Install Chrome Extensions in Opera & Vice Versa
Cross-Browser Extension Compatibility: Chrome and Opera
Both the Chrome and Opera browsers leverage the Blink engine, which is built upon WebKit. This shared foundation enables a remarkable degree of compatibility between extensions designed for each platform.
Effortless Extension Porting
It is surprisingly straightforward to utilize Chrome extensions within Opera, and conversely, to employ Opera extensions in Chrome. This process allows users to expand the functionality of their preferred browser with a wider range of tools.
The following instructions detail how to seamlessly transfer your favored extensions between these two browsers, breaking down the browser barrier.
How to Install Chrome Extensions in Opera
- Download the Extension: Obtain the Chrome extension's .crx file.
- Opera Extension Page: Navigate to
opera://extensionsin your Opera browser. - Developer Mode: Activate "Developer mode" located in the top-right corner.
- Load Unpacked: Click the "Load unpacked" button.
- Select .crx File: Choose the downloaded .crx file.
The extension will then be installed and available for use within Opera.
How to Install Opera Extensions in Chrome
- Download the Extension: Acquire the Opera extension's .oex file.
- Chrome Extension Page: Access
chrome://extensionsin your Chrome browser. - Developer Mode: Enable "Developer mode" in the top-right corner.
- Pack Extension: Click "Pack extension".
- Select Directory: Choose the directory containing the unpacked extension files.
- Generate .crx: Chrome will generate a .crx file.
- Load Unpacked: Click the "Load unpacked" button.
- Select .crx File: Choose the generated .crx file.
The Opera extension will now be functional within Chrome.
This method provides a simple way to enhance your browsing experience by leveraging the extension ecosystems of both Chrome and Opera.
The Underlying Mechanics of Browser Extension Compatibility
In 2013, Google initiated a notable change in Chrome's development process. They transitioned away from the WebKit rendering engine, opting instead for Blink, an engine forked from WebKit.
Subsequently, the Opera development team also adopted Blink, abandoning WebKit in the process. This decision aligned Opera with Google’s direction.
Currently, both browsers continue to utilize this common rendering engine. Consequently, despite differing browser interfaces and customizations, Chrome and Opera share a fundamental core component.
This shared foundation simplifies the transfer of extensions between the two platforms. With minimal configuration adjustments on each browser, extensions can be installed directly, requiring no alterations.
Transferring Extensions: A Straightforward Process
The process for installing extensions is remarkably simple for both Chrome and Opera. It essentially involves a direct selection and installation procedure.
We will begin by outlining the steps for Chrome, as the demand for porting extensions from Chrome to Opera generally exceeds the reverse.
There are a significantly larger number of users seeking to utilize Chrome extensions within the Opera environment.
Utilizing Chrome Extensions within Opera
Opera users desiring access to Chrome extensions will find the process remarkably straightforward. Initially, launch Opera and navigate to the Opera Add-ons store to install the extension titled "Download Chrome Extensions."
Installing the Necessary Extension
This extension serves as a bridge, enabling compatibility with extensions designed for the Chrome browser. Once installed, you'll be able to access a wider range of functionalities.
Following the installation of the "Download Chrome Extensions" add-on, proceed to the Chrome Web Store to select desired Chrome extensions. Consider, for instance, a scenario where a user appreciates the enhancements offered by Flix Plus, as reviewed previously, but finds it exclusively available as a Chrome extension.
This limitation is now circumvented. With the "Download Chrome Extensions" extension active in Opera, visiting the Flix Plus page within the Chrome Web Store will present a different experience.
Due to the shared rendering engines, the extensive collection of extensions available in the Chrome Web Store becomes accessible. Users can now freely explore and install these extensions within Opera.
Essentially, this method unlocks the full potential of the Chrome extension ecosystem for Opera browsers. The ability to leverage Chrome extensions expands the functionality and customization options available to Opera users.
Expanding Opera's Capabilities
This process allows for a significant expansion of Opera’s features. It provides access to tools and utilities that were previously unavailable without switching browsers.
Installing Opera Extensions in Chrome
While not entirely automatic, installing Opera extensions within the Chrome browser is a manageable process. The procedure is relatively simple if you possess basic file management skills, such as saving, renaming, and dragging-and-dropping files.
As expected, locating the desired extension requires a visit to the Opera Add-ons repository. We attempted to identify an extension available in the Opera store but not present in the Chrome Web Store, avoiding those exclusive to Opera’s features. However, due to the significantly larger selection of extensions for Chrome, this search proved time-consuming and ultimately unsuccessful. Nevertheless, we will demonstrate the installation process.
The initial step involves finding the specific Opera extension you wish to install. For this guide, we will use AlienTube as an example, sourced from the Opera Add-ons repository. Simply navigate to the extension’s page within Chrome – Opera installation is not required.
Right-click the "Add to Opera" button, as illustrated above, and choose "Save link as...". The downloaded file will initially be named after the extension, including its version number and the ".nex" extension. Rename this file, replacing the ".NEX" portion with ".CRX", which is the standard file extension for Chrome browser extensions.
Following the renaming process, return to Chrome and access the Extensions page. This can be done through the browser menu (Menu -> More Tools -> Extensions) or by directly entering chrome://extensions/ into the address bar. Drag and drop the saved and renamed file directly onto the Chrome browser window.
Chrome will then present a permission check, outlining the access the extension requires. If you find the requested permissions acceptable, click "Add" to complete the installation.
Due to the common architectural foundation, adding Chrome extensions to Opera, or conversely, Opera extensions to Chrome, requires only a few straightforward steps.