Unlock Your Browser's Potential: 12 Must-Try Google Extensions and Extension Development Experiences
Tags: chrome, extensions, development, webdev
Published: 2024-01-18 02:56:19

## Preface

Enhance your browsing experience with these 12 practical Chrome extensions, spanning categories such as AI tools, translation services, gaming, and more. Each extension is designed to streamline your online activities and boost productivity. Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your Chrome capabilities—give these extensions a try today! The following articles will also bring you recommendations for essential chrome plug-ins for AI and development.

## The most popular Google Chrome extensions in 2023

### 1. Speechify Text to Speech Voice Reader
Speechify is a powerful text-to-speech tool that can convert text from Google Docs, PDFs, web pages, and books into natural and fluent speech for you to listen to.

Supporting up to 30 languages and 130 different voices, Speechify can read at a speed of 900 words per minute, offering exceptionally high reading efficiency. Additionally, Speechify is capable of syncing with cloud data, allowing users to listen to content anytime and anywhere, whether on a computer or mobile device. It is an ideal choice for students, professionals, or anyone who needs efficient reading and learning.

![Speechify](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/iumj17hree1utatzqhnr.png)


### 2. QuillBot: AI Writing and Grammar Checker Tool
QuillBot is an AI-powered writing assistant tool that helps users improve their writing efficiency. QuillBot's main features include grammar checking, content paraphrasing, and text summarization, among others.

It is particularly suitable for students, writers, and English learners, as it can help them enhance their writing skills. With just one click, users can proofread their work, saving time and effort when composing essays, emails, notes, presentations, and messages.

![QuillBot](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/zlqh5s56nquut3mby7gv.png)

### 3. Sider: ChatGPT Sidebar + GPTs, GPT-4 Turbo, Networking, Drawing
Sider's main feature is 'allowing you to quickly and conveniently use AI.' Sider integrates various AI tools (including ChatGPT, Claude, Bard) and AI drawing functions into one platform. Its most distinctive characteristic is that it can be used directly from the sidebar, so there's no need to leave the current webpage you are browsing. You can instantly access AI features such as text generation, reading assistance, and writing aid.

![Sider](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/kd6p1qzck1ooz9zh073f.png)


### 4. Teal - Free Job Search & Contacts Tracker
Next up, 'Teal' is quite unique; it is a 'job search management and tracking tool' specifically designed for job seekers. It offers a one-stop job management platform that helps users create and manage multiple versions of their resumes, track their job search progress, and streamline the application process, making job hunting more convenient for job seekers.

![Teal](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/5viqixdq1xi7lypj0gi9.png)


### 5. BTRoblox - Making Roblox Better
Do you enjoy playing Roblox? Then this extension is perfect for you! BTRoblox is primarily designed to enhance the user experience on the Roblox website, adding many interesting features to enrich your Roblox experience.

![BTRoblox](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/1mos66dj10ttuw94p11h.png)

### 6. DeepL Translation: Reading and Writing Translator
DeepL can further enhance the accuracy of web page translations! In simple terms, DeepL is a translation tool that provides instant translation for reading and writing, and of course, basic web page translation is also covered. What DeepL emphasizes most is the accuracy of translation, claiming to be the most accurate translation tool currently available in the world.

![DeepL](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/qur0v5m1g3ea5ktp600l.png)

### 7. Scribe: AI Documentation, SOPs & Screenshots
Scribe is a rather unique AI workflow generation tool that transforms any operational process into a step-by-step guide complete with text, annotations, and screenshots. It is suitable for users who frequently need to answer questions, conduct training, or assist colleagues.

![Scribe](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3ixvmthspt5x3yr1ewfx.jpeg)

### 8. Boxel 3D
Boxel 3D is a relaxing and casual game that continues the classic gameplay mechanics of the Boxel series, bringing the beloved jumping challenges into an entirely new three-dimensional level. Players can not only experience richer visual effects but also create their own levels, significantly enhancing the game's playability and fun.

![Boxel 3D](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/st8eoy6eb2ksozix0atz.png)

### 9. Transkriptor: Transcribe Audio to Text
Just now we talked about text-to-speech, and now let's move on to speech-to-text; Transkriptor is an AI-powered speech-to-text tool designed specifically for automatically recording and transcribing meetings and conversations.

Transkriptor is capable of accurate speech-to-text conversion in over 100 languages. It not only supports multiple meeting platforms like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex but also offers cross-platform support with web-based, iOS, and Android versions, providing a convenient solution for users who need efficient meeting transcription.

