a more intense background to the matching parentheses (or
delimiters). This affects tools such as the built-in =show-paren-mode=.
The default is to use a subtle warm color for the background of those
overlays.
** Option for diff buffer looks
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Diffs
:DESCRIPTION: Choose among intense, desaturated, or text-only diffs
:CUSTOM_ID: h:ea7ac54f-5827-49bd-b09f-62424b3b6427
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-diffs=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-diffs=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =desaturated=
2. =fg-only=
By default the themes will apply richly colored backgrounds to the
output of diffs, such as those of =diff-mode=, =ediff=, =smerge-mode=, and
=magit=. These are color combinations of an accented background and
foreground so that, for example, added lines have a pronounced green
background with an appropriate shade of green for the affected text.
Word-wise or "refined" changes follow this pattern but use different
shades of those colors to remain distinct.
A =desaturated= value tones down all relevant color values. It still
combines an accented background with an appropriate foreground, yet its
overall impression is very subtle. Refined changes are a bit more
intense to fulfil their intended function, though still less saturated
than default.
While =fg-only= will remove all accented backgrounds and instead rely on
color-coded text to denote changes. For instance, added lines use an
intense green foreground, while their background is the same as the rest
of the buffer. Word-wise highlights still use a background value which
is, nonetheless, more subtle than its default equivalent.
Concerning =magit=, an extra set of tweaks are introduced for the effect
of highlighting the current diff hunk, so as to remain consistent with
the overall experience of that mode. Expect changes that are consistent
with the overall intent of the aforementioned.
** Option for org-mode block styles
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Org mode blocks
:DESCRIPTION: Choose among plain, grayscale, or rainbow styles
:CUSTOM_ID: h:b7e328c0-3034-4db7-9cdf-d5ba12081ca2
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-org-blocks=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-org-blocks=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =grayscale=
3. =rainbow=
The default is to use the same background as the rest of the buffer for
the contents of the block.
A value of =grayscale= will apply a subtle neutral gray background to the
block's contents. It will also extend to the edge of the window the
background of the "begin" and "end" block delimiter lines (only relevant
for Emacs versions >= 27 where the 'extend' keyword is recognised by
=set-face-attribute=).
While =rainbow= will instead use an accented background for the contents
of the block. The exact color will depend on the programming language
and is controlled by the =org-src-block-faces= variable (refer to the
theme's source code for the current association list). This is most
suitable for users who work on literate programming documents that mix
and match several languages.
Note that the "rainbow" blocks may require you to also reload the
major-mode so that the colors are applied properly: use =M-x org-mode= or
=M-x org-mode-restart= to refresh the buffer. Or start typing in each
code block (inefficient at scale, but it still works).
** Option for headings' overall style
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Heading styles
:DESCRIPTION: Choose among several styles, also per heading level
:CUSTOM_ID: h:271eff19-97aa-4090-9415-a6463c2f9ae1
:END:
This is defined as an alist and, therefore, uses a different approach
than other customization options documented in this manual.
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-headings=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-headings=
Possible values, which can be specified for each heading level (examples
further below):
+ nil (default fallback option---covers all heading levels)
+ =t= (default style for a single heading, when the fallback differs)
+ =no-bold=
+ =line=
+ =line-no-bold=
+ =rainbow=
+ =rainbow-line=
+ =rainbow-line-no-bold=
+ =highlight=
+ =highlight-no-bold=
+ =rainbow-highlight=
+ =rainbow-highlight-no-bold=
+ =section=
+ =section-no-bold=
+ =rainbow-section=
+ =rainbow-section-no-bold=
To control faces per level from 1-8, use something like this (same for
=modus-vivendi-theme-headings=):
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(setq modus-operandi-theme-headings
'((1 . section)
(2 . line)
(3 . highlight)
(t . rainbow-no-bold)))
#+end_src
The above uses the =section= value for heading levels 1, the =line= for
headings 2, =highlight= for 3. All other levels fall back to
=rainbow-line-no-bold=.
To set a uniform value for all heading levels, use this pattern:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
;; A given style for every heading
(setq modus-operandi-theme-headings
'((t . rainbow-line-no-bold)))
;; Default aesthetic for every heading
(setq modus-operandi-theme-headings
'((t . nil)))
#+end_src
The default style for headings uses a fairly desaturated foreground
value in combination with a bold typographic weight. To specify this
style for a given level N (assuming you wish to have another fallback
option), just specify the value =t= like this:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(setq modus-operandi-theme-headings
'((1 . t)
(2 . line)
(t . rainbow-line-no-bold)))
#+end_src
A description of all other possible styles:
+ =no-bold= retains the default text color while removing the typographic
weight.
+ =line= is the same as the default plus an overline over the heading.
