How to Automatically Include a Chrome Extension in All Profiles of a Custom Chromium Build?

2 min read 15-09-2024

How to Automatically Include a Chrome Extension in All Profiles of a Custom Chromium Build?

If you're a developer or an enthusiast working with Chromium, you may find yourself in need of including a specific Chrome extension across all user profiles in your custom Chromium build. Doing this can save time and streamline the user experience, especially in scenarios where the extension is crucial for functionality. Here’s how to achieve that effectively.

The Problem Scenario

Let's begin by presenting the challenge: You want to customize your Chromium build so that it automatically loads a specific Chrome extension for every user profile created. This prevents users from having to manually install the extension themselves.

Original Code Example

Below is an example that highlights how you would typically go about including an extension:

./gn gen out/Default --args='is_official_build=true target_os="linux" target_cpu="x64"'

While the above command is essential for building your Chromium, it does not directly address how to add an extension automatically across user profiles.

Steps to Automatically Include a Chrome Extension

Step 1: Prepare Your Chrome Extension

Before you can embed your extension into your custom build, ensure that you have the .crx file (the Chrome extension package) ready. You can either create your own extension or use an existing one from the Chrome Web Store.

Step 2: Modify the Default Preferences

Locate the Preferences File: After you have built your custom version of Chromium, you will find a Default directory inside your output folder (e.g., out/Default). In this folder, locate the Preferences file.
Edit the Preferences File: Open the Preferences file in a text editor and add your extension under the "extensions" section. Here is an example of how you can do this:
```
{
  "extensions": {
    "settings": {
      "your_extension_id": {
        "location": "synced",
        "manifest": {
          "version": "1.0",
          "name": "Your Extension Name",
          ...
        }
      }
    }
  }
}
```
Replace your_extension_id with the ID of the extension you wish to include.

Step 3: Adjust Command Line Arguments

When running your custom Chromium build, use command line arguments to ensure that the extension is enabled by default. Launch your custom build with the following flags:

./out/Default/chrome --load-extension=your_extension_path --user-data-dir=/path/to/user/data

Practical Example

Let’s say you have created a simple extension that enhances productivity by blocking distractions. After preparing the .crx file and editing the Preferences file, launch your custom Chromium build. Every time a new profile is created, the extension will automatically load, enhancing the user experience without any additional steps.

Additional Notes

Update Extension ID: If the extension ID changes, remember to update the Preferences file accordingly to avoid issues.
Testing: Before deploying your custom build, conduct thorough testing across different user profiles to ensure that the extension loads properly.
Documentation: Always refer to the official Chromium documentation for the most accurate and detailed instructions.

Useful Resources

By following these steps, you can successfully include a Chrome extension in all profiles of your custom Chromium build. This approach enhances user convenience, making it a valuable skill for developers aiming to create tailored browsing experiences.

This article provided a clear guide on automatically including a Chrome extension in all profiles of a custom Chromium build. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out to the community or check the resources provided above. Happy coding!