How do I install Modern for Hacker News?

Updated

Modern for Hacker News is a free browser extension for Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge that applies a redesigned interface to existing Hacker News pages. Installation takes under a minute, and once installed, the new look is applied automatically — no configuration is required. The extension only works on desktop or laptop computers, so you'll need to install it from a desktop browser rather than a phone or tablet.

Install on Chrome or Firefox

  1. Open the Modern for Hacker News website on your desktop or laptop.
  2. Click Add to Chrome or Add to Firefox, depending on your browser.
  3. Confirm the install prompt from your browser's extension store.

After installation, reload any Hacker News page. The redesigned interface appears automatically, and all existing HN features continue to work — the extension builds on top of the current interface rather than replacing it.

Install on Microsoft Edge

Edge requires one extra step because the extension is distributed through the Chrome Web Store. You need to allow extensions from other stores first.

  1. Click Add to Edge on the Modern for Hacker News website. This takes you to the Chrome Web Store listing.
  2. Click Allow extensions from other stores.
  3. Click Allow when your browser prompts you.
  4. Click Add to Chrome to complete the installation.

Once those steps are done, Edge treats the extension like any other installed add-on, and the new interface applies to HN pages automatically.

What you get after installing

The free version includes:

  • Themes — light, classic HN, slate, dark, and black
  • Fonts — sans or serif, with adjustable font size
  • Styles — column width, line height, and justified text
  • History — jump back to stories you've previously viewed
  • Comments — inline reply plus other improvements
  • Index — switch between list and table view, customize columns
  • Profiles — redesigned layout with tabs and clickable links
  • Accounts — all standard HN account features supported

If you don't like the result, a one-click option switches you back to the old design.

Optional Pro upgrade

There's an optional Pro upgrade for $10 that unlocks additional features, including bookmarks (stored privately in your browser, no account needed, with JSON backup and restore), new-reply badges and navigation, a text highlighter, a user popup showing account age and karma, a selection popup for quoting or searching, and a control pad. The free version remains free.

Common installation issues

  • The install button does nothing on a phone or tablet. The extension is desktop-only. Return to the site on a desktop or laptop computer.
  • Edge says the extension is from another store. Follow the "Allow extensions from other stores" step above before clicking Add to Chrome.
  • The new look doesn't appear after installing. Reload the Hacker News tab — the extension applies its design when a page loads, so an already-open tab may need a refresh.