Chrome Extension

Chrome Extension for Premium URL Shortener allows you and your users to shorten links directly from your browser. It is packed will features and more to come!

Features

  • Shorten URLs directly from your browser
  • Use custom domains and aliases
  • View your recently shortened links
  • Context menu integration for quick shortening of selected links

Customization

After you have purchased the extension, you will receive an email containing an access to our client portal - allowing you to customize the plugin color scheme and generate a full extension ready to be submitted to Google Store.

After you have download the zip file, you will see 3 files. A zip file named chromeextension.zip, another zip file named chromeextensionhelper.zip and the documentation.html file.

Chrome Extension (chromeextension.zip)

This file is the one you submit to Google. It is already packaged with the extension, your custom stylesheet and your logos. Everything is setup for you so you don't need to edit anything.

Testing the extension

You can test the extension before submitting it to Google Store. To do so, follow the following steps.

  1. Extract the file chromeextension.zip in a folder.
  2. Go to Chrome browser and navigate to chrome://extensions/.
  3. Enable Developer mode by toggling the switch in the top right corner.
  4. Click "Load unpacked" and select the folder that contains your extension's files.
  5. Once loaded, you should see your extension in the list of extensions.
  6. Click on the extension's icon to test its functionality.
  7. If you make any changes to the extension's code, you can reload it by clicking the "Reload" button or by pressing Ctrl + R.

Submitting the extension to Google Web Store

  1. Go to Chrome Web Store Developer Dashboard and create a new extension.
  2. Upload the zip file named chromeextension.zip to the dashboard.
  3. They will ask you to provide explanation for some of the fields. See below for examples on what to provide.
  4. Wait for the extension to be reviewed and approved by Google.
  5. Once approved, the extension will be live and available for download.
  6. Download and install the extension to test its functionality.
  7. Test the extension by shortening URLs and verifying that it works as expected.

Sample justification for Google Web Store submission

Google will ask you to provide justification on why the extension requires some of the permission. They will ask you to fill these in the Privacy tab. See below for sample justification. You can use the following justification or rewrite it in your own words (you can use AI such as ChatGPT).

Single purpose

This extension's single purpose is to provide a convenient way for users to shorten URLs using a specific URL shortening service. It allows users to shorten the current page's URL or any selected link and view their recently shortened links.

activeTab justification

The activeTab permission is used to access the current tab's URL when the user wants to shorten it. This allows the extension to automatically populate the long URL field with the current page's address, improving user experience. It does not automatically send any information to the server. Users will need to press the Shorten button to send the information to the server for processing. All links are securely stored in the user's account.

storage justification

The storage is used to store the user's API key. We do not store other information.

contextMenus justification

The contextMenus permission is used to add a "Shorten Link" option to the right-click context menu. This allows users to quickly shorten links without opening the extension popup. The implementation can be found in the background.js file. It does not automatically send any information to the server. Users will need to press the Shorten button to send the information to the server for processing. All links are securely stored in the user's account.

Host Permission justification

The host permission is required to make API calls to the URL shortening service. This is essential for the core functionality of the extension, including shortening URLs and retrieving user data.

If you are having trouble submitting or have any questions, our team can help you.

Companion Plugin (chromeextensionhelper.zip)

The file named chromeextensionhelper.zip is the companion plugin to the extension. This plugin allows you to add the link to your Google Store page once it has been approved and it will show the extension under Integrations in the dashboard and under Resources menu in the homepage.

How to install the plugin

You can install the plugin by following the following steps.

  1. Go to your site Admin Plugins All Plugins
  2. Click on Upload and upload the file named chromeextensionhelper.zip
  3. Click on the three dots then Activate
  4. Go to Admin Plugins Chrome Extension to enter the Google Store link.

Upgrading

You will receive an email from us when we update the extension. After you have received the email, head back to your client portal and re-download the plugin then proceed to update.

How to update the extension via Google Store

  1. Go to the Google Chrome Web Store Developer Dashboard
  2. Click on extension's name.
  3. Go to Package in the sidebar
  4. Click on Upload new Package
  5. Submit and wait for approval

Browser Support

The extension is mainly built for Chrome however it will work on all chromium-based browsers including Microsoft Edge and Opera.

List of browsers this extension was tested on.

  • Chrome
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Opera
  • Brave
  • Chromium
  • Yandex Browser
  • Arc Browser
  • Maxthon
  • Vivaldi