Focus on what matters - A distraction-free reading experience

Latest Version

Version
1.1.0
Update
April 29, 2025
Size
68.13KiB
Developer
Category
Users
0
Rating
1 ★
Manifest Version
3
Web Store Status
Languages Support
Deutsch
English
Français
Español
Português (Brasil)
‫العربية
中文 (简体)
中文 (繁體)
日本語
한국어
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Permissions
ActiveTab
ContextMenus
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ZenReader Extension

ZenReader is a Chrome extension designed to provide a distraction-free reading experience while preserving the original styling of web content. It allows users to focus on specific sections of a webpage by creating an overlay that highlights only the content they want to read.

While many Reader Mode extensions and browser features strip away original styling to create a standardized reading experience, ZenReader takes a different approach.

Most reader modes extract the main content and apply their own CSS styles, which makes reading easier but sacrifices the website's original design and visual identity. ZenReader instead preserves the original styling while removing distractions, giving you the best of both worlds:

**Focus on what matters without losing the website's intended visual experience.**

This allows you to enjoy the content creator's design choices while still eliminating surrounding distractions that compete for your attention.
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Source Manifest.json

{"update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx", "manifest_version": 3, "name": "__MSG_appName__", "version": "1.1.0", "description": "__MSG_appDesc__", "default_locale": "en", "permissions": ["activeTab", "contextMenus"], "action": { "default_icon": { "16": "icons/icon16.png", "48": "icons/icon48.png", "128": "icons/icon128.png" }, "default_title": "__MSG_appName__" }, "background": { "service_worker": "background.js" }, "content_scripts": [ { "matches": [""], "js": [ "content/utils/colorUtils.js", "content/utils/domUtils.js", "content/utils/messageHandler.js", "content/styles/styleCache.js", "content/styles/elementCloner.js", "content/styles/shadowDomStyles.js", "content/styles/layoutFixer.js", "content/styles/styleManager.js", "content/selectionMode.js", "content/focusMode.js", "content/state.js", "content/index.js" ], "css": ["styles.css"] } ], "icons": { "16": "icons/icon16.png", "48": "icons/icon48.png", "128": "icons/icon128.png" }, "web_accessible_resources": [ { "resources": [ "about/about.html", "about/about.css", "about/about.js", "icons/*.png" ], "matches": [""] } ]}
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How to download and manually install ZenReader extension for Chrome

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

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

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

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

This is another method to install ZenReader 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 ZenReader extension file

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

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