The Benefits of Using Extension Tools

Browser extensions are small applications that are installed directly on a browser, such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge, to add features or enhance the user experience. These tools have become essential for customizing Internet browsing, facilitating tasks and improving productivity without having to leave the browser.

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What are browser extensions?

Extensions are pieces of software that are integrated into browsers to provide additional functionality. They can range from simple ad blockers to more advanced tools, such as password managers or programs that allow you to manage tasks directly from your browser. The key advantage of extensions is that they optimize browsing and save time, making everyday tasks more efficient in whatever browser you use.

Why are extensions useful?

Extensions are useful because they allow you to adapt the browser to the specific needs of each user. For example, you can use extensions to improve your online security, block annoying ads, or integrate frequently used services such as calendars or task managers.

Some examples of why they are useful include:

• Personalization: They allow users to customize their browsing experience according to their preferences in different browsers.
• Productivity: Extensions such as task managers or scheduling tools can be integrated into the browser and simplify daily work.
• Security: There are extensions that strengthen privacy, blocking trackers or improving security when browsing.

How to install extensions in Chrome, Firefox and Edge

Installing an extension is a quick and simple process, although it may vary slightly depending on the browser you use.

1.- In Chrome:

• Open the Chrome browser and go to the Chrome Web Store.
• Search for the extension you want to install.
• Click "Add to Chrome" and then confirm by clicking "Add extension".

2.- In Firefox:

• Open Firefox and go to the Mozilla Add-ons Store.
• Search for the extension you need.
• Click "Add to Firefox" and then click "Add" to confirm.

3.- In Edge:

• Open the Edge browser and go to the Microsoft Edge Add-ons Store.
• Search for the extension you want to install.
• Click "Get" and follow the prompts to add it to the browser.

Security considerations when using extensions

While extensions offer many benefits, it's important to keep some security considerations in mind with any browser you use. Not all extensions are completely safe, so it is essential to install only those from trusted sources. Some recommendations include:

• Check reviews: before installing an extension on your browser, check the comments and ratings from other users.
• Check permissions: Make sure the extension only requests the necessary permissions and does not access more information than it should on your browser.
• Keep extensions up to date: Like any software, extensions require regular updates to fix vulnerabilities and ensure they work smoothly in the most commonly used browsers.

Examples of popular extensions

Some of the most commonly used extensions in different browsers include:

• Adblock Plus: Ad blocker that enhances the browsing experience on any browser.
• LastPass: A password manager that helps store and manage credentials securely across multiple browsers.
• Grammarly: A grammar correction tool that integrates directly into the browser to improve typing.
• TuCalendi: The new TuCalendi extension allows you to manage meetings and appointments more efficiently directly from your browser. With the TuCalendi extension, you can quickly access your meetings, schedule appointments and keep everything organized without leaving your browser. Find out more about the TuCalendi extension here.

Conclusion

Browser extensions are powerful tools that enhance the functionality and customization of the browsing experience. From improving productivity to ensuring security, extensions are essential to make browsing more efficient and tailored to each user's needs. Now that you know their advantages and how to install them on the most popular browsers, you can take full advantage of them and optimize your online experience.

Chrome extensions for testing have become indispensable to check web applications, as they offer advanced features that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. These tools support a broad spectrum of UI testing requirements, including cross-browser, accessibility and load testing — improving application quality and ensuring a seamless user experience.

This guide explains about the top 10 Chrome Extensions for testing in detail.

Why use a Chrome Extension?

Here are some of the benefits of using a Chrome extension:

• Extend browser functionality with custom tools
• Customize how websites behave or look
• Get quick access to third-party services or utilities
• Save time by automating repetitive tasks
• Improve productivity and focus while working online
• Enhance privacy and security while browsing
• Enable advanced testing and development workflows

10 Chrome Extensions for Testing you must have in

Here are the 10 must-have Chrome extensions that can elevate your testing capabilities and help you achieve reliable and high-quality results.