![Transkriptor](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/s6nva5mrqkznea5g09cl.png)

### 10. Coupert - Automatic Coupon Finder & Cashback
Users who frequently shop online might want to take a look at this! Coupert is a browser extension specifically designed for online shopping. It automatically helps users find coupons, promo codes, and cashback. Coupert can be used in conjunction with major e-commerce platforms to ensure that users enjoy the maximum discounts and cashback when checking out.

![Coupert](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/uhcg1v94yt8u4l9q3kh3.png)

### 11. Equalizer for Chrome Browser
This Equalizer is also quite interesting! It's an EQ adjustment tool exclusive to Chrome, allowing users to freely adjust the EQ of web page audio. It also comes with 21 preset sound settings. When used in conjunction with streaming media, it can provide an exceptional audio experience.

![Equalizer](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2eusrxf2rxrncyefv81u.jpeg)

### 12. Bonjourr Minimalist homepage
Bonjourr is a Chrome homepage beautification tool that helps users create a clean, simple, and aesthetically pleasing Chrome homepage. It also allows users to customize various features, such as a search bar, clock panel, weather information, greetings, and more. With its minimalist elegance and rich practical features, it makes your Chrome more personalized.

![Bonjourr](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pxkq0iuvn21oj6l141hf.png)

## How to Develop a Google Chrome Extension

### 1. Understand the Basics

Before you begin development, you need to be familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as these are the building blocks of Chrome extensions. Additionally, understanding JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is essential, as the configuration file for the extension, known as the manifest file, is written in JSON format.Here you can use some AI tools to help you improve efficiency, such as [**ChatGPT**](https://chat.openai.com/), [**Codia.AI**](https://codia.ai/), [**Codia.AICode**](https://codia.ai/s/YBF9), [**Codia.AIDesign**](https://codia.ai/d/5ZFb)  and [**GitHub Copilot**](https://github.com/features/copilot?ref=Lore.com).

### 2. Set Up Your Development Environment

You will need to install Google Chrome and become familiar with its developer tools. Next, create a new folder to store all the files for your extension.

### 3. Step Three: Create the Manifest File

Every Chrome extension requires a file named `manifest.json`. This file tells Chrome basic information about the extension, such as version, name, permissions, etc. Here is a simple example of a manifest file:

```json
{
  "manifest_version": 2,
  "name": "My Extension",
  "version": "1.0",
  "description": "This is my first Chrome extension.",
  "permissions": ["activeTab"],
  "browser_action": {
    "default_popup": "popup.html",
    "default_icon": {
      "16": "images/icon16.png",
      "48": "images/icon48.png",
      "128": "images/icon128.png"
    }
  },
  "icons": {
    "16": "images/icon16.png",
    "48": "images/icon48.png",
    "128": "images/icon128.png"
  }
}
```

### 4. Write the Extension Code

Depending on the functionality of your extension, you may need to write HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code. For example, if your extension has a popup window, you will need to create a `popup.html` file and design its style and functionality.

### 5. Load and Test the Extension

Type `chrome://extensions/` into the Chrome browser and enable Developer Mode. Click "Load unpacked extension" and select your extension folder; your extension will then be loaded into the browser. Now, you can test the functionality of the extension and debug it using the developer tools.

### 6. Debug and Optimize

During testing, you may encounter some bugs or performance issues. Use Chrome's developer tools to debug and optimize your code to improve the performance and user experience of your extension.

### 7. Design the Extension Icon

An attractive icon can catch users' attention. Design an icon that is related to the functionality of your extension and easy to recognize. Remember to create icons of different sizes to fit different contexts.

### 8. Package the Extension

Once development is complete, you need to package your extension. On the `chrome://extensions/` page, click "Pack extension" and select your extension folder; Chrome will generate a `.crx` file and a `.pem` private key file for you.

### 9. Publish the Extension

To publish your extension, you need to register as a developer on the Chrome Web Store and pay a one-time registration fee. Upload your `.crx` file along with the relevant icons, screenshots, fill in the extension description, and submit it for review. Once approved, your extension will be live on the Chrome Web Store.

### 10. How to Install and Manage Extensions

Installing an extension is very straightforward:
1. Open the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for the extension you need.
3. Click the "Add to Chrome" button, and the extension will automatically install in your browser.

Managing extensions is also direct:
1. Enter chrome://extensions/ in the browser's address bar or access it through the menu by selecting "More tools" > "Extensions".
2. Here, you can enable or disable extensions, update them, or remove the ones you no longer need.