Reddit Old Layout Restorer

WHAT IT DOES

Reddit Old Layout Restorer is a browser extension that automatically scans the current Reddit page for UI elements, layout containers, and Reddit redesign indicators. It detects Reddit page elements by examining class names, IDs, and data attributes for patterns like ".side", ".link", ".thing", and other classic Reddit indicators. The extension adds a floating restore button (🔁) next to the Reddit interface, providing quick access to old layout controls. Clicking the button opens a panel where you can toggle the old Reddit layout, restore the classic view, customize layout preferences for specific subreddits, and store preferences locally. The panel displays the current subreddit, layout status, and controls for switching to the old layout. You can set subreddit-specific preferences (old, new, or default), enable auto-redirect to old layout, and add notes about browsing habits. The extension maintains an old layout preferences database with settings history, notes, and tags. The main panel shows saved preferences for the current and recent subreddits. All data is stored locally in your browser using GM_setValue, ensuring your preferences persist across page reloads and browser sessions. This helps Reddit users who prefer the classic layout to restore and maintain it across browsing sessions and subreddits.

WHERE IT RUNS

This extension runs on any Reddit page that displays UI elements, layout containers, or Reddit redesign indicators – including Reddit front page, subreddit pages, comment pages, and any page with Reddit content. The extension intelligently adapts to different page structures and supports a wide range of common Reddit display patterns. No manual configuration is required per site; the extension automatically detects Reddit elements using a flexible pattern matching system. This makes it ideal for Reddit users who prefer the classic layout.

HOW TO USE

Simply install the extension and navigate to any Reddit page. The extension automatically detects the page and shows a restore button (🔁) next to the interface with a status indicator. Click the button to open the old layout panel. The panel shows the current subreddit and layout status (Old layout active or New layout detected). Click "Switch to Old Layout" to redirect to the old.reddit.com version of the current page. Click "Apply Old Layout Style" to apply classic styling to the current page without redirecting. For subreddit-specific preferences, select "Old layout", "New layout", or "Use default" from the dropdown to save your preference for that subreddit. A floating button (📖) appears in the bottom-right corner of the page – click this to open the panel from anywhere. Use the notes section to add notes about browsing habits or layout preferences. Use the settings section to enable or disable auto-detection and auto-redirect. The "Clear All Data" button removes all tracking data when needed.

ONE TECHNICAL SECTION – WHY IT WORKS

The extension uses a combination of URL rewriting and DOM detection to restore the old Reddit layout. The subreddit is extracted from the URL using regex pattern matching on "reddit.com/r/". The layout detection uses a comprehensive set of CSS selectors targeting classic Reddit indicators including ".side" (sidebar), ".link" (post links), ".thing" (post containers), ".sitetable" (post listings), and ".commentarea" (comment sections). The extension checks for the presence of these elements to determine if the current page is using the old layout. For redirection, the extension rewrites the URL from www.reddit.com or new.reddit.com to old.reddit.com while preserving the path and query parameters. The extension also provides a style injection fallback that applies classic Reddit styling to the current page without a full redirect. Subreddit preferences are stored in the local database with timestamps and layout selection. A MutationObserver detects dynamic content updates and re-scans only when new Reddit elements appear, balancing real-time accuracy with system performance.

THE PANEL – DRAG / PER-SITE POSITION / SNAP / COLLAPSE / RESIZE / ESCAPE

The old layout restoration panel includes a draggable title bar, allowing you to position it anywhere on screen for convenient access during browsing. The extension remembers your preferred position per website, so the panel opens in the same location each time you return to that domain. The panel supports snap-to-edge behavior – when dragged near screen edges, it gently snaps into place for a tidy workspace layout. You can collapse the panel down to just its title bar by clicking the collapse button, keeping it accessible without taking up screen space. The controls and settings are contained within a scrollable body, ensuring all content remains accessible even on smaller screens. Pressing the Escape key closes the panel instantly, returning you to your Reddit browsing workflow.

PLEASE NOTE

This extension requires the free BotGentz extension to be installed and enabled, as it relies on BotGentz's userscript injection and GM_* API shims for cross-browser compatibility. Websites frequently update their HTML structures and class names, which may cause layout detection to break temporarily – we actively maintain the matching patterns and release updates regularly. The extension stores all layout preferences, notes, and history exclusively in your local browser storage (GM_setValue); no data is ever transmitted to any external server or third party. The extension does not read, modify, or interfere with any Reddit content, functionality, or user data beyond the layout display – it operates on the page content and stores only metadata (subreddit names, layout preferences, and notes) that you explicitly create. You are responsible for backing up your preference data if you switch browsers or clear your storage. Use this tool responsibly and in accordance with Reddit's Terms of Service.