A browser extension that shortens lengthy links and removes tracking data without the use of a link shortening service.

Latest Version

Version
0.1.1
Update
January 11, 2021
Size
75.26KiB
Developer
Category
Users
87
Rating
5 ★
Manifest Version
2
Web Store Status
Languages Support
English (United States)
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Permissions
Tabs
ActiveTab
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CleanLink Extension

**CleanLink is currently in beta.** There is a small chance that the link copied to your clipboard will not be valid, however, CleanLink will not break your overall browsing experience. If you notice that CleanLink breaks any links when shortening them, please file an issue at https://github.com/mathvav/cleanlink/issues.

Many websites add a lot of extra \"garbage\" to the link at the top of your browser, for any of the following reasons:

• Tracking customers throughout the \"conversion funnel\"
• Making the link more recognizable to humans, such as putting \"/Taylor-Swift-Album\" in the URL for an album from the best musician to ever live
• Storing extra information about your browsing experience, such as the exact search text that took you to the product you're viewing

However, when copying-and-pasting links to put in emails or spreadsheets, this extra data can take up a lot of space and make the link look... ugly.

CleanLink fixes this by taking a link like...

https://www.amazon.com/Capri-Sun-Variety-Pack-Strawberry/dp/B0812HZGGZ/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=BV32h&pf_rd_p=58f68c27-9bf4-466f-b1c8-101a062bcc82&pf_rd_r=K9PPQDP3APKTHFR13WTA&pd_rd_r=d7a0ba05-e5d9-4c59-a37c-b470911fd28d&pd_rd_wg=bPW0M&ref_=pd_gw_wish

...and shortening it to...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0812HZGGZ

....just by removing unnecessary parts of the URL—this shortened link is 14% of it's original length!

CleanLink works especially well on Amazon and eBay product links, along with Google and Bing searches, but additionally removes \"UTM\" tracking data from the links of millions of websites worldwide. It sits in the top right corner of Chrome, and its icon turns from gray to blue when it senses that it can make the link on the current page shorter. When you click on the icon, CleanLink shortens the link and copies it to your clipboard for you.
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Source Manifest.json

{"update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx","manifest_version": 2,"name": "CleanLink","description": "A browser extension that shortens lengthy links and removes tracking data without the use of a link shortening service.","author": "Matt Vavricek","homepage_url": "https://github.com/mathvav/cleanlink","version": "0.1.1","icons": {"16": "icons/blueicon-16.png","48": "icons/blueicon-48.png","128": "icons/blueicon-128.png"},"permissions": ["tabs","activeTab"],"browser_action": {"default_icon": "icons/grayicon-16.png","browser_style": true,"default_title": "Copy the shortened link to the clipboard","default_popup": "popup.html"},"background": {"scripts": ["js/background.js"],"persistent": false}}
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How to download and manually install CleanLink extension for Chrome

Looking for a way to install CleanLink 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 CleanLink extensions manually, this article outlines two simple methods to effortlessly install CleanLink extensions, whether they come as unpacked folders in compressed formats like .zip or as .crx files.

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

If you ever need to manually install a CleanLink 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 CleanLink Extension by clicking the "Download CRX" button on the website.

Look for the CleanLink extension you wish to install. Go to the website and download the CleanLink extension package, which is usually a .CRX file and comes in a zipped file. Here ".crx" file is the format for CleanLink 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 CleanLink 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 CleanLink extension for Chrome and install in Developer Mode

This is another method to install CleanLink 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 CleanLink extension file

Select and download the CleanLink 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 CleanLink 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 CleanLink 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 CleanLink 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 CleanLink extension in 2 ways. We hope this guide proves helpful.

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User reviews

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Evan Gray (ID: 000000f370aa27b8) Voted 5 ★ - Updated 04/08/2021 Best one of these I've seen so I'm giving it a 5 but... Any chance of adding an option for custom variables? There's a few you missed. Thanks!

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Antonio Linhart (ID: 000000dc8c4bf449) Voted 5 ★ - Updated 01/10/2021 This extension has transformed my internet surfing habits! I can now easily share links with friends and family via text and over the phone without judgement over the lengthy links I send!