Improved installable web apps for selected sites.

Latest Version

Version
1.0.0
Update
November 11, 2024
Size
86.13KiB
Developer
Category
Users
13
Rating
5 ★
Manifest Version
3
Web Store Status
Languages Support
English
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Permissions
DeclarativeNetRequest
Storage
Tabs
Scripting
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Better PWAs Extension

Open source extension that replaces or injects manifests for selected sites. This allows installation of some sites, and enhanced experience for others.

Currently supported sites are:
* the Slack app (app.slack.com), which has a manifest added and start URL set so the CCT (toolbar at the top showing the origin) doesn't show on Threads and other pages. A maskable icon is added to improve ChromeOS installation.
* github (github.com) which is made into a Tabbed mode app with a maskable icon on ChromeOS
* Sydney Morning Herald (www.smh.com) has a minimal UI manifest added.

The default for sites is for the extension to always update the manifest. This is the case for Slack and the Sydney Morning Herald. Just go to these sites and install like you can a well configured PWA.

github use CSP to prevent modification of their manifest. To enable the extension to provide an updated manifest, the extension needs to be enabled to block the CSP headers. Click the extension icon on github.com to enable this. Once the extension is activated for the origin, reload the page and install the app. Then disable the extension to restore normal CSP.

Please use the project github pages* to suggest sites to support. PRs welcome.

* https://github.com/benfredwells/betterPWAs/issues
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Source Manifest.json

{"update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx", "manifest_version": 3, "name": "Better PWAs", "version": "1.0.0", "description": "Improved installable web apps for selected sites.", "icons": { "48": "images/icon48.png", "512": "images/icon512.png" }, "action": { "default_icon": { "48": "images/iconDisabled48.png" }, "default_title": "Better PWA: No betterment available" }, "permissions": ["declarativeNetRequest", "storage", "tabs", "scripting"], "background": { "service_worker": "background.js", "type": "module" }, "host_permissions": ["https://github.com/*"], "content_scripts": [ { "matches": ["https://www.smh.com.au/*"], "js": ["manifests/www.smh.com.au.js", "injectManifest.js"] }, { "matches": ["https://app.slack.com/*"], "js": ["manifests/app.slack.com.js", "injectManifest.js"] } ], "web_accessible_resources": [ { "resources": ["manifests/icons/github-256-maskable.png"], "matches": ["https://github.com/*"] }, { "resources": [ "manifests/icons/slack-512.png", "manifests/icons/slack-144.png", "manifests/icons/slack-512-maskable.png" ], "matches": ["https://app.slack.com/*"] } ]}
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How to download and manually install Better PWAs extension for Chrome

Looking for a way to install Better PWAs extensions for Chrome, you can search for them in the Chrome Web Store, clicking the "Add to Chrome" button, and following the straightforward process.

However, you may need to install Better PWAs extensions manually, this article outlines two simple methods to effortlessly install Better PWAs extensions, whether they come as unpacked folders in compressed formats like .zip or as .crx files.

Method 1: Download Better PWAs extension and manually install through Drag &Drop

If you ever need to manually install a Better PWAs extension for Chrome, don't worry, it's a simple process. Just follow these easy steps, and you will have your extension ready to use in no time.

Step 1: Download the Better PWAs Extension by clicking the "Download CRX" button on the website.

Look for the Better PWAs extension you wish to install. Go to the website and download the Better PWAs extension package, which is usually a .CRX file and comes in a zipped file. Here ".crx" file is the format for Better PWAs extension that contains all the data.

Step 2: Extract &Arrange Files

Once the file is downloaded, extract that file into its own folder. Similarly, give that extension files a permanent home. In other words, keep it in a folder that you don't accidentally delete it because these files will be needed to make that extension work.

Step 3: Go to the Chrome Extensions Page

Open Google Chrome and in the address bar, type chrome://extensions; it will open the Google Chrome extensions page. Make sure that "My extensions" is selected in the sidebar.

Step 4: Drag and Drop the Extension

Now, go to the folder where you extracted the Better PWAs extension and drag &drop the extension file from there anywhere onto the extension page within Google Chrome.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

Once you drag and drop the extension file, follow the steps that Google Chrome takes you through. Similarly, if the extension file is of .crx file format, you will be required to review the permissions and then add the extension.

Now, you can manage that added extension as you would like to with any other Chrome extension that you added through Chrome Webstore. Its icon will also appear in the Google Chrome Menu on the right side of the address bar once you activate it.

Method 2: Download Better PWAs extension for Chrome and install in Developer Mode

This is another method to install Better PWAs extension manually, but the twist is that here, you install by enabling the developer mode option provided in Google Chrome. This mode is commonly used for testing extensions or running unpublished tools.

Step 1: Download the Better PWAs extension file

Select and download the Better PWAs extension by clicking the 'Download CRX' button on the website.

Step 2: Extract the downloaded contents

Convert the file to a ZIP file if it is in CRX format then extract the Better PWAs extension zip file or folder that you downloaded. Make sure you extract it using the same folder name and keep it safely in another folder, so you don't delete it by mistake. The extracted folder will be needed to keep your Better PWAs extension running.

Step 3: Open Chrome Extension Setting Page

In the address bar of Google Chrome, type chrome://extensions and open the Chrome Extension Page.

Step 4: Enable Developer Mode

After opening the Chrome Extension page, look at the top right side, and you will find the toggle option of "Developer mode."Simply enable that developer mode option.

Step 5: Load the Unpacked Extension

Once you enable the developer mode option, you will see the menu of Load Unpacked, Pack Extensions and Update. From that, select the option "Load unpacked."

Step 6: Select the Extension Folder

Once the pop-up opens upon clicking Load unpacked, select the Better PWAs extension directory and click on the "Select Folder "button.

Step 7: Confirm and Install

After you select an extension folder of a Google Chrome extension you're installing manually, confirm its installation for the final time and let the installation complete.

Conclusion

Here we've made a step-by-step guide on How to manually install Better PWAs extension in 2 ways. We hope this guide proves helpful.

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