+ =line-no-bold= is the same as =line= without bold weight.
+ =rainbow= uses a more colorful foreground in combination with bold
weight.
+ =rainbow-line= is the same as =rainbow= plus an overline.
+ =rainbow-line-no-bold= is the same as =rainbow-line= without the bold
weight.
+ =highlight= retains the default style of a fairly desaturated foreground
combined with a bold weight and adds to it a subtle accented
background.
+ =highlight-no-bold= is the same as =highlight= without a bold weight.
+ =rainbow-highlight= is the same as =highlight= but with a more colorful
foreground.
+ =rainbow-highlight-no-bold= is the same as =rainbow-highlight= without a
bold weight.
+ =section= retains the default looks and adds to them both an overline
and a slightly accented background. It is, in effect, a combination
of the =line= and =highlight= values.
+ =section-no-bold= is the same as =section= without a bold weight.
+ =rainbow-section= is the same as =section= but with a more colorful
foreground.
+ =rainbow-section-no-bold= is the same as =rainbow-section= without a bold
weight."
** Option for scaled headings
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Scaled headings
:DESCRIPTION: Toggle scaling of headings
:CUSTOM_ID: h:075eb022-37a6-41a4-a040-cc189f6bfa1f
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-scale-headings=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-scale-headings=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =t=
Make headings larger in height relative to the main text. This is
noticeable in modes like Org. The default is to use the same size for
headings and body copy.
*** Control the scale of headings
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Scaled heading sizes
:DESCRIPTION: Specify rate of increase for scaled headings
:CUSTOM_ID: h:6868baa1-beba-45ed-baa5-5fd68322ccb3
:END:
In addition to toggles for enabling scaled headings, users can also
specify a number of their own.
+ If it is a floating point, say, =1.5=, it is interpreted as a multiple
of the base font size. This is the recommended method.
+ If it is an integer, it is read as an absolute font height. The
number is basically the point size multiplied by ten. So if you want
it to be =18pt= you must pass =180=. Please understand that setting an
absolute value is discouraged, as it will break the layout when you
try to change font sizes with the built-in =text-scale-adjust= command
(see [[#h:defcf4fc-8fa8-4c29-b12e-7119582cc929][Font configurations]]).
Below are the variables in their default values, using the floating
point paradigm. The numbers are very conservative, but you are free to
change them to your liking, such as =1.2=, =1.4=, =1.6=, =1.8=, =2.0=---or use a
resource for finding a consistent scale:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(setq modus-operandi-theme-scale-1 1.05
modus-operandi-theme-scale-2 1.1
modus-operandi-theme-scale-3 1.15
modus-operandi-theme-scale-4 1.2
modus-operandi-theme-scale-5 1.3)
(setq modus-vivendi-theme-scale-1 1.05
modus-vivendi-theme-scale-2 1.1
modus-vivendi-theme-scale-3 1.15
modus-vivendi-theme-scale-4 1.2
modus-vivendi-theme-scale-5 1.3)
#+end_src
Note that in earlier versions of Org, scaling would only increase the
size of the heading, but not of keywords that were added to it, like
"TODO". The issue has been fixed upstream:
.
** Option for variable-pitch font in headings
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Headings' font
:DESCRIPTION: Toggle proportionately spaced fonts in headings
:CUSTOM_ID: h:97caca76-fa13-456c-aef1-a2aa165ea274
:END:
Symbol names:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-variable-pitch-headings=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-variable-pitch-headings=
Possible values:
1. =nil= (default)
2. =t=
Choose to apply a proportionately spaced, else "variable-pitch",
typeface to headings (such as in Org mode). The default is to use the
main font family.
[[#h:defcf4fc-8fa8-4c29-b12e-7119582cc929][Font configurations for Org (and others)]].
* Advanced customization (do-it-yourself)
:PROPERTIES:
:INDEX: cp
:CUSTOM_ID: h:f4651d55-8c07-46aa-b52b-bed1e53463bb
:END:
Unlike the predefined customization options which follow a
straightforward pattern of allowing the user to quickly specify their
preference, the themes also provide a more flexible, albeit difficult,
mechanism to control things with precision (see [[#h:bf1c82f2-46c7-4eb2-ad00-dd11fdd8b53f][Customization Options]]).
This section is of interest only to users who are prepared to maintain
their own local tweaks and who are willing to deal with any possible
incompatibilities between versioned releases of the themes. As such,
they are labelled as "do-it-yourself" or "DIY".
** Full access to the themes' palette
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Tweak colors (DIY)
:DESCRIPTION: Declare your own palette overrides
:CUSTOM_ID: h:1487c631-f4fe-490d-8d58-d72ffa3bd474
:END:
The variables are:
+ =modus-operandi-theme-override-colors-alist=
+ =modus-vivendi-theme-override-colors-alist=
Users can specify an association list that maps the names of color
variables to hexadecimal RGB values (in the form of =#RRGGBB=). This
means that it is possible to override the entire palette or subsets
thereof (see the source code for the actual names and values).
