Animated selection focus
Adds a configurable animated border and glow around single- or multi-line code selections while retaining the editor’s standard selection behavior.
CodeSpotlight
CodeSpotlight is a JetBrains IDE plugin that adds configurable animated borders, glows, and other visual effects around selected code without modifying source files. It helps developers make selections easier to follow during tutorials, presentations, recordings, reviews, and daily editing.
Overview
CodeSpotlight is an IntelliJ IDEA and Android Studio plugin that turns ordinary code selection into a configurable animated visual focus. It draws effects such as glowing borders, moving lights, and smooth transitions around selected code, including multi-line selections, without changing the underlying source code.
The plugin is configured from IntelliJ IDEA’s Settings under Tools → Animated Selection (CodeSpotlight). Users can enable the effect, select an animation mode, set colors, and tune visual parameters while continuing to use the editor’s native selection and editing behavior. A Free tier provides core effects, while Pro expands the animation, color, trail, preset, and focus options.
Key features
Multiple animation modes
Choose among Traveling Border, Pulse, Breathing Glow, Static Glow, and Pro animation modes including Travel + Pulse, Energy Sweep, Aurora, and Orbit.
Detailed visual controls
Adjust animation speed, glow intensity, border thickness, glow radius, corner radius, animation FPS, moving-light segments, and light trails from IntelliJ IDEA settings.
Color customization
Use built-in color presets in Free, or define custom primary and secondary colors with Pro.
Saved presets
Save up to two configurations in Free or unlimited presets in Pro for switching between visual setups.
Focus Mode and editor theme
Pro includes Focus Mode, while the plugin also offers optional CodeSpotlight Dark color-scheme integration.
Use cases
Technical tutorials
Use an animated border or glow to keep the active selection visually distinct while walking through code in a technical tutorial or classroom-style explanation.
Screen recordings and live coding
Make the selected block easier for viewers to follow in screen recordings and live coding sessions without altering the project files.
Demos and code reviews
Direct attention to the relevant lines during code demonstrations, presentations, or review discussions while retaining normal editor interaction.
Daily editor work
Apply a consistent visual treatment to selected code during everyday development when large or multi-line selections are difficult to track.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works without modifying source files.
- Configured directly inside IntelliJ IDEA settings.
- Supports multi-line selections and preserves normal selection and editing behavior.
- Provides separate Free and Pro capability levels, including saved presets and advanced visual controls.
Cons
- Some animation modes, customization options, and Focus Mode require a Pro subscription.
- The visual effect is designed for JetBrains IDE workflows; the supplied information does not establish support for other editors.
FAQ
How do I set up CodeSpotlight?
In IntelliJ IDEA, open Settings, go to Tools → Animated Selection (CodeSpotlight), enable animated selection, choose an animation mode and colors, adjust the available visual parameters, then select code in the editor.
Does CodeSpotlight change my source code or editor behavior?
No. CodeSpotlight adds a visual focus layer around selected code while preserving IntelliJ IDEA’s normal selection and editing behavior. It does not modify source files.
Which IDEs support CodeSpotlight?
The plugin is compatible with IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio, and 13 more JetBrains IDEs according to its Marketplace listing.
Is CodeSpotlight available as a trial or subscription?
Yes. The Marketplace pricing page offers a 30-day trial for individual use. It also lists monthly and yearly subscriptions; the displayed United States prices are $2.00 monthly and $20.00 yearly, with a perpetual fallback license after 12 uninterrupted monthly payments and for all yearly subscriptions.
What is included in Free and Pro?
The free tier includes animated selection highlighting, four animation modes, built-in color presets, one moving-light segment, standard light-trail controls, core visual controls, up to two saved presets, and optional CodeSpotlight Dark color-scheme integration. Pro adds further modes, custom colors, additional moving-light segments, advanced trail controls, unlimited presets, and Focus Mode.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer Tool; Code Editing; Productivity
- Platforms
- IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio, and 13 more JetBrains IDEs
- Plugin ID
- com.glowselect.animated-selection
- Vendor
- CodeSpotlight
- Pricing
- Free tier with paid Pro features; 30-day individual trial listed
- Configuration
- IntelliJ IDEA Settings → Tools → Animated Selection (CodeSpotlight)
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