1. BrowserStack – A Cross Browser Testing Chrome Extension

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This plugin launches new test sessions on real browsers with a couple of clicks. Testers can initiate up to 12 browsers for effortless access, switch between browsers and spend less time on the overall process.

Start using the BrowserStack extension in three simple steps:

1. Install the extension.
2. Open the website to be tested and click on the BrowserStack logo on the extension toolbar.
3. Select the browser & device combination the site has to be tested on.

The site will be launched in the selected device-browser combination. Run tests as required, and leverage BrowserStack’s DevTools to check site behavior in real user conditions, and identify and record bugs.

Key Features:

• Instantly test websites on real browsers and devices.
• Access multiple browser versions without local installations.
• Seamless integration with BrowserStack Live for real-time testing

2. Percy Web Extension

Percy Chrome Extension, created using the Plasmo framework, enhances the ease of visual regression testing for web applications. It’s an ideal tool for users without complex automation systems and for Manual QA testers looking to optimize their visual regression testing routines.

Accessing the functionalities of the Percy Chrome Extension is straightforward through its user interface.

Here’s how you can easily install the Percy extension to your browser:

• Access the Percy Web Extension on the Chrome Web Store.  Click on the ‘Add to Chrome’ button.

• The extension asks for your permission or data.
• Click Add Extension.

Key Features:

• Automates visual regression testing within your CI/CD pipeline.
• Captures and compares UI snapshots across commits.
• Supports cross-browser and responsive visual testing

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3. BrowserStack Accessibility Toolkit

BrowserStack Accessibility Toolkit is a powerful Chrome extension for developers and testers aiming to enhance web application accessibility.

From evaluating screen reader compatibility to analyzing color contrast and assessing keyboard navigation, BrowserStack Accessibility Toolkit offers a user-friendly interface to identify and address accessibility issues efficiently.

Integrate the BrowserStack Accessibility Toolkit extension into your workflow to make your web applications accessible to all users regardless of their disabilities. Follow these three easy steps to add the extension to your browser:

1. In Google Chrome, access the BrowserStack Accessibility Toolkit extension on the Chrome Web Store. Alternatively, on the Accessibility Testing Dashboard, click Download extension.
2. Click Add to Chrome. The extension asks for your permission or data.
3. Click Add Extension.

The extension is added to the browser. Once you launch the Accessibility Toolkit it allows you to Test, Report, and Monitor Web Accessibility Health.

Key Features:

• Scans web pages for WCAG compliance issues.
• Provides real-time feedback on accessibility violations.
• Integrates with BrowserStack Live for manual and automated testing.​

4. Page load time

Page Load time displays a website’s loading time in the toolbar. This is a useful instrument, as high-speed loading is among the topmost priorities for website visitors. A few things repel a user from a website as slow loading times.

However, to get truly accurate load times on a site, QAs must test their rendering on real browsers and devices.

Alternative: Instead of setting up an in-house device lab (an expensive and effort-intensive option), just run website speed tests for free on BrowserStack SpeedLab.

Test your website speed now

Simply enter the website URL, select browser-device combinations, and click Get a free report, and the tool will generate an extensive report depicting page load speed on different browser-device combinations. If a site seems to be unnaturally slow on a particular browser-device duo, QAs get to know immediately and can run optimization activities as required.

Key Features:

• Displays page load time directly in the browser toolbar.
• Helps identify performance bottlenecks during development.
• Simple interface for quick performance insights.​

5. Session Manager

It is common for website testers to open the same links and URLs multiple times. The Session Manager plugin allows testers to list a group of sites – which can be opened and clicked with a single click. They can update, save, delete, and restore the group.

Users can manage sessions with names and tags, auto-save when the window closes, save tab groups and much more.

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Key Features:

• Saves and restores sets of browser tabs.
• Organizes sessions for different testing scenarios.
• Enhances productivity by managing multiple workflows.​

6. Check My Links

Website testers must skim through the content in order to identify broken links, without which they risk putting out sub-optimal user experiences. Obviously, clicking each site link manually to check if it works would be pointlessly exhausting.