Example:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
;; Redefine the values of those three variables for the given theme
(setq modus-vivendi-theme-override-colors-alist
'(("magenta" . "#ffaabb")
("magenta-alt" . "#ee88ff")
("magenta-alt-other" . "#bbaaff")))
#+end_src
If you want to be creative, you can define a minor mode that refashions
the themes on demand. The following is a minor mode that gets activated
on demand. We combine it with the function to switch between Modus
Operandi and Modus Vivendi (see [[#h:2a0895a6-3281-4e55-8aa1-8a737555821e][Toggle between the themes on demand]] for
a basic command, and/or [[*Configure options prior to loading][Configure options prior to loading]] for a more
comprehensive setup).
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(define-minor-mode modus-themes-alt-mode
"Override Modus themes' palette variables with custom values.
This is intended as a proof-of-concept. It is, nonetheless, a
perfectly accessible alternative, conforming with the design
principles of the Modus themes. It still is not as good as the
default colors."
:init-value nil
:global t
(if modus-themes-alt-mode
(setq modus-operandi-theme-override-colors-alist
'(("bg-main" . "#fefcf4")
("bg-dim" . "#faf6ef")
("bg-alt" . "#f7efe5")
("bg-hl-line" . "#f4f0e3")
("bg-active" . "#e8dfd1")
("bg-inactive" . "#f6ece5")
("bg-region" . "#c6bab1")
("bg-header" . "#ede3e0")
("bg-tab-bar" . "#dcd3d3")
("bg-tab-active" . "#fdf6eb")
("bg-tab-inactive" . "#c8bab8")
("fg-unfocused" . "#55556f"))
modus-vivendi-theme-override-colors-alist
'(("bg-main" . "#100b17")
("bg-dim" . "#161129")
("bg-alt" . "#181732")
("bg-hl-line" . "#191628")
("bg-active" . "#282e46")
("bg-inactive" . "#1a1e39")
("bg-region" . "#393a53")
("bg-header" . "#202037")
("bg-tab-bar" . "#262b41")
("bg-tab-active" . "#120f18")
("bg-tab-inactive" . "#3a3a5a")
("fg-unfocused" . "#9a9aab")))
(setq modus-operandi-theme-override-colors-alist nil
modus-vivendi-theme-override-colors-alist nil)))
(defun modus-themes-toggle (&optional arg)
"Toggle between `modus-operandi' and `modus-vivendi' themes.
With optional \\[universal-argument] prefix, enable
`modus-themes-alt-mode' for the loaded theme."
(interactive "P")
(if arg
(modus-themes-alt-mode 1)
(modus-themes-alt-mode -1))
(if (eq (car custom-enabled-themes) 'modus-operandi)
(progn
(disable-theme 'modus-operandi)
(load-theme 'modus-vivendi t))
(disable-theme 'modus-vivendi)
(load-theme 'modus-operandi t)))
#+end_src
** Font configurations for Org (and others)
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Font configs (DIY)
:DESCRIPTION: Optimise for mixed typeface buffers
:CUSTOM_ID: h:defcf4fc-8fa8-4c29-b12e-7119582cc929
:END:
The themes are designed to cope well with mixed font settings ([[#h:115e6c23-ee35-4a16-8cef-e2fcbb08e28b][Option
for no font mixing]]). Currently this applies to =org-mode= and
=markdown-mode=.
In practice it means that the user can safely opt for a more
prose-friendly proportionately spaced typeface as their default, while
letting spacing-sensitive elements like tables and inline code always
use a monospaced font, by inheriting from the =fixed-pitch= face.
Users can try the built-in =M-x variable-pitch-mode= to see the effect in
action.
To make everything use your desired font families, you need to configure
the =variable-pitch= (proportional spacing) and =fixed-pitch= (monospaced)
faces respectively. It may also be convenient to set your main typeface
by configuring the =default= face the same way.
Put something like this in your initialization file (make sure to read
the documentation of =set-face-attribute=, with =M-x describe-function=):
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
;; Main typeface
(set-face-attribute 'default nil :family "DejaVu Sans Mono" :height 110)
;; Proportionately spaced typeface
(set-face-attribute 'variable-pitch nil :family "DejaVu Serif" :height 1.0)
;; Monospaced typeface
(set-face-attribute 'fixed-pitch nil :family "DejaVu Sans Mono" :height 1.0)
#+end_src
Note the differences in the =:height= property. The =default= face must
specify an absolute value, which is the point size × 10. So if you want
to use a font at point size =11=, you set the height at =110=.[fn:: =:height=
values do not need to be rounded to multiples of ten: the likes of =115=
are perfectly valid—some typefaces will change to account for those
finer increments.] Whereas every other face must have a value that is
relative to the default, represented as a floating point (if you use an
integer, say, =15= then that means an absolute height). This is of
paramount importance: it ensures that all fonts can scale gracefully
when using something like the =text-scale-adjust= command which only
operates on the base font size (i.e. the =default= face's absolute
height).
