The color scheme of a trading terminal is a factor that many traders underestimate. However, the psychology of color perception directly affects the level of concentration, reaction speed, emotional state, and, as a result, the quality of decisions made. This is especially critical for intraday trading and scalping, where the strain on the eyes and nervous system is at its maximum.
Pros and Cons of Light, Dark, Neutral Themes
Light Theme
Advantages:
- Easy to read in natural daylight.
- Suitable for those who are used to the classic “paper” style of displaying information.
- It can create a feeling of “simplicity” and transparency of the chart.
Disadvantages:
- Prolonged work on a light background tires the eyes, especially in the evening.
- Sharp contrasting candles (e.g., bright green and red) on a white background increase emotional stress and can provoke impulsive decisions.
- Quickly tires the eyes on mobile devices.
Please note: A light theme may be appropriate for short analyses during the day, but not for long intraday sessions.
Dark Theme
Advantages:
- Less strain on the eyes during long periods of work, especially in the evening and at night.
- Reduces “visual noise” and allows you to focus on price movements.
- Saves battery life on mobile devices (OLED/AMOLED screens).
Disadvantages:
- With high contrast (bright red/green candles on a black background), the chart can look aggressive, increasing stress.
- In daylight, the dark theme is harder to read, especially on screens with low brightness.
Please note: A dark theme is the most convenient option for scalpers and active intraday traders, especially on desktops and mobile devices in low-light conditions.
Neutral (Gray, Graphite) Theme
Advantages:
- Optimal balance, as the background neither blinds nor “extinguishes” the candles.
- Reduces the emotional perception of red/green colors, allowing you to focus on price structure rather than emotions.
- Well-suited for long periods of work, both during the day and in the evening.
Disadvantages:
- It may seem less “lively” and take some getting used to.
- Sometimes looks less contrasting on mobile devices.
Please note: For most traders, a neutral theme is the golden mean. It is the optimal choice for a desktop during long trading sessions.
Candlestick and Bar Colors: Contrast or Neutrality?
Contrasting candlesticks (bright green/red): enhance the perception of profits and losses, but can provoke emotional decisions and accelerate fatigue.
Subdued shades (pastel green/red or blue/orange): reduce emotional pressure and allow you to focus on patterns rather than the “alarm signal” from the color.
As a result, for scalping and intraday trading, it is better to use calmer, muted candle colors.
Desktop vs. Mobile App
Desktop: a neutral or dark gray theme is optimal. The screen is larger, causing less strain on the eyes, and long-term use is important.
Mobile app: a dark theme with soft contrast is preferable. The screen is small, and your eyes tire more quickly, especially outdoors or in low light.
Impact on Trading Decisions
The color scheme of a chart is not just a matter of aesthetics. It has a direct impact on the trader’s psyche:
- Light and contrasting themes can increase impulsiveness.
- Dark and neutral themes help maintain calm and composure.
- Restrained candles reduce emotional background and allow for more rational thinking.
Simple Tips & Key Principles
Background:
- Avoid pure white (too bright) and pure black (too sharp contrast).
- The best option is shades of gray or graphite.
Candles:
- Use muted shades rather than aggressively bright ones.
- For long periods of work, medium saturation green and red are best.
- You can replace red/green with more neutral pairs: blue/orange or light blue/purple — this reduces emotional stress.
Balance:
- For scalping, speed of perception is important, but without overloading the eyes.
- The contrast should be sufficient for clear reading, but not glaring.
Recommended Color Schemes for Traders
| Device / Time | Background color | Candlestick color (bullish) | Candlestick color (bearish) | Comment |
| Desktop (day) | Light gray / graphite
|
Calm green (pastel) | Calm red (burgundy, dark orange) | A neutral theme reduces eye strain and is easier to read in daylight than a pure black background. |
| Desktop (evening/night) | Dark gray / anthracite | Soft green (non-acidic) | Soft red (terracotta, brick) | During long sessions, your eyes get less tired and your mind is calmer. |
| Mobile (day) | Dark gray/graphite | Brighter green, but not acidic | Bright burgundy, slightly darkened | A small screen requires a little more contrast so you don’t have to strain your eyes. |
| Mobile (evening/night) | Almost black | Calm green (olive/muted) | Muted red (brown-red) | A dark theme is comfortable for the eyes and saves the battery of OLED screens. |
Palettes for Trader Charts
Try using the next palettes if you want to: minimize eye strain, remove “loud” tones, and maintain readability under different lighting conditions.
- Dark theme (evening, scalping, mobile devices)
Background: #1E1E1E (dark gray, not pure black)
Up candle (bullish): #4CAF50 (muted green)Down candle (bearish): #E57373 (soft red, not toxic)
Alternative for a calmer perception:
Up: #6FBF73 (olive green)
Down: #D97B6C (terracotta)
- Light theme (day trading, short sessions)
Background: #F5F5F5 (light gray, not pure white)
Up candle: #388E3C (dark green, easy to read)Down candle: #D32F2F (deep red, but not acidic)
Alternative for a less aggressive perception:
Up: #4C9A2A (green with a gray undertone)
Down: #B53C3C (burgundy red)
- Neutral theme (universal, desktop, long-term work)
Background: #2E2E2E (graphite)
Up candle: #81C784 (light green, pastel)Down candle: #E57373 (soft red)
Alternative with less emotional colors (blue/orange):
Up: #64B5F6 (calm blue)
Down: #FFB74D (warm orange)
Blue Light and Trading Glasses
During intraday trading, traders spend many hours staring at a monitor or smartphone screen. Modern displays emit a significant amount of blue light, which increases eye strain, can cause dryness and fatigue, and disrupt circadian rhythms, impairing sleep. This is especially critical for those who trade in the evening or at night.
There are two approaches to reducing this effect:
- Software blue light filters (Night Shift mode, Eye Saver Mode, and similar). They make the image slightly warmer, reducing eye strain.
- Blue light filter glasses. These can be useful for those who work on multiple monitors for 6–10 hours a day, especially if trading takes place in the evening. Such glasses reduce eye fatigue and help maintain concentration for longer.
For intraday trading and scalping, this is not a “must-have tool,” but for comfort and long-term vision protection, blue light filters (built into the screen or glasses) are a good addition to a properly selected color theme for charts.