•Includes development of 1,8-naphthalimide based sensors during the last 5 years ranging from 2017 to 2021.•Describes the behaviour of 1,8-naphthalimide in different environments for detection of metal ions, anions and biomolecules.•Illustrates the role of position and nature of conjugation of 1,8-naphthalimide in various chemosensors. Intensive development of optical (colorimetric/fluorescent) chemosensors is the landmark of successful research efforts made after the advent of supramolecular chemistry. Amongst different types of molecular scaffolds used, the literature of 1,8-naphthalimide is replete due its remarkable optical, photophysical and biological properties unequalled by other types of receptor units. This comprehensive compendium includes development of 1,8-naphthalimide based sensors during the last 5 years ranging from 2017 to 2021 that involve wide and real-world applications for sensing of metal ions, anions and biomolecules. Simultaneously, we hope that gaining insights into the discussed literature reports will assist the research fraternity working in the area of sensing and will facilitate to develop superlative chemosensors possessing improved practical applications in future.