An alternative syntax for the =default= face, is to pass all typeface
parameters directly to a =font= property.[fn:: Has the benefit of
accepting =fontconfig= parameters (GNU/Linux), such as ="DejaVu Sans
Mono-11:hintstyle=hintslight:autohint=false"=.
https://www.freedesktop.org/software/fontconfig/fontconfig-user.html]
Note that here we use a standard point size:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(set-face-attribute 'default nil :font "DejaVu Sans Mono-11")
#+end_src
Again, remember to only ever specify an absolute height for the =default=.
** Org user faces (DIY)
:PROPERTIES:
:DESCRIPTION: Extend styles for org-mode keywords and priorities
:CUSTOM_ID: h:89f0678d-c5c3-4a57-a526-668b2bb2d7ad
:END:
Users of =org-mode= have the option to configure various keywords and
priority cookies to better match their workflow. User options are
=org-todo-keyword-faces= and =org-priority-faces=.
As those are meant to be custom faces, it would be futile to have the
themes try to guess what each user would want to use, which keywords to
target, and so on. Instead, we can provide guidelines on how to
customize things to one's liking with the intent of retaining the
overall aesthetics of the theme.
Please bear in mind that the end result of those is not controlled by
the active theme but by how Org maps faces to its constructs. Editing
those while =org-mode= is active requires =M-x org-mode-restart= for changes
to take effect.
Let us assume you wish to visually differentiate your keywords. You
have something like this:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(setq org-todo-keywords
'((sequence "TODO(t)" "|" "DONE(D)" "CANCEL(C)")
(sequence "MEET(m)" "|" "MET(M)")
(sequence "STUDY(s)" "|" "STUDIED(S)")
(sequence "WRITE(w)" "|" "WROTE(W)")))
#+end_src
You could then use a variant of the following to inherit from a face
that uses the styles you want and also to preserve the properties
applied by the =org-todo= face:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(setq org-todo-keyword-faces
'(("MEET" . '(font-lock-preprocessor-face org-todo))
("STUDY" . '(font-lock-variable-name-face org-todo))
("WRITE" . '(font-lock-type-face org-todo))))
#+end_src
This will refashion the keywords you specify, while letting the other
items in =org-todo-keywords= use their original styles (which are defined
in the =org-todo= and =org-done= faces).
If you want back the defaults, try specifying just the =org-todo= face:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(setq org-todo-keyword-faces
'(("MEET" . org-todo)
("STUDY" . org-todo)
("WRITE" . org-todo)))
#+end_src
When you inherit from multiple faces, you need to quote the list as
shown further above. The order is important: the last item is applied
over the previous ones. If you do not want to blend multiple faces, you
do not need a quoted list. A pattern of =keyword . face= would suffice.
Both approaches can be used simultaneously, as illustrated in this
configuration of the priority cookies:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(setq org-priority-faces
'((?A . '(org-scheduled-today org-priority))
(?B . org-priority)
(?C . '(shadow org-priority))))
#+end_src
To find all the faces that are loaded in your current Emacs session, use
=M-x list-faces-display=. Also try =M-x describe-variable= and then specify
the name of each of those Org variables demonstrated above. Their
documentation strings will offer you further guidance.
Furthermore, consider reading the "Notes for aspiring Emacs theme
developers", published on 2020-08-28 by me (Protesilaos Stavrou):
https://protesilaos.com/codelog/2020-08-28-notes-emacs-theme-devs/.
* Face coverage
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:a9c8f29d-7f72-4b54-b74b-ddefe15d6a19
:END:
Modus Operandi and Modus Vivendi try to provide as close to full face
coverage as possible. This is necessary to ensure a consistently
accessible reading experience across all possible interfaces.
