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Official Turn Off the Lights Blog

🏆 Best Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024 + Celebrating 15 Years of Turn Off the Lights

Posted on by Stefan Van Damme

This year marks a monumental milestone for Turn Off the Lights, the beloved Chrome extension that has transformed online video viewing for millions of users. For 15 years, Turn Off the Lights has enhanced the browsing experience by offering a simple yet powerful way to focus on videos and reduce eye strain, all with a single click. And as we celebrate this remarkable anniversary, it is truly heartwarming to announce that Turn Off the Lights has been crowned by Google as the Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024. This recognition underscores the extension’s enduring impact and the trust of its global user base.

A Humble Beginning, A Revolutionary Idea

The journey of Turn Off the Lights began in 2009 with a clear mission: to create a distraction-free viewing experience. The idea was simple—dim the rest of the screen while highlighting the video player for all websites. This innovation quickly struck a chord with users, especially as online video consumption was beginning to skyrocket.

Over the years, the extension has grown in functionality, catering to evolving user needs and technological advancements. What started as a basic dimming feature now includes options like customizable background, Night Mode, Atmosphere Lighting, and support for nearly every major web browser. Yet, at its core, the mission has remained unchanged: “It is our job to assertively maintain mission-critical benefits as well as continue to completely embrace multimedia based materials”.

Why Users Love Turn Off the Lights

The extension’s appeal lies in its simplicity, reliability, and customizability. With over 2 million users worldwide for only Google Chrome and an average rating of 4.6 stars, it is clear that Turn Off the Lights has earned its place in the hearts of its community. Here’s why users love it:

  1. Enhanced Video Watching: Whether you are streaming your favorite show or catching up on YouTube tutorials, Turn Off the Lights dims the distractions, helping you stay focused on the content.
  2. Eye Comfort and Health: Prolonged screen time is taxing on the eyes. Features like Night Mode and the ability to adjust the brightness provide much-needed relief, especially during late-night browsing.
  3. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Turn Off the Lights supports multiple languages, ensuring a seamless experience for users across the globe. Its accessibility features make it a valuable tool for individuals with visual impairments.
  4. Trust and Security: Unlike many extensions, Turn Off the Lights prioritizes user privacy. It does not collect personal data, giving users peace of mind while they browse.

Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024 – Thanks to You!

This year’s recognition as the Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024 Extension is not just a badge of honor for the development team but a testament to the unwavering support of its users. The extension has thrived because of your feedback, reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Every update, feature, and improvement is inspired by your input.

Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024
Chrome Web Store Favorites of 2024

It is part of many collections such as the best Dark Mode tool, and Transform YouTube.

Eclipse your screen collection
Eclipse your screen collection
Transform YouTube collection
Transform YouTube collection

Sustaining the Vision: Your Donations Matter

Turn Off the Lights has always been free to use, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can benefit from its features. However, maintaining and improving the extension takes time, resources, and commitment. As we celebrate 15 incredible years, we invite you to consider supporting the project financially.

Your donations directly contribute to:

  • Ongoing Development: New features, improved performance, and compatibility with future web technologies.
  • Enhanced Support: Ensuring users receive timely help and updates.
  • Accessibility Initiatives: Making the extension even more inclusive for all.

Every dollar helps sustain this mission. By donating, you become a vital part of this journey, ensuring that Turn Off the Lights continues to shine for years to come.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To our loyal users, thank you for making Turn Off the Lights a household name in the world of browser extensions. Your trust, feedback, and enthusiasm drive everything we do. Let us continue this incredible journey together.

Celebrate with us by sharing the extension with friends, leaving a review, or making a donation. Let us make the next 15 years even brighter!

Donate Now to support the future of distraction-free browsing. Together, we can keep turning off the lights and illuminating the content that matters most

About The Author

Stefan Van Damme

Stefan Van Damme is the lead Developer of the Turn Off the Lights Browser Extension for Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, Firefox, Maxthon, Yandex, Vivaldi, Brave, and Microsoft Edge.

🐠 Turn Off the Lights Browser Extension version 4.5: What is New and Improved

Posted on by Stefan Van Damme

If you love an immersive, distraction-free browsing experience, then the Turn Off the Lights browser extension version 4.5 is likely one of your favorite tools. Designed to dim the surrounding content on your screen, it provides a focused environment, whether you are watching videos, browsing content, or just enjoying your favorite website’s layout without unwanted distractions. We are thrilled to announce some fantastic updates to make this extension more powerful, customizable, and seamless.

Turn Off the Lights Browser Extension version 4.5 has a long list of improvements, bug fixes, and new features, this latest update delivers something for every user. Here is a breakdown of what is new and improved, and how these changes can enhance your browsing experience.

