Retr-0 v0.1
The first public release of Retr-0.
Retr-0 is an open-source Chrome extension that transforms the modern web into a Windows 98-inspired experience.
This first release establishes the core of Retr-0: a visual transformation system that can take modern websites and restyle them into a much more authentic retro interface while keeping the original website functional.
What’s included
Windows 98 theme
Retr-0 can transform websites with a classic Windows 98 visual style, including:
- Classic gray UI surfaces
- Beveled and 3D-style controls
- Windows 98-inspired buttons and inputs
- Classic borders and panels
- Retro typography
- Square, non-rounded UI
- Windows 98-style forms and controls
- Classic scrollbars and other interface elements
Smart visual transformation
Retr-0 doesn't simply apply one stylesheet to everything.
It attempts to understand the structure of a webpage and apply different treatments to headings, buttons, inputs, panels, navigation, forms, and other elements so the result feels intentionally designed.
Retro intensity
Choose how strongly Retr-0 changes a website, from a more subtle retro treatment to a much more complete Windows 98 transformation.
Website controls
Retr-0 can be enabled globally while allowing individual websites to be excluded.
Your settings persist across browser sessions.
Dynamic websites
Retr-0 is designed to continue applying its styling as websites dynamically load new content, making it usable with modern web applications and single-page apps.
Retro popup
The extension popup itself follows the Retr-0 aesthetic, giving you access to the main controls without leaving the current page.
Building Retr-0
Want to build Retr-0 yourself?
Everything you need to get started is documented in the repository's README.
For the complete setup, development, and build instructions, just follow the README.
Retr-0 website
The project also has an official website:
The website contains information about Retr-0, its features, and the project itself.
What's not here yet
v0.1 is focused on the core transformation engine, so some planned features are intentionally not included yet.
Not included in v0.1:
- Custom Windows 98 cursor pack
- Magic wand transformation animation
- Custom cursor selection
- Additional themes
- More advanced website-specific adapters
These are planned for future releases and are tracked on the public roadmap.
Open source
Retr-0 is open source and built to be developed in public.
The project is released under the MIT License.
v0.1 goal
This release is about proving the core idea:
Can we make the modern web feel like Windows 98 without breaking the websites underneath it?
v0.1 is the foundation for everything that comes next.