** Full support for packages or face groups
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Supported packages
:DESCRIPTION: Full list of covered face groups
:CUSTOM_ID: h:60ed4275-60d6-49f8-9287-9a64e54bea0e
:END:
This list will always be updated to reflect the current state of the
project. The idea is to offer an overview of the known status of all
affected face groups. The items with an appended asterisk =*= tend to
have lots of extensions, so the "full support" may not be 100% true…
+ ace-window
+ ag
+ alert
+ all-the-icons
+ annotate
+ anzu
+ apropos
+ apt-sources-list
+ artbollocks-mode
+ auctex and TeX
+ auto-dim-other-buffers
+ avy
+ awesome-tray
+ binder
+ bm
+ bongo
+ boon
+ breakpoint (provided by the built-in =gdb-mi.el= library)
+ buffer-expose
+ calendar and diary
+ calfw
+ centaur-tabs
+ change-log and log-view (such as =vc-print-log= and =vc-print-root-log=)
+ cider
+ circe
+ color-rg
+ column-enforce-mode
+ company-mode*
+ company-posframe
+ compilation-mode
+ completions
+ counsel*
+ counsel-css
+ counsel-notmuch
+ counsel-org-capture-string
+ cov
+ cperl-mode
+ csv-mode
+ ctrlf
+ custom (=M-x customize=)
+ dap-mode
+ dashboard (emacs-dashboard)
+ deadgrep
+ debbugs
+ define-word
+ deft
+ dictionary
+ diff-hl
+ diff-mode
+ dim-autoload
+ dir-treeview
+ dired
+ dired-async
+ dired-git
+ dired-git-info
+ dired-narrow
+ dired-subtree
+ diredfl
+ disk-usage
+ doom-modeline
+ dynamic-ruler
+ easy-jekyll
+ easy-kill
+ ebdb
+ ediff
+ eglot
+ el-search
+ eldoc-box
+ elfeed
+ elfeed-score
+ emms
+ enhanced-ruby-mode
+ epa
+ equake
+ erc
+ eros
+ ert
+ eshell
+ eshell-fringe-status
+ eshell-git-prompt
+ eshell-prompt-extras (epe)
+ eshell-syntax-highlighting
+ evil* (evil-mode)
+ evil-goggles
+ evil-visual-mark-mode
+ eww
+ eyebrowse
+ fancy-dabbrev
+ flycheck
+ flycheck-color-mode-line
+ flycheck-indicator
+ flycheck-posframe
+ flymake
+ flyspell
+ flyspell-correct
+ flx
+ freeze-it
+ frog-menu
+ focus
+ fold-this
+ font-lock (generic syntax highlighting)
+ forge
+ fountain (fountain-mode)
+ geiser
+ git-commit
+ git-gutter (and variants)
+ git-lens
+ git-rebase
+ git-timemachine
+ git-walktree
+ gnus
+ golden-ratio-scroll-screen
+ helm*
+ helm-ls-git
+ helm-switch-shell
+ helm-xref
+ helpful
+ highlight-blocks
+ highlight-defined
+ highlight-escape-sequences (=hes-mode=)
+ highlight-indentation
+ highlight-numbers
+ highlight-symbol
+ highlight-tail
+ highlight-thing
+ hl-defined
+ hl-fill-column
+ hl-line-mode
+ hl-todo
+ hydra
+ hyperlist
+ ibuffer
+ icomplete
+ icomplete-vertical
+ ido-mode
+ iedit
+ iflipb
+ imenu-list
+ indium
+ info
+ info-colors
+ interaction-log
+ ioccur
+ isearch, occur, etc.
+ ivy*
+ ivy-posframe
+ jira (org-jira)
+ journalctl-mode
+ js2-mode
+ julia
+ jupyter
+ kaocha-runner
+ keycast
+ line numbers (=display-line-numbers-mode= and global variant)
+ lsp-mode
+ lsp-ui
+ magit
+ magit-imerge
+ make-mode
+ man
+ markdown-mode
+ markup-faces (=adoc-mode=)
+ mentor
+ messages
+ minibuffer-line
+ minimap
+ modeline
+ mood-line
+ moody
+ mpdel
+ mu4e
+ mu4e-conversation
+ multiple-cursors
+ neotree
+ no-emoji
+ notmuch
+ num3-mode
+ nxml-mode
+ objed
+ orderless
+ org*
+ org-journal
+ org-noter
+ org-pomodoro
+ org-recur
+ org-roam
+ org-superstar
+ org-table-sticky-header
+ org-treescope
+ origami
+ outline-mode
+ outline-minor-faces
+ package (=M-x list-packages=)
+ page-break-lines
+ paradox
+ paren-face
+ parrot
+ pass
+ pdf-tools
+ persp-mode
+ perspective
+ phi-grep
+ phi-search
+ pkgbuild-mode
+ pomidor
+ popup
+ powerline
+ powerline-evil
+ proced
+ prodigy
+ racket-mode
+ rainbow-blocks
+ rainbow-identifiers
+ rainbow-delimiters
+ rcirc
+ regexp-builder (also known as =re-builder=)
+ rg (rg.el)
+ ripgrep
+ rmail
+ ruler-mode
+ sallet
+ selectrum
+ semantic
+ sesman
+ shell-script-mode
+ show-paren-mode
+ shr
+ side-notes
+ sieve-mode
+ skewer-mode
+ smart-mode-line
+ smartparens
+ smerge
+ spaceline
+ speedbar
+ spell-fu
+ stripes
+ suggest
+ switch-window
+ swiper
+ swoop
+ sx
+ symbol-overlay
+ syslog-mode
+ table (built-in table.el)
+ telephone-line
+ term
+ tomatinho
+ transient (pop-up windows such as Magit's)
+ trashed
+ treemacs
+ tty-menu
+ tuareg
+ typescript
+ undo-tree
+ vc (built-in mode line status for version control)
+ vc-annotate (=C-x v g=)
+ vdiff
+ vimish-fold
+ visible-mark
+ visual-regexp
+ volatile-highlights
+ vterm
+ wcheck-mode
+ web-mode
+ wgrep
+ which-function-mode
+ which-key
+ whitespace-mode
+ window-divider-mode
+ winum
+ writegood-mode
+ woman
+ xah-elisp-mode
+ xref
+ xterm-color (and ansi-colors)
+ yaml-mode
+ yasnippet
+ ztree
Plus many other miscellaneous faces that are provided by the upstream
GNU Emacs distribution.