Open-Source code

One of the most groundbreaking updates in version 4.5 is the consolidation of eight separate web browser projects into a single, unified GitHub repository. This monumental shift streamlines development, enabling faster updates, easier bug fixes, and a more consistent experience across all major web browsers. Whether you are using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Naver Whale, Yandex, Samsung Internet, or any other supported Chromium browser, the new unified project ensures that all features and enhancements are implemented uniformly.

By centralizing the codebase, the project becomes more transparent and accessible to developers worldwide. Open-sourcing this unified project invites contributions, fosters collaboration, and empowers the community to participate in improving the extension. This move not only simplifies maintenance but also guarantees that the extension remains cutting-edge and secure for all users.

Feel free to browse the code in this latest Turn Off the Lights browser extension version 4.5, share suggestions, and contribute improvements on GitHub:
https://github.com/turnoffthelights/Turn-Off-the-Lights-browser-extension

Turn Off the Lights Browser extension version 4.5

New Features to Elevate Your Experience in Version 4.5

1. Game Controller Feature – Added Play Forward/Backward 10s Option

  • The game controller feature is now equipped with a 10-second forward and backward button, giving users quick control over their video playback. Whether you missed an exciting moment or want to skip forward, this feature offers a smooth, enjoyable viewing experience right from the extension.

2. New Dynamic Backgrounds – Aquarium and Fireworks Options

  • For those who enjoy personalizing their viewing experience, two new dynamic backgrounds—Aquarium and Fireworks—have been added. The Aquarium background brings calming underwater visuals to your browsing space.
Turn Off the Lights browser extension version 4.5 with the Aquarium feature enabled
Turn Off the Lights browser extension version 4.5 with the Aquarium feature enabled

The Fireworks option offers vibrant, celebratory animations. These backgrounds are perfect for setting a unique mood while you browse or watch videos.

Turn Off the Lights browser extension version 4.5 with the Fireworks feature enabled
Turn Off the Lights browser extension version 4.5 with the Fireworks feature enabled

3. AutoDim for Smaller Video Players

  • AutoDim is a beloved feature that automatically dims the surrounding content when you start a video. In this update, we added an option to disable AutoDim for smaller video players, allowing users to keep their preferred light level for smaller screens. This change is perfect for users who often view video in a minimized format and do not want AutoDim activating unnecessarily.
Turn Off the Lights browser extension version 4.5 AutoDim feature option for only video players larger than 250 x 220 pixels
Turn Off the Lights browser extension version 4.5 AutoDim feature option for only video players larger than 250 x 220 pixels

Key Fixes to Improve Stability and Functionality

1. Fixed AutoDim with HTML5 Video

AutoDim functionality has been fine-tuned to work more seamlessly with HTML5 videos, addressing previous issues some users encountered with this feature. Now, the dimming effect activates smoothly and reliably every time an HTML5 video plays, enhancing the browsing experience without interruptions.

2. YouTube AutoHD and 60FPS Block Fixes

For YouTube enthusiasts, the AutoHD setting and the 60FPS block feature are now fixed. Users can now confidently expect their preferred HD quality and frame rate limits on YouTube without glitches. This update ensures better compatibility and a more stable viewing experience, especially for YouTube’s high-definition content.

3. Reflection Fixes on the YouTube Website

We have addressed an issue with reflections on YouTube’s website, providing a cleaner, distraction-free video view for all users.

Performance Enhancements and Optimizations

1. Options Page Touch Range Bar Improvements

The Options page now includes an improved touch range bar for greater control and a smoother setup experience. This enhancement makes it easier to customize your settings, especially for users on touch devices who want more precise adjustments.

2. Performance Improvements by Splitting Dynamic Background CSS

To boost performance, the CSS for Dynamic Backgrounds has been split, allowing for quicker load times and better responsiveness. This change means that even with your favorite dynamic backgrounds enabled, you can expect a faster, smoother experience.

3. AutoStop and 60FPS Block Splits

Performance improvements also extend to AutoStop and the 60FPS block features. By splitting these elements, the extension can now handle these features with greater efficiency, resulting in faster, more reliable performance across the board.

4. Removed CSS Speech Box

For a cleaner design, we have removed the CSS speech box, allowing for a simpler, distraction-free viewing space.

Show Your Support: Donate and Rate Us!

We are dedicated to delivering a high-quality, versatile extension that enhances your web experience. If you enjoy using Turn Off the Lights and appreciate the ongoing improvements, please consider supporting us. Donations allow us to continue making meaningful updates and improvements, keeping the extension free and accessible for everyone.

Also, we would be immensely grateful if you could take a moment to rate Turn Off the Lights with five stars. Your positive feedback not only motivates us to keep going but also helps other users discover the extension and enjoy its features.

