GIF Viewer
Bring your VS Code sidebar to life with animated GIFs. Pick a favorite, grab a random one, or let them cycle automatically while you code.
Modes
| Mode |
How it works |
| Manual |
Display a fixed GIF from any public URL |
| Random |
Click a button to load a new random GIF |
| Auto |
GIFs cycle automatically on a timer |
Quick Start
Manual — paste any GIF URL:
{
"gifViewer.mode": "manual",
"gifViewer.gifUrl": "https://example.com/my-gif.gif"
}
Random — set a tag and click the button in the panel:
{
"gifViewer.mode": "random",
"gifViewer.searchTag": "coding",
"gifViewer.apiKey": "your-klipy-key"
}
Auto — GIFs change on their own:
{
"gifViewer.mode": "auto",
"gifViewer.searchTag": "celebration",
"gifViewer.autoChangeInterval": 60,
"gifViewer.apiKey": "your-klipy-key"
}
You can also change the GIF at any time via Ctrl+Shift+P → GIF Viewer: Change GIF
Configuration
| Setting |
Type |
Default |
Description |
gifViewer.mode |
string |
"manual" |
Display mode: manual, random, or auto |
gifViewer.gifUrl |
string |
"" |
GIF URL (manual mode) |
gifViewer.width |
string |
"100%" |
GIF width (e.g. 100%, 250px) |
gifViewer.height |
string |
"150px" |
GIF height (e.g. 150px, auto) |
gifViewer.apiKey |
string |
"" |
Klipy API Key (required for random and auto modes) |
gifViewer.searchTag |
string |
"celebration" |
Tag used to search GIFs |
gifViewer.autoChangeInterval |
number |
30 |
Seconds between changes (auto mode, min: 5) |
coding · programming · cat · dog · celebration · motivation · funny · space · pixel-art · win
Troubleshooting
GIF not showing
- Check that the URL is publicly accessible
- In random/auto mode, verify your internet connection
- Try reloading VS Code:
Ctrl+Shift+P → Reload Window
Random/Auto fails to load
- Make sure
gifViewer.apiKey is set in your settings
- Try a broader tag like
cat or leave it empty to use trending GIFs
- Open the Developer Tools console for detailed error messages
Buttons not visible
- The Random and Auto buttons only appear in
random and auto modes
Getting a Klipy API Key
GIF Viewer uses the Klipy API — free and unlimited after a simple approval.
- Sign up at klipy.com/migrate
- Create an app in the Partner Panel
- Start with the test key right away (100 req/min)
- Request a production key for unlimited access (approved in 24–48h)
- Add it to your settings:
{ "gifViewer.apiKey": "your-klipy-app-key" }
License
MIT