** Indirectly covered packages
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:2cb359c7-3a84-4262-bab3-dcdc1d0034d7
:END:
These do not require any extra styles because they are configured to
inherit from some basic faces. Please confirm.
+ edit-indirect
+ evil-owl
+ i3wm-config-mode
+ perl-mode
+ php-mode
+ rjsx-mode
+ swift-mode
** Will NOT be supported
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:6c6e8d94-6782-47fc-9eef-ad78671e9eea
:END:
I have thus far identified a single package that does fit into the
overarching objective of this project: [[https://github.com/hlissner/emacs-solaire-mode][solaire]]. It basically tries to
cast a less intense background on the main file-visiting buffers, so
that secondary elements like sidebars can have the default (pure
white/black) background.
I will only cover this package if it ever supports the inverse effect:
less intense colors (but still accessible) for ancillary interfaces
and the intended styles for the content you are actually working on.
* Notes for individual packages
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:4c4d901a-84d7-4f20-bd99-0808c2b06eba
:END:
This section covers information that may be of interest to users of
individual packages.
** Note on company-mode overlay pop-up
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:20cef8c4-d11f-4053-8b2c-2872925780b1
:END:
By default, the =company-mode= pop-up that lists completion candidates is
drawn using an overlay. This creates alignment issues every time it is
placed above a piece of text that has a different height than the
default.
The solution recommended by the project's maintainer is to use an
alternative front-end for drawing the pop-up which uses child frames
instead of overlays.[fn::
https://github.com/company-mode/company-mode/issues/1010][fn::
https://github.com/tumashu/company-posframe/]
** Note for ERC escaped color sequences
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:98bdf319-1e32-4469-8a01-771200fba65c
:END:
The built-in IRC client =erc= has the ability to colorise any text using
escape sequences that start with =^C= (inserted with =C-q C-c=) and are
followed by a number for the foreground and background.[fn:: This page
explains the basics, though it is not specific to Emacs:
https://www.mirc.com/colors.html] Possible numbers are 0-15, with the
first entry being the foreground and the second the background,
separated by a comma. Like this =^C1,6=. The minimum setup is this:
#+begin_src emacs-lisp
(add-to-list 'erc-modules 'irccontrols)
(setq erc-interpret-controls-p t
erc-interpret-mirc-color t)
#+end_src
As this allows users to make arbitrary combinations, it is impossible to
guarantee a consistently high contrast ratio. All we can we do is
provide guidance on the combinations that satisfy the accessibility
standard of the themes:
+ Modus Operandi :: Use foreground color 1 for all backgrounds from
2-15. Like so: =C-q C-c1,N= where =N= is the background.
+ Modus Vivendi :: Use foreground color 0 for all backgrounds from
2-13. Use foreground =1= for backgrounds 14, 15.
Colors 0 and 1 are white and black respectively. So combine them
together, if you must.
** Note for powerline or spaceline
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:9130a8ba-d8e3-41be-a58b-3cb1eb7b6d17
:END:
Both Powerline and Spaceline package users will likely need to use the
command =powerline-reset= whenever they make changes to their themes
and/or modeline setup.
** Note on shr colors
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:4cc767dc-ffef-4c5c-9f10-82eb7b8921bf
:END:
Emacs' HTML rendering mechanism (=shr=) may need explicit configuration to
respect the theme's colors instead of whatever specifications the
webpage provides. Consult =C-h v shr-use-colors=.