Click my links checks all the links on a web page, to verify if they are active/valid, or broken. Needless to say, automating the process makes things go along much faster.

Key Features:

• Scans web pages for broken or invalid links.
• Highlights problematic links for easy identification.
• Essential for ensuring link integrity in web applications.​

7. Window Resizer

The importance of responsive design cannot be overstated. Users access the internet via thousands of devices with different screen sizes and resolutions. It is possible that a site won’t render accurately on some screens. People also asked, “What is the ideal screen size for responsive design?”

The Windows Resizer plugin resizes a tester’s browser window so as to replicate other screen resolutions. It’s an easy way for web designers and developers to test website layouts on multiple browser resolutions without having to access those devices.

Users can customize the list of resolutions, adjust the window’s position, height/width, and preset icons, and even choose to execute the new dimensions on either just the viewport or the whole window.

Of course, all the emulation in the world doesn’t really match website testing on actual mobile and desktop devices. This plugin is useful for testers without access to an in-house device lab, but they can choose to use BrowserStack’s free responsive design checker to check how a site renders on the latest real devices.

Key Features:

• Resizes browser window to emulate various screen resolutions.
• Facilitates responsive design testing across devices.
• Customizable presets for different viewport sizes.​

8. Awesome Screenshot & Screen Recorder

Testers can use the Awesome Screenshot Chrome extension to take screenshots of their tests. They can take screenshots of particular test steps, annotate, highlight, crop them and share them with other testers.

A two-tab popup menu also lets testers shift between screenshot capturing and screen recording (video). Videos can be shared to Jira, Slack, Trello, Asana, and GitHub, and can be downloaded in WebM or MP4 format.

Of course, BrowserStack users can not only take screenshots and video recordings of tests, but they can do so while running tests on + real browsers and devices. In other words, they get the best of both worlds.

Key Features:

• Captures full-page or selected area screenshots.
• Records browser sessions for testing documentation.
• Offers annotation tools for highlighting issues.​

Read more about BrowserStack’s debugging options.

9. PerfectPixel

With this extension, testers can deliver accuracy on the pixel-level. Users can leverage the Pixel Perfect plugin to impose a semi-transparent overlay over the developed HTML. This allows them to make comparisons between different versions to identify and clear out issues with pixel placement.

The plugin has multiple features – layer inversion, scaling, separate layers for specific websites, support for multiple layers, drag-and-drop, pasting from URL and clipboard, etc.

Key Features:

• Overlays design mockups on live websites for pixel-perfect comparisons.
• Assists in aligning UI elements precisely as per design specifications.
• Supports adjustable transparency and positioning.​

10. iMacros

Most testers have to perform repetitive tasks each day, or even the same tasks multiple times a day. With iMacros extension, they can simply record these actions and play them back on a specific web page.

Simply perform repetitive tasks like filling web forms, filling usernames/passwords, creating mail notifiers, etc. once – and record them with iMacros. Next time they need to be executed, just click a button and watch them run themselves.

These tasks can also be automated using frameworks like Selenium WebDriver. Automated Selenium testing, as provided by BrowserStack’s cloud Selenium grid, allows automated action to be run and rerun on + real browsers and devices (multiple browser versions on mobile & desktop devices).

Key Features:

• Automates repetitive tasks by recording and replaying browser actions.
• Useful for regression testing and routine checks.
• Supports scripting for complex test scenarios.​

Factors to consider while choosing a Chrome extension for Testing

Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a Chrome extension for testing:

