this post was submitted on 25 Aug 2023
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Firefox users may import Chrome extensions now (www.ghacks.net)
submitted 1 year ago by pnutzh4x0r@lemmy.ndlug.org to c/firefox@lemmy.ml
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One of the main arguments brought forth for the switching to the WebExtensions system for browser extensions was that it made cross-browser extensions easier. Firefox users may now reap the benefits of this promise, as Mozilla has implemented functionality in the browser to import extensions from other browsers.

The feature, which is in testing at the moment, can be enabled by all users of the latest stable version of Firefox.

The feature is limited at the time to Google Chrome and select extensions. Even though Firefox and Chrome extensions use the same framework, WebExtensions, they are not compatible immediately. Firefox users who attempt to install extensions from Chrome's Web Store may notice that this is not working.

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[–] donnachaidh@lemmy.dcmrobertson.com 55 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Instead of importing the Chrome extension directly, Firefox is installing the Firefox version of the extension from Mozilla's own extension store.

Seems like it's just for making the switch from Chrome smoother, rather than being useful for long-time Firefox users.

[–] iturnedintoanewt@lemm.ee 13 points 1 year ago (1 children)

So... If the extension is exclusive to chrome, nothing gets installed in Firefox, right?

[–] donnachaidh@lemmy.dcmrobertson.com 17 points 1 year ago

Seems like it. The article also mentioned that there are only 73 pairs available, so it sounds like Mozilla has to explicitly define what Chrome extensions corresponds to what Firefox extension.

[–] stormio@lemmy.ca 12 points 1 year ago

I was moderately intrigued by this story until I got to that part. The headline is correct but kind of misleading. I'm sure many people will read it and think Firefox can now run Chrome extensions directly.