** Note for Helm grep
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:d28879a2-8e4b-4525-986e-14c0f873d229
:END:
There is one face from the Helm package that is meant to highlight the
matches of a grep or grep-like command (=ag= or =ripgrep=). It is
=helm-grep-match=. However, this face can only apply when the user does
not pass =--color=always= as a command-line option for their command.
Here is the docstring for that face, which is defined in the
=helm-grep.el= library (view a library with =M-x find-library=).
#+begin_quote
Face used to highlight grep matches. Have no effect when grep backend
use "--color="
#+end_quote
The user must either remove =--color= from the flags passed to the grep
function, or explicitly use =--color=never= (or equivalent). Helm
provides user-facing customization options for controlling the grep
function's parameters, such as =helm-grep-default-command= and
=helm-grep-git-grep-command=.
When =--color=always= is in effect, the grep output will use red text in
bold letter forms to present the matching part in the list of
candidates. That style still meets the contrast ratio target of >= 7:1
(accessibility standard WCAG AAA), because it draws the reference to
ANSI color number 1 (red) from the already-supported array of
=ansi-color-names-vector=.
** Note on vc-annotate-background-mode
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:5095cbd1-e17a-419c-93e8-951c186362a3
:END:
Due to the unique way =vc-annotate= (=C-x v g=) applies colors, support for
its background mode (=vc-annotate-background-mode=) is disabled at the
theme level.
Normally, such a drastic measure should not belong in a theme: assuming
the user's preferences is bad practice. However, it has been deemed
necessary in the interest of preserving color contrast accessibility
while still supporting a useful built-in tool.
If there actually is a way to avoid such a course of action, without
prejudice to the accessibility standard of this project, then please
report as much or send patches (see [[#h:9c3cd842-14b7-44d7-84b2-a5c8bc3fc3b1][Contributing]]).
* Contributing
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:9c3cd842-14b7-44d7-84b2-a5c8bc3fc3b1
:END:
This section documents the canonical sources of the themes and the ways
in which you can contribute to their ongoing development.
** Sources of the themes
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:89504f1c-c9a1-4bd9-ab39-78fd0eddb47c
:END:
The =modus-operandi= and =modus-vivendi= themes are built into Emacs.
Currently they are in the project's =master= branch, which is tracking the
next development release target.
The source code of the themes is [[https://gitlab.com/protesilaos/modus-themes/][available on Gitlab]], for the time
being. A [[https://github.com/protesilaos/modus-themes/][mirror on Github]] is also on offer.
An HTML version of this manual is available as an extension to the
[[https://protesilaos.com/modus-themes/][author's personal website]] (does not rely on any non-free code).
** Issues you can help with
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:6536c8d5-3f98-43ab-a787-b94120e735e8
:END:
A few tasks you can help with:
+ Suggest refinements to packages that are covered.
+ Report packages not covered thus far.
+ Report bugs, inconsistencies, shortcomings.
+ Help expand the documentation of covered-but-not-styled packages.
+ Suggest refinements to the color palette.
+ Help expand this document or any other piece of documentation.
+ Merge requests for code refinements.
[[#h:111773e2-f26f-4b68-8c4f-9794ca6b9633][Patches require copyright assignment to the FSF]].
It would be great if your feedback also includes some screenshots, GIFs,
or short videos, as well as further instructions to reproduce a given
setup. Though this is not a requirement.
Whatever you do, bear in mind the overarching objective of the Modus
themes: to keep a contrast ratio that is greater or equal to 7:1 between
background and foreground colors. If a compromise is ever necessary
between aesthetics and accessibility, it shall always be made in the
interest of the latter.
** Patches require copyright assignment to the FSF
:PROPERTIES:
:ALT_TITLE: Merge requests
:DESCRIPTION: Legal considerations for code patches
:CUSTOM_ID: h:111773e2-f26f-4b68-8c4f-9794ca6b9633
:END:
Code contributions are most welcome. For any major edit (more than 15
lines, or so, in aggregate per person), you need to make a copyright
assignment to the Free Software Foundation. This is necessary because
the themes are part of the upstream Emacs distribution: the FSF must at
all times be in a position to enforce the GNU General Public License.
Copyright assignment is a simple process. Check the request form below
(please adapt it accordingly). You must write an email to the address
mentioned in the form and then wait for the FSF to send you a legal
agreement. Sign the document and file it back to them. This could all
happen via email and take about a week. You are encouraged to go
through this process. You only need to do it once. It will allow you
to make contributions to Emacs in general.
#+begin_example text
Please email the following information to assign@gnu.org, and we
will send you the assignment form for your past and future changes.
Please use your full legal name (in ASCII characters) as the subject
line of the message.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUEST: SEND FORM FOR PAST AND FUTURE CHANGES
[What is the name of the program or package you're contributing to?]
GNU Emacs
[Did you copy any files or text written by someone else in these changes?
