GitHub: stop autoplaying GIFs and use a dark theme

Updated 2026-11-02

Quick answerOn GitHub, open Settings, then Accessibility, and under Autoplay animated images choose Disabled or Sync with system. This stops GIFs in issues and READMEs from playing. In Appearance you can choose a dark or dimmed theme, and the Increase contrast switch is available if you need more contrast.

Stop animated images

  1. Click your profile picture > Settings.
  2. Select Accessibility.
  3. Under Autoplay animated images, choose Disabled.

Theme

  1. Open Settings > Appearance.
  2. Choose a dark or dimmed theme, or sync with system.

Good to know

  • Sync with system follows your operating system's reduced-motion setting.
  • Migraine Mode adds what the site lacks: dimming, a soft-green tint, smart dark mode, frozen GIFs and blocked autoplay, all with one switch.

FAQ

Can GitHub stop GIFs from playing?

Yes. GitHub's Accessibility settings have an Autoplay animated images option.

Is there a dimmed dark theme?

GitHub's theme settings include dark variants, including a dimmed one.

Sources

  • GitHub Docs: Managing accessibility settings (autoplay animated images). Link
  • GitHub Docs: Managing your theme settings. Link
  • W3C. Understanding WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.3.3: Animation from Interactions. Link

Not a medical device and not medical advice. Migraine Mode is a screen-comfort tool: it does not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent migraine or any other condition, and it does not replace a doctor. Its settings are based on studies of light, colour, flicker, patterns and motion; the extension itself has not been clinically tested. When to see a doctor.