Code Tempest FX

Typing sparks, a glowing cursor, branching lightning and delete-to-burn effects for VS Code.

Code Tempest FX adds visual feedback to everyday editing. Start with basic decoration effects in your current editor, or open the experimental isolated visual mode for the full effect engine.

Tested on Windows x64 · VS Code 1.31 or later · Preview beta

Compatibility update — 0.1.4

The minimum VS Code version is now 1.31.0, including full visual mode. Both modes were tested on 1.31.0, 1.50.0, 1.70.0, 1.85.0 and 1.109.4, with the current 1.131.0 build covered separately. Version 1.30.0 did not pass and is not supported.

This update uses a universal JavaScript VSIX and the regular update channel so older VS Code clients can install it. It remains a preview beta; the experimental visual-mode limitations still apply. The tetherFx settings and existing extension identity are preserved.

Two visual modes

Installing the extension starts basic mode. For the full effects, run Code Tempest FX: Abrir beta visual aislada from the command palette. The command names and control panel are currently in Spanish.

The full visual mode copies your installed VS Code into the extension's local .runtime folder (approximately 1 GB on first launch), adds a drawing layer to that copy, and uses a separate user profile and extension directory. Your original installation files are preserved. Its first launch may take longer while the copy is prepared.

This mode uses renderer modifications outside the official extension API. Compatibility with future VS Code updates is experimental. Tests cover actual archived editor builds and their bundled Node/Chromium engines, including cursor detection, lightning, fire and space shake. The original VS Code application is not bundled with this extension.

Try it

1. Install the extension. Basic effects are enabled initially.
2. Open a text file and type to create sparks.
3. For the full visual mode, run Code Tempest FX: Abrir beta visual aislada.
4. In visual mode, press Enter for lightning, Space for a short editor shake, and delete text for fire.
5. Run Code Tempest FX: Abrir controles to adjust intensity, quality, individual effects and sound.

Ctrl+Alt+F9 toggles effects. Code Tempest FX: Reproducir demostración creates a new temporary document for an automatic demo; Esc stops it.

Space shake is controlled by the vibration setting. It activates for an individually inserted space, rather than a pasted block containing spaces. Sound is off initially and needs an editor interaction after enabling it.

The isolated visual window starts with its own profile. Use File → Open File / Open Folder to open your work there. Extensions from your normal profile are not automatically copied.

Languages and limits

The engine reacts to document edits rather than language syntax. Edit delivery has been tested with JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, C++, Java, HTML, CSS, JSON, Markdown and plain text.

This preview beta targets normal text editors and the primary cursor. Terminals, rendered previews, custom editors and notebook surfaces are not guaranteed. Multiline fire is an approximate band based on the deletion size and available space. Paste and automatic edits are aggregated events. Windows x64 is the tested system; other operating systems have not been validated for the full visual mode.

Quality presets limit particles per editor to 180 / 520 / 1000 and visual updates to 30 / 60 / 90 FPS. Effects can be paused at any time.

Privacy and diagnostics

The extension does not send document content to an external service. Its visual bridge listens only on 127.0.0.1, authenticates connections with a random session token, and sends edit counts and event types without the text being edited.

Diagnostics remain local in the output channel and the isolated runtime folder. tetherFx.debug controls debug logging. VS Code's own services and settings operate independently of this extension.

Credits and license

Inspired by the visual effects of Tether, by Zack Radisic. This is an independent implementation for VS Code, without affiliation or endorsement. No Tether code, video, images or audio is included.

• Tether, the original inspiration
• Power Mode, a reference for editor decorations

The extension is available under the MIT License. The bundled ws library retains its own MIT copyright and license notices. For support, use this extension's Marketplace Q&A and include the extension version, VS Code version and visual mode.

Español

Chispas al escribir, cursor luminoso, relámpagos y fuego al borrar. La instalación comienza en modo básico. Para todos los efectos, abre Code Tempest FX: Abrir beta visual aislada desde F1: prepara una copia local de VS Code con perfil propio (~1 GB la primera vez).

En ese modo, Enter dispara relámpagos, espacio sacude juntos código y efectos, y borrar texto produce fuego. Ctrl+Alt+F9 activa o pausa. El panel Abrir controles permite ajustar la intensidad y desactivar cada efecto.

El modo completo es experimental y modifica únicamente su copia local del editor. El mínimo es ahora VS Code 1.31.0: ambos modos pasaron las pruebas en 1.31.0, 1.50.0, 1.70.0, 1.85.0 y 1.109.4. La versión 1.30.0 no pasó y queda fuera del soporte. Se validó Windows x64; usa editores de texto normales y el cursor principal. Terminales, vistas previas y notebooks no están garantizados.

Inspirado en Tether, de Zack Radisic; implementación independiente sin afiliación. Licencia MIT. El contenido de tus documentos no se envía a un servicio externo.