Chrome extension

Chrome extension for classic Google Images

Classic View is a free, Manifest V3 Chrome extension that restores the old Google Images layout and adds the desktop tools people still miss.

~50 KB · storage + activeTab only · no ads · no tracking

Looking for an old Google layout Chrome extension or a Google Images classic layout extension? Classic View is built for that job and nothing else.

Classic View Chrome extension popup and Google Images controls
Popup controls for layout, zoom, View Image, filters, and clutter.

What the extension does

  • Restores classic justified horizontal rows on Google Images
  • Adds hover zoom for faster previewing
  • Brings back a direct View Image action
  • Adds quick Large / Medium / Icon filters
  • Can hide related-search blocks and carousels
  • Syncs preferences with chrome.storage.sync

How to install

  1. Open the Chrome Web Store page.
  2. Click Add to Chrome and confirm.
  3. Visit Google Images (any supported google.* domain) and search.
  4. Optional: open the extension popup to set row height, spacing, and feature toggles.

Permissions, simply

activeTab — applies layout styles on the Google Images page you are viewing.
storage — saves your layout preferences in Chrome.
The extension does not sell data, show ads, or send your searches to a server. See the privacy policy.

Works across Google country domains

Content scripts cover major Google Search domains so the classic layout works whether you use google.com, google.pl, google.co.uk, or other supported locales.

Hover zoom feature in the Classic View Chrome extension
Hover zoom and View Image after install.

Source and support

The project is open on GitHub. If Google changes markup and the layout breaks, report it there or use the in-extension issue helper.

Old Google Images layout guide → Classic Google Images overview → FAQ →