Find open version of articles as you browse, get access to formatted citations, and explore works cited by your favourite authors.
Spark Extension
- Cite: Spark lets you pick from a range of eight leading citation styles and, at the click of a button, gives you a formatted citation that you can paste wherever you like. This is a lifesaver when you are short on time and just need a tidy-looking reference!
- Read: Spark works behind the scenes to identify open access or otherwise free versions of the academic content you are viewing. If it finds a match, you will be able to go straight to a freely accessible copy (for example, if what you are trying to read is behind a paywall).
- Explore: Spark is also able to see the scholarly items cited by the academic content you browse. By clicking on the ‘Explore’ button, you will be able to browse these on your screen and open them easily. This is a great feature if you are looking for inspiration or feel like exploring a topic.
Why use Spark?
- Because it’s easy: Spark is very straightforward to use and, if you are happy with the default settings, there is virtually no learning curve! The above description is all the tutorial you need.
- Because it’s open: Spark is open source and available to download, edit and reuse on GitHub – you can fully understand how it works thanks to extensive comments.
- Because it’s free: Spark was built as a personal project. It is free, customisable and just aims to make your life easier.
How does Spark work?
As you browse the internet, Spark looks for DOIs (or Digital Object Identifiers) either displayed on the page or in its HTML code. These are used to query four databases via their publicly accessible APIs, and you are simply presented with the results of this process. Spark works thanks to the fantastic data collection and curation efforts of various organisations and initiatives: CORE, Crosscite, OpenCitations and Unpaywall. These guys are the real MVP.
Just so you know, any of the information gathered by Spark stays in your browser. The email address and the API key in the Options menu are required to manage API requests and are only used for these purposes. No other information is gathered nor sent to third parties.
Source Manifest.json
How to download and manually install Spark extension for Chrome
Looking for a way to install Spark 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 Spark extensions manually, this article outlines two simple methods to effortlessly install Spark extensions, whether they come as unpacked folders in compressed formats like .zip or as .crx files.
Method 1: Download Spark extension and manually install through Drag &Drop
If you ever need to manually install a Spark 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 Spark Extension by clicking the "Download CRX" button on the website.
Look for the Spark extension you wish to install. Go to the website and download the Spark extension package, which is usually a .CRX file and comes in a zipped file. Here ".crx" file is the format for Spark 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 Spark 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 Spark extension for Chrome and install in Developer Mode
This is another method to install Spark 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 Spark extension file
Select and download the Spark 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 Spark 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 Spark 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 Spark 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 Spark extension in 2 ways. We hope this guide proves helpful.
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User reviews
alessio GAGGERO - (ID: 000000f9e37ff23b) Voted 5 ★ - Updated 09/06/2021