Guide · Open source
How to use Refined GitHub: install and key features
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Refined GitHub is a browser extension that changes how GitHub looks and works in your browser. It hides some clutter, fixes annoyances and adds small features such as visible whitespace characters and pull request base-commit information. This guide shows you how to install it, what it changes and how to use its main features.
Refined GitHubrefined-github/refined-github · ★ 32.4k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Pick your browser store. Open the Chrome Web Store, Mozilla Add-ons or the Mac App Store, depending on your browser.
- 2Install the extension. Follow the store's install button and confirm any permission prompt.
- 3Open GitHub. Visit a repository, branch, issue or pull request to see the changes.
- 4Try a branch page feature. Open a branch page to find the delete branch and open PR in one click buttons.
- 5Try a PR feature. Open a pull request and look for whitespace visibility and base-commit information.
- 6Enable Enterprise if needed. If you use GitHub Enterprise, follow the enablement guide linked in the README.
Install Refined GitHub in your browser
Refined GitHub is distributed as a browser extension through each browser's official store. Choose the link that matches your browser. The README lists Chrome and other Chromium browsers, Firefox including Firefox Android, and Safari on Mac, iOS and iPadOS.
- Chrome and Chromium browsers: install from the Chrome Web Store
- Firefox, including Firefox Android: install from Mozilla Add-ons
- Safari on Mac, iOS and iPadOS: install from the Mac App Store
Check what the extension changes on GitHub
After installation, GitHub pages are modified by the extension. The changes are the reason people use it, but they also mean GitHub will not look exactly as it does by default. If you want the standard interface, you may prefer not to use it.
- Hides some clutter and fixes annoyances in the interface
- Adds features on repository, branch, issue and pull request pages
- Works on GitHub Enterprise too, using the enablement guide linked in the README
Use the main features on pull requests and issues
Several features target everyday code review. The highlights in the README cover whitespace visibility, how far a pull request is behind its base, and filtering activity in conversations.
- Makes whitespace characters visible in code
- Shows how far a PR head branch is behind, and its base commit
- Lets you hide every event except comments or unresolved comments in issues and PRs
- Lets you subscribe to opening and closing events of an issue in one click
- Adds a button to discard all changes to a file in a PR
- Lets you select notifications by type and status
Use the repository and branch shortcuts
Repository and branch pages get extra buttons that save clicks for maintainers who manage many repositories. Some actions are deliberately guarded or made faster, so read the feature description before relying on it.
- Adds a button to delete the current branch on the branch page
- Lets you open a PR in one click from the branch page
- Adds a link to the default branch on directory listings and files
- Adds stars, CI, fork and private status to the repository header
- Displays the age of the repository in the sidebar
- Simplifies repository deletion, including a shift-alt click that deletes repos in two clicks
Understand the project's independence
Refined GitHub is an independent project. The README states that the GITHUB and REFINED GITHUB trademarks are owned by GitHub, Inc. and used under license. The maintainer hopes GitHub will adopt some of the improvements, and the README suggests opening a discussion on GitHub feedback or contacting GitHub support if you want a change made official.
What people use it for
- Reviewing pull requests with visible whitespace and base-commit information
- Deleting or opening a PR from a branch page in fewer clicks
- Filtering issue activity to comments only while triaging
- Keeping track of many repositories with quicker repo header and sidebar details
- Using similar tweaks on GitHub Enterprise and across Chrome, Firefox and Safari
Frequently asked questions
Is Refined GitHub free?
The README names an MIT licence for the project. It lists the browser store links for installation but does not state prices, so check each store page for its own terms.
What browsers does Refined GitHub support?
The README names Chrome and other Chromium browsers, Firefox including Firefox Android, and Safari on Mac, iOS and iPadOS. Browsers not listed in the README are not covered by this guide.
Does Refined GitHub work with GitHub Enterprise?
Yes, the README says GitHub Enterprise is supported and links to a guide on how to enable it. Follow that guide to set it up.
Is Refined GitHub official?
No. The README says the project is independent and that the GITHUB and REFINED GITHUB trademarks are owned by GitHub, Inc. and used under license.
What are alternatives to Refined GitHub?
The README lists comparable projects: the Sourcegraph browser extension, OctoLinker and Github-Notifier. They serve different needs, so compare their feature lists against what you want.
Why does GitHub look different after installing it?
The extension changes the GitHub interface by hiding some clutter and adding features. If you want GitHub exactly as it is by default, this extension is not a good fit.
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Our verdict
Refined GitHub suits developers, maintainers and GitHub Enterprise users who spend a lot of time on GitHub and want fewer annoyances and quicker actions. If you need GitHub unchanged or an official, GitHub-supported product, pick something else, such as one of the comparable projects listed in the README.
Install options & downloads