Building a Chrome Extension Using Only Perplexity AI

Key takeaways:

• You can build a Chrome extension from scratch using only Perplexity AI prompts.
• No coding skills needed, just clear instructions and copy-paste.
• Fix and improve your extension by uploading screenshots for AI feedback.

Ever wanted to make your own Chrome extension but felt lost with all the coding? I get it. The good news: you can use Perplexity AI to generate all the code you need, step by step, just by prompting. No developer background needed, just a bit of patience and some copy-paste action. Here’s how I built a tab counter extension, and how you can do it too.

Setting Up Your Project and Getting the Right Prompt Ready

So, Perplexity isn’t just for research. With its multiple AI models like GPT-4o, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, and Gemini, you can ask it to generate code for you. I started by writing a detailed prompt. The more specific, the better—AI can’t read your mind, so spell out every feature you want. For my project, I wanted a tab counter extension that shows how many tabs are open in Chrome.

Here’s how I structured my prompt:

• Name of the extension
• What it does (tab counter)
• All features and interface details (be specific!)
• Ask for Manifest V3 (the latest Chrome extension standard)
• Only use permissions that are needed
• Ask for a modern, intuitive design
• Request all code files in full, so you can copy-paste

If you want to make something more complex, just add more detail to your prompt. Don’t skip the technical stuff—Manifest V3 is a must for Chrome now.

Getting the Code from Perplexity AI and Organizing Your Files

Once you send the prompt, Perplexity spits out all the code. I used Claude 3.7 Sonnet, but GPT-4o works too. The AI gave me five files:

• manifest.json
• background.js
• popup.html
• popup.js
• icon.png (the AI can’t generate this, but more on that in a sec)

I copied each code block into a new text file using Notepad. Don’t worry about the .txt extension for now—you’ll rename them later. Just make sure you have all the files saved in one folder.

Getting a Free Icon for Your Extension

For the icon, I went to Flat Icon and searched for a simple star icon. Download it as a 128×128 PNG, rename it to icon.png, and drop it in your project folder. If you’re just testing or using it for yourself, you’re good. If you want to publish, check the license.

Renaming and Formatting Your Files for Chrome

Now, you need to change the file extensions:

• manifest.txt → manifest.json
• background.txt → background.js
• popup.txt → popup.html
• popupjs.txt → popup.js
• icon.png stays the same

On Windows, go to the View menu in File Explorer and enable “File name extensions.” Rename each file so the extension matches what Chrome expects.

Loading Your Extension in Chrome for the First Time

Open Chrome, go to the Extensions menu, and click “Manage extensions.” Enable Developer Mode, then click “Load unpacked.” Pick the folder with all your files. If everything’s right, your extension appears in the list.

Pin it for easy access. Click the icon—you’ll see the popup. For my first try, it showed the page name and number of tabs, but not exactly how I wanted.

Fixing Bugs and Improving Your Extension with Perplexity

If the extension isn’t working the way you want, you can fix it fast. I took a screenshot of the popup (Windows + Shift + S), then pasted it into Perplexity. I told the AI what was wrong (“please show only the number of tabs open, not the page name”). Perplexity gave me new code for popup.html and popup.js.

I opened those files in Notepad, replaced the old code, saved, and reloaded the extension in Chrome. Now it worked—just the number of tabs, clean and simple. If you want to tweak the design, just ask Perplexity for more improvements.

Why This Method Works for Non-Coders

You don’t need to be a developer for this. Just be clear with your prompt, copy the code, and follow the steps. If you get stuck, screenshots help the AI understand what’s wrong. This workflow lets you build, test, and improve your extension without learning JavaScript or HTML from scratch.

If you want to know more about managing Chrome extensions, check out how to manage extensions in Google Chrome. Want to change where Chrome saves your downloads? Here’s how to change Chrome default download location.

Tips for Smoother Chrome Extension Building

• Always use Manifest V3 for new Chrome extensions.
• Only ask for permissions you really need—keeps your extension safe.
• If you want to publish, make sure your icon and code are original or properly licensed.
• Use screenshots for bug fixing—AI understands visuals better than vague descriptions.
• Save your project folder somewhere safe so you can update your extension later.

FAQs

How do I get the code for my Chrome extension from Perplexity AI?

Just write a detailed prompt describing what you want. Perplexity will generate all the code files you need, ready to copy and paste.

Can I use any AI model in Perplexity for coding?

Yes, but GPT-4o and Claude 3.7 Sonnet are the best for code. You can switch models if one isn’t giving you what you need.

What if my extension doesn’t work as expected?

Take a screenshot of the problem and upload it to Perplexity. Ask for a fix, and replace the code in your files with the new version.

Do I need to know how to code to do this?

Nope. Just follow the steps, copy-paste the code, and use clear prompts. The AI handles the coding part.

Can I publish my extension to the Chrome Web Store?

Yes, but make sure your icon and code are original or meet license requirements. Also, double-check permissions and privacy before publishing.

Ready to try it? Building a Chrome extension with Perplexity AI is honestly way easier than you think. Give it a shot, and you might surprise yourself! 🚀