🌐 How to Create a Chrome Extension Developer Account & Publish Your Extension [Full Guide] High Tech 7
Are you looking to create your own Chrome Extension and publish it to the Chrome Web Store? Whether you're a beginner or just curious, this complete guide will walk you through every step — from creating your developer account to uploading and installing your extension.
🔹 What is a Chrome Extension?
A Chrome Extension is a small software add-on that customizes the browsing experience. It’s built using standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and can do things like block ads, manage tabs, or even redesign websites.
🛠️ Step 1: Prepare Your Chrome Extension
Before uploading anything, you need to create the extension itself.
📁 Project Folder Structure:
Create a folder like this:
MyExtension/
│
├── manifest.json
├── popup.html
├── popup.js (optional)
├── style.css (optional)
└── icon.png (128x128)
🔸 Create manifest.json
This file tells Chrome how your extension works.
{
"manifest_version": 3,
"name": "My First Extension",
"version": "1.0",
"description": "This is a simple Chrome extension.",
"action": {
"default_popup": "popup.html",
"default_icon": "icon.png"
},
"permissions": []
}
🔸 Create popup.html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>My Extension</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css">
</head>
<body>
<h2>Hello from Extension</h2>
<button onclick="myFunction()">Click Me</button>
<script src="popup.js"></script>
</body>
</html>
🔸 Optional: popup.js
function myFunction() {
alert("You clicked the button!");
}
🔸 Optional: style.css
body {
font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
padding: 10px;
}
button {
background-color: blue;
color: white;
padding: 10px;
}
🔸 Add icon.png
Use a 128x128 PNG icon that will show in the Chrome toolbar.
📦 Step 2: Test Your Extension Locally
-
Open Chrome browser.
-
Go to:
chrome://extensions/ -
Turn on Developer Mode (top-right switch).
-
Click "Load unpacked".
-
Select your
MyExtensionfolder. -
✅ Your extension will appear in the toolbar!
💳 Step 3: Create a Chrome Web Store Developer Account
To publish your extension on the Chrome Web Store, you need a developer account.
📝 Steps:
-
Sign in with your Google Account.
-
Pay a one-time $5 USD fee using credit/debit card.
-
Accept the terms and verify your identity if needed.
-
Now you're ready to upload extensions!
🎯 Note: This fee is charged only once and allows you to upload unlimited extensions.
🚀 Step 4: Upload & Publish Your Extension
Once your developer account is set up:
📤 Upload Process:
-
Zip your entire extension folder (
MyExtension.zip) -
Click “New Item”
-
Upload your ZIP file
-
Fill in the details:
-
Extension Name
-
Short & Detailed Description
-
Screenshots (1280x800 px)
-
Promotional Tile (440x280 px) (optional)
-
-
Choose a category (Productivity, Fun, Developer Tools, etc.)
-
Add Privacy Policy link (if your extension uses personal data)
-
Set visibility: Public / Unlisted / Private
-
Click Publish
⏳ Review Time:
Google reviews your extension to ensure it follows policies. It usually takes:
-
✅ 1 to 3 days for simple extensions
-
🕒 Longer for complex or data-sensitive ones
🧪 Step 5: Install Your Published Extension
Once approved:
-
Go to your Chrome Web Store listing
-
Click “Add to Chrome”
-
Try your extension live and share the link with others!
⚠️ Tips for Getting Approved Quickly
-
Use clear descriptions and accurate permissions
-
Don’t use misleading names or images
-
Avoid asking for too many permissions unless necessary
-
If your extension uses user data, add a privacy policy
🎁 Bonus: Chrome Web Store Image Requirements
| 📸 Image Type | Size | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Icon | 128x128 px | PNG |
| Screenshots | 1280x800 px (min) | JPG/PNG |
| Promotional tile | 440x280 px | JPG/PNG |
🔒 Is it Safe to Publish on Web Store?
Yes, it’s completely safe. Google scans all extensions and provides options to unlist, update, or delete at any time.
✅ Conclusion
Now you know how to:
-
Create a Chrome extension from HTML
-
Set up a developer account
-
Upload, publish, and install your extension
Creating Chrome Extensions is a powerful skill. Whether you’re making a tool for yourself, your team, or millions of users — the Chrome Web Store is your launchpad!
📩 Need Help?
If you'd like a ready-made template, a ZIP file, or help writing descriptions, let me know in the comments!
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