Shows CSS selectors and XPath when hovering over elements for web automation testing.

Latest Version

Version
1.0
Update
March 6, 2025
Size
22.32KiB
Developer
Category
Users
0
Rating
0 ★
Manifest Version
3
Web Store Status
Languages Support
English
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Permissions
ActiveTab
ClipboardWrite
Scripting
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Element Spy Extension

Element Spy is a powerful Chrome extension designed for web developers and QA engineers who need efficient tools for web automation testing. When activated, Element Spy allows you to hover over any webpage element and instantly view its CSS selectors and XPath locators, making it easy to create reliable automation scripts for tools like Selenium and Playwright. With no data collection or transmission—ensuring your privacy—this lightweight tool saves time, enhances productivity, and simplifies the process of building and debugging web automation tests. Ideal for developers working on complex web applications, Element Spy is a must-have for anyone looking to streamline their testing workflow. Install Element Spy today to boost your automation efficiency and focus on what matters most—delivering high-quality web experiences.\"
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Source Manifest.json

{"update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx", "manifest_version": 3, "name": "Element Spy", "version": "1.0", "description": "Shows CSS selectors and XPath when hovering over elements for web automation testing.", "permissions": ["activeTab", "clipboardWrite", "scripting"], "background": { "service_worker": "background.js" }, "action": { "default_icon": { "48": "icons/icon48.png", "128": "icons/icon128.png" } }, "commands": { "toggle-spy": { "suggested_key": { "default": "Alt+Shift+E", "mac": "Command+Shift+E" }, "description": "Toggle Element Spy locator popup" } }, "icons": { "48": "icons/icon48.png", "128": "icons/icon128.png" } }
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How to download and manually install Element Spy extension for Chrome

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

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

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

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

This is another method to install Element Spy 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 Element Spy extension file

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

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