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Firefox Extension Template

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Creating a Firefox extension can be difficult if you don't know the files involved and how to structure your extension folder. Fear not -- I have created a very basic Firefox extension template file/folder structure for you to get your first plugin going.

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File & Folder Structure

  • MyExtension/
    • chrome/
      • content/ - contains the extensions XUL and JavaScript files.
        • myExtension.xul - The XML that creates the layout of the extension.
        • options.xul - The XML that creates proviedes extension options. Empty for this template.
        • myExtension.js - The JavaScript that manages the action of each extension object.
      • locale/ - contains language files. None included in this template. Assume English.
      • skin/ - contains images and CSS to control extension object layout.
        • myExtension.css - a CSS file controling presentation, just like a website.
        • logo.png - a sample image. All images go in this folder as well.
    • chrome.manifest - maps out the file/structure layout of the extension for Firefox.
    • install.rdf - provides information about the extension.
    • update.rdf - gets pinged to check for extension updates.

Note that this structure isn't required but is a very commonly used structure. Also, make sure to check out my David Walsh Blog Toolbar post to see an example of my file contents.

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Stay tuned for my post on creating the XPI file that packages the extension!

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Discussion

  1. Lim Chee Aun

    I guess both of us think alike :) http://github.com/cheeaun/example-fx

  2. David Walsh

    @Lim Chee Aun: As always! :) This setup is pretty common.

  3. Foobar

    u mis-typed the word “chrome”…

  4. David Walsh

    @Foobar: Updated.

  5. Tyler Diaz

    Thanks a bunch David, I’ve always wanted to try my hand at creating my own Firefox tool bar but never really knew how to start. Thanks for the jump start. ;)

  6. Skakunov Alexander

    You can use an Extension Wizard for that purpose.

  7. Scott Morris

    I have been tasked to create an add on and through all the searching and examples yours was the best. Thank you.

  8. andrew

    I have defind a new action that to call other program In my myExtension.js ,
    Am i input the program with myExtension.js in content too ?

  9. Home

    I always to the star to make my Firefox toolbar, but knew how to really wanted to try my hand but never.
    ——————————–
    ruthallen

Wrap your code in <pre class="{language}"></pre> tags, link to a GitHub gist, JSFiddle fiddle, or CodePen pen to embed!