Quick Look-based previews
CodeLook is built as a Quick Look extension for macOS, so it is designed to preview code files quickly instead of opening them in a separate editor window.
CodeLook
CodeLook is a macOS Quick Look extension for previewing code files with Tree-sitter syntax highlighting and 700+ themes. It is designed for local, privacy-preserving file previews without opening a full editor.
What CodeLook is
CodeLook is a macOS Quick Look extension for previewing code files without opening a full editor. It is positioned for users who want fast file inspection from Finder or other macOS preview surfaces, while keeping the preview readable and familiar.
The product emphasizes visual matching with text editors through 700+ themes, Tree-sitter-based syntax highlighting, and optional wrap and line number settings. The privacy policy states that files are processed locally on the Mac and that CodeLook does not collect, store, or transmit personal data.
Core capabilities
Tree-sitter syntax highlighting
The homepage says syntax highlighting is powered by Tree-sitter, and the licenses page lists Tree-sitter plus several Tree-sitter grammars used by the app.
Editor-like theming
CodeLook includes a large theme catalog and says previews can match text editors visually, with colors applied to the background, gutter, line numbers, separator, and text.
Wrap and line number options
The homepage notes optional wrap and line number settings, giving users a way to adjust how code is displayed in the preview.
Local-only file handling
The privacy policy says files are read locally on the Mac to render the preview and are never uploaded or transmitted.
On-demand theme downloads
Theme browsing and installation use Zed’s public extension registry API to fetch theme definitions and theme files on demand.
Common use cases
Fast file inspection
Review a source file, config, or snippet from Finder without opening a code editor, useful when you only need a quick read.
Editor-style visual preview
Check how a file will look under a familiar editor theme before switching back to your main coding environment.
Readable long-form previews
Scan a long code file more comfortably by enabling wrap or adding line numbers in the preview.
Local-only viewing
Browse local code files with a privacy-sensitive workflow where files stay on the Mac instead of being uploaded.
Syntax-highlighted language review
Preview files from languages covered by the Tree-sitter grammars listed on the licenses page, such as Bash, C, C++, CSS, Go, JavaScript, JSON, Markdown, Python, Ruby, Rust, Swift, TypeScript, and YAML.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Designed as a Quick Look extension, which fits a lightweight preview workflow on macOS.
- Uses Tree-sitter for syntax highlighting, with multiple grammars listed in the licenses page.
- Offers 700+ themes and applies theme colors to more than just text, including the background, gutter, line numbers, and separator.
- Provides optional wrap and line number settings for preview formatting.
- The privacy policy says code files are read locally and personal data is not collected, stored, or transmitted.
Cons
- The reviewed pages do not list supported file types or system requirements.
- The pricing page was unavailable, so pricing details beyond the one-time purchase claim could not be verified from a dedicated pricing page.
- Theme downloads rely on Zed’s public extension registry, so browsing themes requires contacting an external service for catalog and theme files.
FAQ
How does CodeLook fit into a normal macOS workflow?
CodeLook is a macOS Quick Look extension. You use it from Finder or any place macOS Quick Look is available to preview code files without opening them in a full editor.
How does CodeLook handle syntax highlighting and themes?
The site says CodeLook previews code files with Tree-sitter-based syntax highlighting and supports 700+ themes that match text editors. Its theme catalog is fetched from Zed’s public extension registry, and theme files are downloaded on demand.
Does CodeLook send previewed files or user data to a server?
The privacy policy says CodeLook does not collect, store, or transmit personal data, and files are read locally on your Mac to render the preview.
What system requirements or file types are supported?
The available source material does not list supported file types, system requirements, or installation steps. The homepage and licenses page indicate it is a macOS Quick Look extension, but more setup details are not provided on the pages reviewed.
Is CodeLook subscription-based?
The pricing page at /pricing returned a 404, while the homepage and meta description describe CodeLook as a one-time purchase. No additional pricing tiers or refund terms were available in the reviewed pages.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer Tool
- Platform
- macOS
- Product type
- Quick Look extension
- Primary use
- Preview code files instantly
- Theming
- 700+ themes
- Privacy
- No personal data collected, stored, or transmitted
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