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Basic Usage

Once installed, the plugin automatically replaces standard file and folder icons with vibrant, context-aware icons based on file extensions, frameworks, and specific naming conventions.

While the plugin works out of the box with sensible defaults, it offers extensive customization options to suit your workflow.

To customize the plugin, navigate to the settings:

Path: Settings/Preferences → Appearance & Behavior → Atom Material Icons

Keyboard Shortcuts:

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Alt+S, then search for “Atom Material”
  • macOS: Cmd+,, then search for “Atom Material”

The plugin automatically assigns icons based on:

  • File extensions: .js, .ts, .py, .java, etc.
  • Frameworks: Rails models, Next.js pages, NestJS controllers, etc.
  • Build Tools & Packages: package.json, webpack.config.js, build.gradle, etc.
  • Special Use Cases: README.md, .gitignore, _config.yml, etc.
  • Custom Associations: Define your own file-to-icon mappings in the settings.

Contextual folder icons are applied based on:

  • Common patterns: src, docs, test, assets, components
  • Framework-specific folders: node_modules, .git, .vscode, dist
  • Custom Associations: Define your own folder-to-icon mappings in the settings.

Here’s how icons appear in the project explorer and editor tabs:

Atom Material Icons
Atom Material Icons

The plugin also enhances the IDE’s interface by replacing standard UI icons:

  • Toolbar Icons: Action buttons and tool window icons.
  • Gutter Icons: Debugger, version control, and error indicators.
  • PSI Icons: Code structure elements such as classes, methods, and variables.

Now that you understand the basics, explore more advanced features: