Achieve a Glow Effect in VS Code
Tags: vscode, vscodetheme, extensions
Published: 2023-06-18 18:02:23

In this blog post, we will explore how we can achieve a captivating glowy effect in VSCode with the help of the Custom CSS and JS Loader extension. Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to create a unique and visually appealing coding environment!


![meme](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/g6qej8eub90vp9rzj7u6.png)


## 1️⃣ Installing the Custom CSS and JS Loader Extension

To get started, we need to install the **Custom CSS and JS Loader** extension from the Visual Studio Code Marketplace. This powerful extension allows you to inject custom CSS and JS styles into your editor, giving you full control over the appearance of your coding environment.


## 2️⃣Enabling Custom CSS in VSCode

Once the extension is installed, open your VSCode and access your User Settings JSON by pressing `Ctrl+Shift+P` and selecting `Open User Settings (JSON)`. In the JSON file, add the following code snippet to enable custom CSS:

```json
"vscode_custom_css.imports": [
    "file:///C:/path-to/custom.css"
]
```

Note: Remember to replace "C:/path-to/custom.css" with the actual file path where you will store your custom CSS file. Refer to [documentation](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=be5invis.vscode-custom-css), if settings have changed.

* **Windows File URL Example**: `file:///C:/Users/MyUserName/Documents/custom.css`
    
    * The `C:/` part is **REQUIRED.**
        
* **MacOS and Linux File URL Example**: `file:///Users/MyUserName/Documents/custom.css`
    


## 3️⃣Adding the Glowy Effect CSS

To achieve the captivating glowy effect, we can utilize an existing [CSS file](https://github.com/robb0wen/synthwave-vscode/blob/master/synthwave84.css) created by [Robb Owen](https://twitter.com/Robb0wen). Simply copy the content of the CSS file and paste it into your custom CSS file.


## 4️⃣ (Optional): Customizing the Glow Effect

I am using the [Moonlight theme](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=atomiks.moonlight) along with custom CSS.

If you want to take your customization further, here are some optional steps to consider :

⭕ Toggle developer mode in VSCode by pressing `Ctrl+Shift+P` and selecting `Toggle Developer Tools`. This allows you to inspect the elements of the files you have opened in your VS Code.


![open developer tools](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/whg7cot3mbikn7qel7hk.gif)

⭕ Identify the CSS class used for the specific element you want to modify. In most cases, it will fall within the range of `.mtk1` to `.mtk14`.

⭕ Experiment with additional changes like changing the background image, using gradients, or adding images to your VSCode editor using CSS. You can find inspiration in this [custom CSS file](https://github.com/arindam1997007/Useful_Resources/blob/main/VSCode/Custom%20CSS%20and%20JS%20Loader/glowyEffect.css) that includes the glowy effect.



## 5️⃣ Restarting and Activating Custom CSS in VSCode

### Windows users

In Windows, make sure you run your Visual Studio Code in Administrator mode before enabling or disabling your custom style!

### Mac and Linux users

```sh
sudo chown -R $(whoami) $(which code)
sudo chown -R $(whoami) /usr/share/code
```

In case of issues, do check the [documentation](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=be5invis.vscode-custom-css).

Next, press `Ctrl+Shift+P` and activate the command `Enable Custom CSS and JS` from the command palette.



## Final Result



![final result](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pl5i96w0jppy5syzvdwv.jpg)

Restart your VSCode editor, and witness the stunning glowy effect come to life! The unique and captivating style of your customized VSCode environment will make coding even more enjoyable and visually appealing.