As developers, we often need to share code — whether it’s to help others learn, demonstrate our projects, or simply show off a solution we’re proud of. However, raw code doesn’t always look great in a tweet or blog post. Thankfully, there are some fantastic tools that can help turn our code into visually appealing images that are easier to digest and share.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 5 powerful tools that allow you to create professional-looking code snippets for sharing on social media or in presentations.
1. Carbon
Website: carbon.now.sh
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Why It’s Great: Carbon is one of the most popular tools for creating and sharing beautiful code snippets. It’s widely used by developers on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and GitHub due to its flexibility and range of customization options.
Features:
- Supports multiple languages, including JavaScript, Python, and Go.
- Dozens of customizable themes.
- Ability to adjust window style, font, and background color.
- Easily export images as PNG or SVG files.
How to Use It:
- Go to Carbon and paste your code.
- Customize the appearance (themes, background, window controls).
- Export your image and share it on your platform of choice.
Pro Tip: Try the “Dracula” or “Solarized Dark” theme for a modern, eye-catching look!
2. Ray.so
Website: ray.so
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Why It’s Great: Ray.so is perfect for developers who want to create dark mode code snippets that stand out. It’s simple to use and offers a sleek design with minimal configuration. This is a great tool if you need to create a quick, clean visual without too many customizations.
Features:
- Dark mode by default.
- Simple and intuitive UI.
- Options for adjusting the padding and text size.
- Exports in high-quality PNG format.
How to Use It:
- Visit Ray.so, paste your code, and select your preferred settings.
- Adjust the padding and color if needed.
- Download your snippet and you’re ready to share!
3. Snappify
Website: snappify.io
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Why It’s Great: Snappify stands out because of its extensive customization options. Beyond just changing the background color or font, Snappify allows you to adjust the layout, add annotations, and even create multi-snippet visuals. It’s perfect for educational content, tutorials, or explaining complex ideas.
Features:
- Full control over layout and design.
- Ability to add annotations, comments, or diagrams.
- Drag-and-drop support for arranging snippets.
- Multiple output formats including PNG and SVG.
How to Use It:
- Go to Snappify, paste your code, and use the layout editor to organize it.
- Add annotations if needed (great for explaining the code).
- Export your snippet and post it wherever you need.
Pro Tip: Snappify is great for creating infographics or X (Twitter) threads that require more explanation.
4. Polacode (VS Code Extension)
Website: Polacode
Why It’s Great: Polacode is perfect for VS Code users who want to quickly turn their code into an image without leaving the editor. It integrates directly with VS Code, making it highly convenient if you’re already working on a project and want to share snippets without switching tools.
Features:
- Direct integration into VS Code.
- Supports all languages that VS Code supports.
- Easily customizable (theme, font, and layout).
- Exports to PNG.
How to Use It:
- Install Polacode from the VS Code Marketplace.
- Highlight the code you want to capture and open Polacode.
- Customize the appearance, then export your image.
Pro Tip: Since Polacode uses your current VS Code theme, make sure you’re using a visually appealing theme like “Monokai” or “One Dark Pro” for polished results.
5. Codeimg.io
Website: codeimg.io
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Why It’s Great: Codeimg.io is a simple, no-frills tool for creating quick code snippets. It’s great if you need a basic visual without too many customization options. The interface is easy to use, and you can go from raw code to an image in seconds.
Features:
- Support for multiple themes and languages.
- Simple UI for fast snippet creation.
- Export to PNG, JPEG, or SVG.
How to Use It:
- Go to Codeimg.io, paste your code, and select a theme.
- Adjust the font size, color, and padding.
- Download your snippet and you’re good to go.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to share a quick snippet on Twitter, showcase a new feature, or teach a concept, using one of these tools will help make your code more engaging and easier to understand. Each tool has its own unique strengths, so choose the one that fits your style and workflow the best.
What’s Your Favorite Tool? If you have a favorite tool that I didn’t mention, let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear how you share your code with the world.
Feel free to share your thoughts and improvements in the comments section below!
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