Makes indirect links on Google and Facebook direct.

Latest Version

Version
2.0
Update
September 12, 2018
Size
227KiB
Developer
Category
Users
189
Rating
5 ★
Manifest Version
2
Web Store Status
Languages Support
English
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Permissions
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DirectLinks Extension

This extension circumvents certain techniques used by Google and Facebook to track link clicks.

When you click a link in Google search results, Google uses JavaScript to replace the actual link with an indirect one, which they use for click tracking. Google then redirects the browser to the actual destination after logging the click. DirectLinks disables the JavaScript that replaces real links with indirect ones, so that when you click a search result link, Safari goes straight to the destination.

The extension does something similar for links in Facebook posts: it removes JavaScript that Facebook uses to track clicks on these links.
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Source Manifest.json

{"update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx", "manifest_version": 2, "name": "DirectLinks", "version": "2.0", "description": "Makes indirect links on Google and Facebook direct.", "icons": { "16": "icon16.png", "48": "icon48.png", "128": "icon128.png" }, "content_scripts" : [{ "matches": [ "" ], "js" : ["injected.js"] }]}
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How to download and manually install DirectLinks extension for Chrome

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

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

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

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

This is another method to install DirectLinks 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 DirectLinks extension file

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

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User reviews

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BIOS-Pherecydes (ID: 000000777f94cc91) Voted 5 ★ - Updated 09/07/2023 Does what it says it does. No more Google tracker bloat.