CRX3 Tools
Chrome browser extension tools with MCP integration. Pack, unpack, zip, unzip, download, and manage CRX3 extensions – now AI-compatible via Model Context Protocol.
What is CRX3 Tools?
CRX3 Tools is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to chrome browser extension tools with mcp integration. pack, unpack, zip, unzip, download, and manage crx3 extensions – now ai-compatible via model context protocol.
Chrome browser extension tools with MCP integration. Pack, unpack, zip, unzip, download, and manage CRX3 extensions – now AI-compatible via Model Context Protocol.
This server falls under the Browser Automation category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- Chrome browser extension tools with MCP integration. Pack, u
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx go-crx3Configuration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use CRX3 Tools
The go-crx3 MCP server exposes Chrome extension tooling—packing, unpacking, downloading from the Chrome Web Store, ID generation, and manifest analysis—as MCP tools that AI assistants can invoke directly. Built in Go, it operates in both stdio mode for local AI integration and HTTP/SSE mode for remote clients. Extension developers and security researchers use it to automate CRX3 file handling, inspect extension manifests and permissions, and batch-process Chrome extensions without manual tooling.
Prerequisites
- Go 1.21 or higher (if building from source), or a pre-built crx3 binary for your platform
- Homebrew (macOS/Linux) for the easiest installation path
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop, Cursor IDE, or any MCP host
- Internet access if downloading extensions from the Chrome Web Store
Install the crx3 binary
Install go-crx3 using Homebrew on macOS or Linux. Alternatively, download a pre-built binary from GitHub Releases or install via Go.
brew tap mmadfox/tap https://github.com/mmadfox/homebrew-tap
brew install mmadfox/tap/crx3Verify the installation
Confirm the binary is available and check the version.
crx3 versionStart the MCP server in stdio mode
Run the MCP server in stdio mode for local AI client integration. Use the --listen flag for HTTP/SSE mode if you need remote access.
# Stdio mode (default, for local MCP clients)
crx3 mcp
# HTTP/SSE mode (for remote clients)
crx3 mcp --listen=:3000Register the server in your MCP client configuration
Add crx3 to your claude_desktop_config.json or equivalent MCP client config file.
{
"mcpServers": {
"go-crx3": {
"command": "crx3",
"args": ["mcp"]
}
}
}Restart your MCP client
Reload Claude Desktop or your IDE to pick up the new server. The CRX3 tools should now appear in your AI assistant's tool list.
CRX3 Tools Examples
Client configuration
Minimal claude_desktop_config.json entry assuming crx3 is on your PATH.
{
"mcpServers": {
"go-crx3": {
"command": "crx3",
"args": ["mcp"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
After connecting, use these prompts to manage Chrome extensions via your AI assistant.
- "Download the Lighthouse Chrome extension (ID: blipmdconlkpinefehnmjammfjpmpbjk) and save it to ./extensions/"
- "Unpack the extension at ./build/extension.crx3 and show me its manifest.json"
- "Generate the Chrome extension ID for the packed file at ./my-extension.crx3"
- "Pack my extension directory at ./src/my-extension and output to ./dist/my-extension.crx3"
- "List all permissions requested by the extension at ./downloads/ublock.crx"Troubleshooting CRX3 Tools
crx3 command not found after installation
Ensure /usr/local/bin (Homebrew default) is on your PATH. Run `brew link mmadfox/tap/crx3 --force` or add the Homebrew bin directory to your shell profile.
Download from Chrome Web Store fails or returns an error
Chrome Web Store downloads require a valid extension ID (32-character lowercase string). Verify the ID is correct by checking the extension's page URL. Some extensions may be region-restricted or delisted.
MCP client shows crx3 server as disconnected
Run `crx3 mcp` directly in a terminal to confirm it starts without errors. If using HTTP/SSE mode, verify the port is not blocked and the URL in your MCP config matches the --listen address.
Frequently Asked Questions about CRX3 Tools
What is CRX3 Tools?
CRX3 Tools is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that chrome browser extension tools with mcp integration. pack, unpack, zip, unzip, download, and manage crx3 extensions – now ai-compatible via model context protocol. It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install CRX3 Tools?
Follow the installation instructions on the CRX3 Tools GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with CRX3 Tools?
CRX3 Tools works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is CRX3 Tools free to use?
Yes, CRX3 Tools is open source and available under the Apache-2.0 license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Set Up CRX3 Tools in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
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