Last week, I shared an important decision: to move my collection of themes from the Chrome Web Store to my own website. In that article, I talked about autonomy, the value of taking care of what you create, and maintaining a direct relationship with you, without intermediaries.
Today, I want to take it one step further. A step that not only strengthens that commitment, but also makes it visible and verifiable.
Summary of contents
A Commitment Turned into Open Source
Minimalist started as a hobby: a way to give the browser a cleaner, more focused look. I never imagined it would become a collection with over 100,000 active users worldwide.
That growth taught me something: trust isn’t asked for, it’s earned. That’s why, starting today, I’m releasing all the source code for Minimalist themes under an open source license (GPLv3).
In simple terms, this means that anyone can review exactly what they are installing in their browser. There’s nothing hidden: just pure design, ready to help you focus.
Why Does This Matter to You?
Think of a jar of artisanal honey. The producer assures you that it’s pure, but what really builds trust is that the jar is transparent, and you can see what’s inside.
It’s the same with Minimalist:
- For your peace of mind: You no longer have to take my word for it. The code is open, and anyone can check that there are no trackers or hidden elements.
- For your security: The community can review the code and detect if someone tries to publish a fake copy under the name “Minimalist.” This protects all users from malicious imitations.
- To give you control: If you ever want to adjust a color or learn how a theme works, now you can. The code is available on my GitHub profile, open for you to explore and learn.
Two Simple Ways to Access Themes
I wanted this decision to be reflected in how you access Minimalist. Now you have two clear paths:
- From my website (the easiest and recommended way): Here you can download the themes in
.crxformat and install them in seconds.
- From my GitHub profile (for the more curious): There you will find the complete source code. You can review it, learn from it, or install the theme directly from the repository.
The result is the same: your favorite Minimalist theme applied in the browser. The difference is in the level of trust and transparency that we now share.
More Than Code: An Environment to Focus
This change is not just technical. Minimalist has always sought something deeper: to offer you a clear and orderly visual space, where your mind can rest from digital noise and focus on what really matters.
Every line of code, every color chosen, has a purpose: to help you work, study, or create in an environment that reflects simplicity and calm. And now, by opening up the code, I want you to feel that you are also part of that mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know programming to use the themes?
No. Everything remains just as simple. Download, install, and you’re done. Open source is just added value for your security.
Will this cost anything?
No. Minimalist will always be free. And because it’s open source, no one can turn it into a paid product.
How do I know the code is secure?
You can ask someone you trust to review it. Since it’s open source, anyone can audit it. Verification no longer depends solely on me, but on the community.
A New Way to Build Trust
I am not walking this path alone. We are walking it together. By using, sharing, and now also being able to review the topics, we are creating a different relationship between creator and community: one based on transparency and real trust.
Thank you for being part of this story.
