How to change background color of XAML designer in vs2012?

I just try to view the result after XAML code in Designer. However, it's hard to recognize the black letters when I use a dark theme in vs2012.

My question is how to change designer background to white color without modifying the dark theme. Seems to change several options in tools?

Thanks

---

Please skim over all the answers. All have different approaches and it may be that the later ones will suit your needs better.

In VS 2013 you can change XAML designer background. Go to:

Tools -> Options -> Environment -> Fonts and Colors

In the combobox at the top of the panel, select:

Show settings for: XAML UI Designer

Then set:

Item foreground : white
Item background : white or very light grey (custom)

As of Visual Studio 2017 the XAML designer has a "Toggle artboard background" button, which has the effect of changing the transparent from a black checkerboard to a white checkerboard.

The benefit of this is there is no need to modify your XAML files.

Alternate approach that doesn't involve code:

1. Install the "Visual Studio Color Theme Editor" Extension

• VS 2013 "RC": http://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/9e08e5d3-6eb4-4e73-a045-6ea2a5cbdabe
• VS 2012 : http://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/366ad100-0003-4c9a-81a8-337d4e7ace05
• VS 2010 : http://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/20cd93a2-c435-4d00-a797-499f16402378

---

2. Create a new custom theme based on the one you want to modify. (2013-specific help image below)

3. Click the "Show All Elements" filter button in the upper-left of the theme editor

4. Type "artboard" in the search-box in the upper-right of the theme editor

5. Set the "Cider -> ArtboardBackground" color to a different color of your choice.

• VS2013 also introduces a second value "Cider -> ArtboardSecondaryBackground" to create a helpful checker-boarding effect.

6. Yay! :D

---

Note: The "Cider -> ArtboardBackground" color theme field is found in VS2012 but I cannot confirm whether it has the same name in VS2010.

Edits: Added link to VS2013 (thank you @treaschf for the note!) official extension, although I think its an "RC" version. Also, added handy pictures.

I've had the same problem and came across a very useful blog post which details how to use a trigger for a style in the App.xaml

<Style TargetType="{x:Type UserControl}">
    <Style.Triggers>
        <Trigger Property="ComponentModel:DesignerProperties.IsInDesignMode"
                 Value="true">
            <Setter Property="Background"
                    Value="White" />
        </Trigger>
    </Style.Triggers>
</Style>

http://caraulean.com/2012/visual-studio-2012-dark-theme-tip/