How to Set and Use Connection Categories with Color Coding in Toad Data Point (4380918)

When working with multiple connections in Toad Data Point, it can be difficult to keep track of which window or tab is connected to which environment (Dev, QA, Prod, etc.). Users may inadvertently run queries against the wrong database if they misidentify a tab. Without a visual cue, confusion and mistakes are more likely.

The Toad Data Point user needs a way to quickly glance and know which connection they're using in each editor, object explorer, or window.

By default, Toad Data Point does not impose a visual distinction for connections. All connections look the same unless you assign a category. The lack of color or categorization means users must rely solely on name or context, which is error-prone when juggling many simultaneous sessions.

The feature to set connection categories (with name + color) is what provides the visual differentiation. It must be explicitly configured per connection (or via right-click) and optionally enabled in the Object Explorer settings. This feature is documented in the Toad Data Point installation guide. view1

Follow the steps below to configure and enable connection color categories in Toad Data Point.

Step 1 – Open the Connection Properties

1. Open Toad Data Point.
2. In the Connection Manager, either:
   • Create a new connection, or
   • Right-click an existing connection and choose Properties.
3. In the Category field:
   • Select an existing category, or
   • Click New Category to create one.

Step 2 – Create or Edit a Connection Category

1. Enter a Category Name (e.g., Production, Test, Development).
2. Choose a Color that represents that environment (for example, red for Production, green for Development).
3. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 3 – Enable Category Colors in Object Explorer

1. Go to Tools → Options → Database → General.
2. Enable the option “Show connection category color in Object Explorer”.
3. Click OK to apply.

Step 4 – Verify the Color Coding

• Each open Editor tab will display a border, highlight, or color dot based on its assigned category.

• The Object Explorer and other panels connected to that database will also display the color indicator.

• Hovering over a tab shows a tooltip with the category name.

Additional Notes

• Use consistent color logic across teams (e.g., Red = Production, Yellow = QA, Green = Development).
• If migrating to a new machine or upgrading Toad, verify that Object Explorer color propagation remains enabled, as settings may not always carry over.
• This feature applies to all connection types supported by Toad Data Point.
• Reference: Quest Toad Data Point Installation Guide – Set Connection Categories