Even if that material is free software, we need to know about it.]
Copied a few snippets from the same files I edited. Their author,
Protesilaos Stavrou, has already assigned copyright to the Free Software
Foundation.
[Do you have an employer who might have a basis to claim to own
your changes? Do you attend a school which might make such a claim?]
[For the copyright registration, what country are you a citizen of?]
[What year were you born?]
[Please write your email address here.]
[Please write your postal address here.]
[Which files have you changed so far, and which new files have you written
so far?]
Changed a couple of themes that are part of the Emacs source code:
./etc/themes/modus-operandi-theme.el
./etc/themes/modus-vivendi-theme.el
#+end_example
* Acknowledgements
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:95c3da23-217f-404e-b5f3-56c75760ebcf
:END:
The Modus themes are a collective effort. Every contribution counts.
+ Author/maintainer :: Protesilaos Stavrou.
+ Contributions to code or documentation :: Anders Johansson, Basil
L. Contovounesios, Eli Zaretskii, Madhavan Krishnan, Markus Beppler,
Matthew Stevenson, Shreyas Ragavan, Stefan Kangas, Vincent Murphy.
+ Ideas and user feedback :: Aaron Jensen, Adam Spiers, Alex Griffin,
Alex Peitsinis, Alexey Shmalko, Anders Johansson, André Alexandre
Gomes, Arif Rezai, Basil L. Contovounesios, Damien Cassou, Dario
Gjorgjevski, David Edmondson, Davor Rotim, Divan Santana, Gerry
Agbobada, Gianluca Recchia, Ilja Kocken, Iris Garcia, Len Trigg,
Manuel Uberti, Mark Burton, Markus Beppler, Michael Goldenberg, Murilo
Pereira, Nicolas De Jaeghere, Paul Poloskov, Pierre Téchoueyres, Roman
Rudakov, Ryan Phillips, Shreyas Ragavan, Simon Pugnet, Tassilo Horn,
Thibaut Verron, Trey Merkley, Togan Muftuoglu, Uri Sharf, Utkarsh
Singh, Vincent Foley. As well as users: Ben, Eugene, Fourchaux,
Fredrik, Moesasji, Nick, TheBlob42, bepolymathe, dinko, doolio,
jixiuf, okamsn, tycho garen.
+ Packaging :: Dhavan Vaidya (Debian), Stefan Kangas (core Emacs),
Stefan Monnier (GNU Elpa).
+ Inspiration for certain features :: Bozhidar Batsov (zenburn-theme),
Fabrice Niessen (leuven-theme).
* Meta
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:13752581-4378-478c-af17-165b6e76bc1b
:END:
If you are curious about the principles that govern the development of
this project read the essay [[https://protesilaos.com/codelog/2020-03-17-design-modus-themes-emacs/][On the design of the Modus themes]]
(2020-03-17).
Here are some more publications for those interested in the kind of work
that goes into this project (sometimes the commits also include details
of this sort):
+ [[https://protesilaos.com/codelog/2020-05-10-modus-operandi-palette-review/][Modus Operandi theme subtle palette review]] (2020-05-10)
+ [[https://protesilaos.com/codelog/2020-06-13-modus-vivendi-palette-review/][Modus Vivendi theme subtle palette review]] (2020-06-13)
+ [[https://protesilaos.com/codelog/2020-07-04-modus-themes-faint-colours/][Modus themes: new "faint syntax" option]] (2020-07-04)
+ [[https://protesilaos.com/codelog/2020-07-08-modus-themes-nuanced-colours/][Modus themes: major review of "nuanced" colours]] (2020-07-08)
+ [[https://protesilaos.com/codelog/2020-09-14-modus-themes-review-blues/][Modus themes: review of blue colours]] (2020-09-14)
And here are the canonical sources for this project's documentation:
+ Manual ::
+ Change Log ::
+ Screenshots ::
* External projects (ports)
:PROPERTIES:
:CUSTOM_ID: h:21adb7c8-2208-41e8-803c-052e42e2c05d
:END:
The present section documents projects that extend the scope of the
Modus themes. The following list will be updated whenever relevant
information is brought to my attention. If you already have or intend
to produce such a port, feel welcome [[https://protesilaos.com/contact][to contact me]].
+ Modus exporter :: This is [[https://github.com/polaris64/modus-exporter][an Elisp library written by Simon Pugnet]].
Licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License. It is
meant to capture the color values of the active Modus theme (Operandi
or Vivendi) and output it as a valid theme for some other application.
* GNU Free Documentation License
:PROPERTIES:
:APPENDIX: t
:CUSTOM_ID: h:3077c3d2-7f90-4228-8f0a-73124f4026f6
:END:
#+texinfo: @include doclicense.texi