Show File Icons on GitHub in Chrome — Quick Setup Guide

Show File Icons on GitHub in Chrome — Quick Setup Guide

What it does

Adds file-type icons to GitHub’s repository file lists and code views in Chrome so you can quickly identify file types at a glance (e.g., .js, .py, .md, .svg). Improves repo navigation and visual scanning.

Common features

• File-type icons in repo file lists, tree views, and pull requests
• Icon themes (default, colorful, minimal)
• Option to show icons in code review diffs and file headers
• Toggle per-repo or globally; whitelist/blacklist sites
• Lightweight, low-performance impact; updates icon set automatically

Installation (Quick)

1. Open Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for a GitHub file icon extension (e.g., “GitHub File Icon”, “Octicons file icons”).
3. Click “Add to Chrome” → confirm “Add extension”.
4. Reload any open GitHub pages; icons appear automatically.

Configuration (Typical)

• Click the extension icon in Chrome toolbar → open settings.
• Choose an icon theme and enable areas (file lists, diffs, PRs).
• Optionally add repository or domain exceptions.
• Some extensions let you upload custom SVGs or map file extensions.

Privacy & Security

• Most extensions only modify page appearance in your browser.
• Check permissions before installing — avoid extensions requesting broad access unless necessary.
• Prefer open-source extensions with repository links and reviews.

Troubleshooting

• Icons not showing: reload page or disable other GitHub UI extensions.
• Conflicts: disable overlapping features (syntax or UI injectors).
• Still broken: try extension’s “Reset” or reinstall.

Alternatives

• Use user styles (Stylus) with a community CSS snippet.
• Install a broader GitHub UI enhancer extension with an icons option.