The XKCD Alt Text extension makes it slightly easier to read the XKCD web comic. It's primary function is to add a description…

Latest Version

Version
2.8.1
Update
January 26, 2014
Size
57.64KiB
Developer
Category
Users
618
Rating
4.05882 ★
Manifest Version
2
Web Store Status
Languages Support
English
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Permissions
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XKCD Alt Text Extension

The XKCD Alt Text extension makes it slightly easier to read the XKCD web comic. It's primary function is to add a description beneath the comic, so that you don't have to try and read the tiny hover text before it fades away. It can also move the header below the comic, to increase visibility. This feature can easily be disabled. Update 2.8.1: Works over HTTPS
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Source Manifest.json

{"update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx", "manifest_version": 2, "background": { "page": "background.html" }, "content_scripts": [ { "js": ["jquery.min.js","xkcdalt.js"], "matches": [ "*://xkcd.com/*", "*://xkcd.org/*", "*://xkcd.net/*", "*://www.xkcd.com/*", "*://www.xkcd.org/*", "*://www.xkcd.net/*" ], "run_at": "document_end" } ], "options_page":"options.html", "icons": { "16": "icon16.png", "48": "icon48.png", "128": "icon128.png" }, "name": "XKCD Alt Text", "version": "2.8.1"}
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How to download and manually install XKCD Alt Text extension for Chrome

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

Method 1: Download XKCD Alt Text extension and manually install through Drag &Drop

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

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

This is another method to install XKCD Alt Text 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 XKCD Alt Text extension file

Select and download the XKCD Alt Text 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 XKCD Alt Text 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 XKCD Alt Text 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 XKCD Alt Text 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 XKCD Alt Text extension in 2 ways. We hope this guide proves helpful.

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User reviews

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FaviFake (ID: 0000000514c9661e) Voted 1 ★ - Updated 04/28/2023 Extremely bad. It has ONE JOB, and somehow manages to completely fail at it. It never shows the alt text of the xkcd ANYWHERE on the page. The only thing it seems to do is show the *title* text (which can always be easily read without the extension by simply hovering over the comic), but the alcual *alt* text is nowhere to be found. 100% misleading

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Chris Harvey (ID: 000000504042e904) Voted 4 ★ - Updated 10/13/2017 alt != title Great extension and works perfectly as expected. However, the feature moving the site header below the comic—although it can be overridden—should not be the default, as it isn't the main function of the extension. Headers are important for accessibility & navigation and this feature rearranges the actual source markup, which affects screen readers. This feature should be opt-in, not opt-out. (And should use CSS only e.g. Flexbox to reorder the view.) Also, one minor distinction: This app does not reveal "alt text"; it reveals "title text", which XKCD uses as supplementary text for the comic. The "alt text" of the image is still unexposed.

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Isak Hvarfner (ID: 0000002248eb65c2) Voted 1 ★ - Updated 02/03/2016 Uses a background page (which consumes RAM even when not used) and doesn't sync options.

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(ID: ) Voted 1 ★ - Updated 11/09/2015 This is a great idea, but it feels like a hack instead of an extension. It moves the main part of xkcd to the top, and the title text looks really out of place. I'll publish my own extension that does this right if I can ever find the time.

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Maurilio Mesquita (ID: 000000c3ea23aa3a) Voted 4 ★ - Updated 10/28/2012 The only thing for the extension to be perfect was to use a smaller fontsize to the description, even the same the rest of xkcd uses.