This extension provides syntax highlighting for the Journal writing format — a simple, indentation-based structure I use for daily journaling.
Features
Syntax highlighting based on indentation levels in .journal files:
0 tabs: Datestamp header (format: yyyymmdd-w, where w is the ISO weekday 1–7)
1 tab: One-character header, typically a numeral
2 tab: A ten-character topic header
3 tabs: A one-hundred-character “headline”
4 tabs: Longer passage of text (the main reflection/expansion)
Any other text: Default highlighting
*asterisks* → italicised text
Optional experimental zero-gap italics viewer (not recommended for editing)
Usage
Create a file with the .journal extension.
Write entries using consistent indentation.
The extension automatically applies highlighting.
Example
20251001-3
1
My project
Today I had some time to think about where my project is going and how the structure is progressing.
Today I had some time to think carefully about where my project is going and how the structure of my work has been evolving over the past few weeks. The new elements I’ve added are useful, but they also highlight some weaknesses in the earlier sections. It’s encouraging to notice improvements while also being honest about flaws. I’m hoping that by tracking progress this way, I can stay accountable to myself and see both the highlights and the gaps more clearly as the journal develops further over time. I do not expect that most people will want to use it. Still, it helps me stay present with my thoughts, to slow down and capture the quiet shifts in energy or focus that happen day to day. Sometimes the act of writing the datestamp alone feels like a small ritual — a way to mark the passing of time without letting it slip away unnoticed. The indentation levels give the entries a gentle hierarchy, like layers of reflection building on each other. Am curious to see how the format holds up.
Feedback & Questions
If you have questions about using this extension (not bug reports), feel free to reach out:
📧 geoff.hacker@gmail.com
