Chrome extension source viewer

Name: Chrome extension source viewer
Rating: 4.586854460093897 (426 reviews)
Author: Rob W

View source code of Chrome extensions, Firefox addons or Opera extensions (crx/nex/xpi) from the Chrome web store and elsewhere.

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The Chrome Extension Source Viewer allows you to view the complete source code of any Chrome extension available in the Chrome Web Store, as well as Firefox addons, Opera, Edge, and Thunderbird extensions without needing to install them. With features like syntax highlighting, automatic code beautification, file name and type filtering, and in-file search including regular expressions, it provides a powerful tool for developers and users interested in exploring extension internals.

Beyond simply viewing, the extension enables downloading extension source as ZIP files, previews embedded images and zip files, supports platform-specific extensions, and shows hash sums of files for integrity verification. It integrates directly with the Chrome Web Store UI via a button, offers context menu options, supports incognito mode, and provides permalinks to specific files and search results. The tool is continuously updated to support latest extension formats and browser compatibility, making it a must-have for extension developers, researchers, and curious users.

Extension Developer Tools Programming Productivity

By:

Rob W

Users:

100,000

Rating:

4.59

(426)

Version:

1.7.0 Last updated: 2023-12-11

Creation date:

2019-08-30

Risk:

Permissions:

tabs
storage
contextMenus
downloads
declarativeContent

Host permissions:

*://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx*
*://clients2.googleusercontent.com/crx/download/*

Size:

227.00KB

Email:

ro*****@robwu.nl

URLs:

Full description:

Source:

Chrome Web Store

Data ingested on:

2025-07-08

Ranking

# 1,606 ▲ 10

Other rankings

#1645 in Developer Tools ▼ 1

#1 in source code keyword 26

#2 in source keyword 29

#16 in viewer keyword 72

#26 in extension keyword 87 ▲ 5

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Other platforms

Extension source viewer (v1.7.0)

1,535 4.89

(108)

User reviews

Users praise the Chrome Extension Source Viewer for its ability to enhance security by allowing inspection of extension source code before installation, aiding learning, and prompt developer updates. However, multiple reviews mention issues with functionality breaking after Chrome Web Store updates, occasional crashes on removal, permissions concerns, and the need for manual pinning to the toolbar. Overall, it is viewed as a valuable and reliable tool with room for improvement in stability and compatibility.

Pros

Allows users to view and inspect source code of Chrome extensions before installation, adding security and transparency.
Helps users learn about making browser extensions by providing easy access to source code.
Works well with Brave browser and Opera GX, indicating good compatibility.
Provides a 'beautify code' feature that improves code readability.
Developer is responsive and updates the extension promptly, especially with changes to Chrome Web Store and Manifest V3.

Cons

Sometimes does not work properly, especially after changes to the Chrome Web Store or new website versions like chromewebstore.google.com, causing icon issues or failure to display source.
Requires manual enabling of 'Pin to toolbar' to effectively use the extension.
Some users experienced crashes when attempting to remove the extension, raising concerns about stability.
Permission usage could be improved, such as replacing 'tabs' permission with less intrusive 'activeTab' permission.
Does not work on certain websites that have disabled it.

Recent reviews

verry usefull, the beautify code button especaly

Jo*****, 2025-05-23

Very useful. I used this extension to check whether it needed the tabs permission. It doesn't, it could use activeTab instead, so I have knocked 1 star off.

My*****, 2025-03-08

Doesn't work

Ma*****, 2025-01-13

View all user reviews ›

Extension safety

Risk impact

Risk impact measures the level of extra permissions an extension has access to. A low risk impact extension cannot do much harms, whereas a high risk impact extension can do a lot of damage like stealing your password, bypassing your security settings, and accessing your personal data. High risk impact extensions are not necessarily malicious. However, if they do turn malicious, they can be very harmful.

Chrome extension source viewer requires some sensitive permissions that could impact your browser and data security. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details

Critical Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
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Risk likelihood

Risk likelihood measures the probability that a Chrome extension may turn malicious. This is determined by the publisher and the Chrome extension reputation on Chrome Web Store, the amount of time the Chrome extension has been around, and other signals about the Chrome extension. Our algorithms are not perfect, and are subject to change as we discover new ways to detect malicious extensions. We recommend that you always exercise caution when installing a Chrome extension.

Chrome extension source viewer has earned a good reputation and can be trusted.

Risk likelihood analysis details

High This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.
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