What is an add-on and what does it do?

Every browser can have its features expanded with add-ons. This allows the browser to be tailored precisely to your own needs by retroactively adding in features that the browser doesn’t normally have.

What are add-ons used for?

The following types of add-ons are the most popular at the moment:

  • Language support, such as Google Translate, Grammarly, etc.
  • Ad blockers such as AdBlock Plus or uBlock origin
  • Online conference features such as Cisco Webex, Skype, Google Hangouts, etc.
  • Social media tools, such as for Instagram, Pinterest, or others
  • Video downloaders
  • Website screenshot tools such as Fireshot, Evernote Web Clipper, etc.
  • Password managers such as LastPass

Browser add-ons are usually called ‘extensions’, but this depends on the browser. They come from independent developers and are offered in browser-specific online shops.

Definition

Add-ons are small programs that expand or extend the features of a browser.

Where can you find browser add-ons?

Chrome

In Chrome, add-ons are called ‘Extensions’. You can get Chrome to show you your installed extensions by typing the following in the address bar:

chrome://extensions

You can install new extensions via the Chrome web store.

Firefox

You can find add-ons for Firefox in the Mozilla store.

You can look at your installed add-ons by typing the following into the address bar:

about:addons

Opera

Opera also calls its add-ons ‘extensions’, and you can find them in the add-ons store

Microsoft Edge

You can also find the add-ons for Microsoft Edge in the add-on store.

Safari (Mac)

To find suitable extensions for Safari, you should go to Safari > Safari Extensions in the browser menu.

What’s the difference between an add-on and a plug-in?

Strictly speaking, add-ons are a subtype of plug-ins, which are small programs that give extra features to the main program.

For browsers, however, a key difference exists between add-ons and plug-ins: plug-ins are compiled programs (executables) that are linked to the browser using an interface. Well-known examples of this are Adobe Flash Player or the Java plug-in. Many browsers provide support for plug-ins and will only allow add-ons or extensions to run if they work with standardised interfaces (APIs) and were programmed using strict, pre-defined standards and safety rules.

In order to provide you with the best online experience this website uses cookies. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. More Info.
Manage cookies