Publishing an Extension on the Chrome Web Store

Publishing an extension on the Chrome Web Store involves several steps designed to ensure that your extension is ready for public use and meets Google’s policies.

Develop an Extension

• To develop an extension you can follow these docs: https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/get-started.
• I will have a step-by-step soon on how to develop a simple extension.
• Test your extension on chrome://extensions/, enable "Developer mode", and load your extension using "Load unpacked".

Prepare for Publication

• Package your extension directory into a ZIP file. Include only the files necessary for your extension to work. Normally:
  - manifest.json
  - HTML file. To render a custom UI for your extension
  - JavaScript files. A content script or a service worker to handle your extension
• Prepare your icon and screenshots of your extension, which are required for your Chrome Web Store listing.
  - Small icon (128x128 pixels)
  - Screenshots (1280x800 or 640x400 pixels)

Setup your Developer Account

• Register for a Developer Account. Go to the Chrome Web Store Developer Dashboard(https://chrome.google.com/webstore/devconsole/register) and sign up for a developer account. A one-time registration fee of $5 is required.

• Complete Your Account Setup. Fill in your account details, including:
  - a developer contact email that will be visible to users
  - trader declaration

Publish your Extension

• In the Developer Dashboard, go to items, click on “New item”, then “Choose file” to upload your ZIP file. After uploading, you’ll see an item edit page.

• Provide a detailed description, upload your icon and screenshot images, and choose relevant categories and languages for your extension. Be sure to include any privacy disclosures.

• Decide if your extension will be free or paid. Select the countries where your extension will be available

• Fill out the privacy tab, detailing the permissions your extension requires and why. If your extension handles sensitive or personal information, ensure you have a privacy policy in place.

• Once you’ve completed all the necessary steps, submit your extension for review. The review process can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of your extension and whether it requires a more detailed review.

Republishing a New Version of your Extension

• Go to your Extension

• Go to “Package”

• On the package tab, click on “Upload new package”, then “Browse files”. Repeat the first step when publishing the extension for the first time.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can successfully publish your extension on the Chrome Web Store and make it available to millions of Chrome users worldwide.