Thank you for being part of our community, and we hope you enjoy Turn Off the Lights v4.5 updates!

About The Author

Stefan Van Damme

Stefan Van Damme is the lead Developer of the Turn Off the Lights Browser Extension for Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, Firefox, Maxthon, Yandex, Vivaldi, Brave, and Microsoft Edge.

🍂 Introducing the New Autumn Leaves Hoodie: A Cozy Fall Design

Posted on by Stefan Van Damme

As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in and the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red, there is no better time to bundle up in style. That is why we are excited to announce the launch of our new Autumn Leaves hoodie, a perfect addition to your fall wardrobe. Not only does this hoodie keep you warm and comfortable, but it also serves a bigger purpose: supporting the ongoing work of the Turn Off the Lights browser extension.

Autumn Leaves Hoodie

Lightbulb & Autumn Leaves Hoodie - Cozy
Lightbulb & Autumn Leaves Hoodie – Cozy

Our new Autumn Leaves Hoodie is not just a piece of clothing—it is a statement. Designed with the same principles that have made our browser extension a global favorite, this fall-inspired hoodie showcases minimalist design, comfort. Whether you are out enjoying a fall hike, sipping your favorite seasonal drink, or simply cozying up at home, this hoodie will keep you snug and remind you of the importance of what we do together as a community.

A Design That Reflects the Season

The new Autumn Leaves Hoodie has been thoughtfully created to capture the essence of fall. With its soft, durable fabric and cozy interior lining, this hoodie is perfect for layering as the temperatures start to drop. We have chosen colors inspired by the season—muted tones of gray, earthy browns, and deep navy blues—that complement the natural beauty of autumn while staying sleek and versatile for everyday wear.

In line with the design philosophy of our browser extension, the hoodie features a simple yet powerful lamp logo that symbolizes what Turn Off the Lights stands for enhanced focus and a distraction-free experience. This minimalistic approach mirrors the extension’s user-friendly and unobtrusive design, a perfect match for those who value simplicity and functionality in both their digital and personal lives.

Wear It with Purpose: Supporting Our Mission

The Autumn Leaves Hoodie is more than just a piece of clothing; it is an extension of our mission to keep the web accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Our browser extension has helped millions of users worldwide improve their browsing experience by dimming background distractions, highlighting important content, and enhancing readability. And, we are proud to offer this service free and Open-Source for all web browsers, ensuring that everyone—no matter what device or platform they use—can benefit from a cleaner, more focused browsing environment.

But to keep this service available to all, we need your help. As a small, dedicated team, we rely heavily on donations to continue maintaining and improving the extension. Your purchase of the Autumn Leaves Hoodie directly supports our ability to do so. Every sale helps us keep our browser extension free, Open-Source, and up to date with the latest features and security enhancements. Plus, a portion of each sale goes toward covering server costs, ensuring that users around the world can enjoy a fast and seamless experience.

If you have benefited from our browser extension and want to give back, this is a fantastic way to show your support. Not only will you be getting a comfortable, stylish hoodie, but you will also be helping to sustain a project that has made a real difference in how people experience the web.

Continue Supporting Us: Donate to Keep Turn Off the Lights Free and Open-Source

If hoodies are not your thing, or if you simply want to give more, donations are always welcome. Every dollar counts toward maintaining and developing new features for the Turn Off the Lights browser extension. We are committed to keeping our project Open-Source and accessible, but that means we depend on our users and supporters to help fund our work.

Donating is easy. Whether it is a one-time contribution or a monthly pledge, your generosity helps us continue providing this valuable tool for free to millions of people around the world. Donations go toward:

  • Regular updates to keep the extension compatible with all major browsers and platforms.
  • Developing new features based on user feedback to further enhance your browsing experience.
  • Maintaining security to ensure that the extension remains safe and reliable.
  • Covering server and operational costs that allow us to keep the service running smoothly.

Conclusion

This fall, we invite you to not only stay warm with our new Autumn Leaves hoodie but also to make a meaningful impact. By purchasing the Autumn Leaves Hoodie or making a donation, you are directly supporting the continuation of a project that has improved the online experience for millions of people worldwide.

Thank you for your continued support, and we hope you love this new fall-inspired design as much as we do. Together, we can keep Turn Off the Lights available to everyone, ensuring that all web users can browse distraction-free, for free.

Get your hoodie today or donate to keep the lights on (or off) for everyone!

About The Author

Stefan Van Damme

Stefan Van Damme is the lead Developer of the Turn Off the Lights Browser Extension for Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, Firefox, Maxthon, Yandex, Vivaldi, Brave, and Microsoft Edge.