How To Publish A Chrome Extension
I recently published my first Chrome Extension. The process wasn't super complicated, but there were enough steps that I wanted to document it for future reference. This assumes you're publishing a free extension without payment integration or external hosting.
1. Finish Your Extension
I'm putting this first because it's the hardest part. Finish. Your. Extension.
Don't let scope creep prevent you from shipping. Get it working for a single purpose—that's what Chrome's guidelines want anyway. If you're reading this, I'm assuming you've already built something that works.
2. Create Your ZIP File
You need a ZIP file containing at minimum a manifest.json file. The manifest should include:
- name: What shows in the Chrome Web Store and launcher
- version: Increment this with each update
- icons: Standard sizes (16x16, 48x48, 128x128)
Include any HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files your extension needs. See Chrome's manifest documentation for the full spec.
3. Create a Developer Account
Go to the Chrome Web Store Developer Dashboard and sign in with your Google account.
If this is for a business or existing service, consider using a dedicated account. For personal projects, your regular Google account works fine.
4. Upload Your Extension
Click "Add new item" in the dashboard, accept the terms, and you'll land on the item details page.
5. Fill Out Store Listing
Upload your ZIP file and fill out the required fields:
- Description
- Screenshots (at least one)
- Category
- Language
The more complete your listing, the better it'll look in the store.
6. Pay the Developer Fee
First-time publishers pay a one-time $5 fee through Google Pay. Quick and painless.
7. Publish
Submit for review. My extension took about 3 days to get approved. There's no email notification—it just switches from "Pending Review" to "Published" in your dashboard. Check back after a few days if you haven't heard anything.
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