1. Testing Objective Alignment: Ensure the extension addresses your specific testing needs. It can include cross browser testing, visual regression, accessibility testing, or performance validation.
2. Feature Set and Use Case: Look for extensions that provide a clear and focused set of features. Avoid overly complex tools if your testing requirement is simple, like link checking or screen resizing.
3. Manual vs. Automated Testing Support: Select extensions that fit your workflow. Manual testers may benefit from interactive UI tools, while automation teams may require tools that integrate with scripts or CI pipelines.
4. Cross Platform Testing: Make sure the extension works well on multiple platforms including recent versions of Chrome, Chromium-based browsers like Edge and Brave, and across different operating systems.
5. Security and Privacy: Examine the permissions the extension requests. Confirm whether it stores or shares sensitive data, and ensure it is developed by a trustworthy source or organization.
6. Performance Impact: Choose lightweight extensions that don’t significantly slow down browser performance or interfere with the web page’s rendering.
7. User Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews on the Chrome Web Store to understand user satisfaction, reported bugs, update frequency, and the developer’s responsiveness.
8. Update Frequency and Active Support: Opt for tools that are actively maintained and frequently updated to stay compatible with browser changes. Support documentation and community forums are also useful indicators.
9. Integration with Other Tools: Consider whether the extension integrates with tools you already use. This can improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.

Why Test a Chrome Extension?

Testing a Chrome extension is critical to ensure it delivers a smooth, secure, and bug-free user experience. Unlike websites, extensions interact directly with the browser and system-level APIs, which makes reliability and permission handling essential. Poorly tested extensions can lead to broken features, security risks, and a negative impact on browser performance.

Key reasons to test:

• Validate that features work as expected across Chrome versions and OS platforms
• Ensure compatibility with Manifest V2 and V3 APIs
• Check for memory leaks or excessive resource consumption
• Protect user privacy and prevent permission abuse
• Catch bugs before release to maintain user trust and Chrome Web Store compliance

What to consider in Chrome Extension Testing?

Testing a Chrome extension involves validating its functionality, performance, compatibility, and security across different use cases and environments.

Unlike traditional web apps, extensions have multiple components, like background scripts, popups, and content scripts that interact with browser APIs and user pages.

A thorough testing process ensures the extension behaves as expected, respects permissions, and delivers a reliable user experience across Chrome versions and platforms.

Consider these points during Chrome Extension testing:

Checklist: Key Points to consider in Chrome Extension Testing

Here are some of the key guidelines outlined by Google Chrome for Chrome extension testing:

1. Load and Inspect the Extension

• Load the unpacked extension via chrome://extensions in Developer Mode.
• Manually verify the extension UI, including popup, options page, and browser actions.

2. Functional Testing

• Simulate user actions to test end-to-end workflows.
• Ensure expected behavior of all components: background scripts, content scripts, and UI pages.

3. API and Permissions Testing

• Verify all declared Chrome APIs (for example, tabs, storage, runtime) are functioning as expected.
• Check that only necessary permissions are listed in manifest.json.
• Use optional permissions when appropriate and test their on-demand behavior.

4. Environment Testing

• Test in different user contexts: incognito mode, guest profile, and restricted environments.
• Validate consistent behavior across multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux).

5. Performance Monitoring

• Use Chrome Task Manager to track memory and CPU usage.
• Ensure background scripts and event listeners are optimized and don’t overconsume resources.

6. Security and Privacy Checks

• Validate that sensitive data is securely handled and not exposed.
• Ensure all third-party calls use HTTPS and respect CSP (Content Security Policy) rules.
• Test against potential security issues like data leaks, insecure storage, or DOM injection.

7. Debugging and DevTools Usage

• Use Chrome devices with DevTools" href="https://www.browserstack.com/live/features/developer-tools" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DevTools to inspect and debug content scripts, network calls, and console logs.
• Confirm proper message passing between different extension components.

8. Automated Testing (Optional but Recommended)

• Use tools like Puppeteer, Selenium, or Playwright for automated end-to-end testing.
• Automate UI flows and simulate user interactions across multiple sessions and contexts.

Conclusion

These useful Chrome extensions should occupy a mandatory place in any tester’s toolkit. Having them at hand will allow QA operations to go faster, smoother, and yield more reliable results. Given that QA personnel are stretched thin as it is on account of draining task schedules, these must-have Chrome extensions will act as lifesaver

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