Learn how to manually install the MD-PDF-WORD Chrome extension by downloading, extracting, and loading it into your Chrome or Edge browser. This comprehensive guide includes detailed steps with explanations for both beginners and advanced users.
🔍 Installation Overview
The MD-PDF-WORD extension allows you to convert Markdown to PDF and Word documents directly in your browser. Since this extension is distributed independently, you'll need to install it manually using "Developer Mode" in your browser.
💡 What You'll Learn
- How to download the extension package
- How to extract ZIP files properly
- How to enable Developer Mode in browsers
- How to load unpacked extensions
- How to verify successful installation
📋 System Requirements
🌐 Supported Browsers
- Google Chrome (version 88+)
- Microsoft Edge (version 88+)
- Other Chromium-based browsers
💻 Operating Systems
- Windows 10/11
- macOS 10.14+
- Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+)
🛠️ Required Tools
- File extraction software (built-in or WinRAR/7-Zip)
- Administrator privileges (for some systems)
📥 Step 1: Download Extension File
First, you need to download the latest version of the MD-PDF-WORD extension package.
Download Process:
-
Navigate to Downloads Section
Go to the downloads folder on this website.
-
Download ZIP File
Click on
mc-pdf-word.zip
to download the extension package to your computer. -
Choose Download Location
Save the file to an easily accessible location like your Desktop or Downloads folder.
⚠️ Important Notes
- Always download from the official source to ensure security
- The file size should be approximately 300-500 KB
- Your browser may show a security warning - this is normal for extension files
📂 Step 2: Extract Files
After downloading, you need to extract the contents of the ZIP file to access the extension files.
Extraction Process:
🪟 Windows Users:
- Right-click on
mc-pdf-word.zip
- Select "Extract All..." from the context menu
- Choose a destination folder (e.g., Desktop/MD-PDF-WORD)
- Click "Extract" to complete the process
🍎 macOS Users:
- Double-click on
mc-pdf-word.zip
- The Archive Utility will automatically extract the files
- A new folder will be created in the same location
🐧 Linux Users:
- Open Terminal in the download directory
- Run:
unzip mc-pdf-word.zip -d MD-PDF-WORD
- Or use your file manager's extract function
📁 Expected Files
After extraction, you should see these files in the folder:
manifest.json
- Extension configurationbackground/
- Background scriptscontent/
- Content scriptspopup/
- Extension popup interfaceicons/
- Extension iconslib/
- Required libraries
🌐 Step 3: Install in Google Chrome
Now you'll load the extracted extension into Google Chrome using Developer Mode.
Chrome Installation Steps:
-
Open Chrome Extensions Page
Type
chrome://extensions/
in the address bar and press EnterAlternative: Menu (⋮) → More tools → Extensions
-
Enable Developer Mode
Toggle the "Developer mode" switch in the top-right corner
Developer mode: [ON] ✅ -
Load Unpacked Extension
Click the "Load unpacked" button that appears
-
Select Extension Folder
Navigate to and select the folder where you extracted the extension files
Make sure you select the folder containing
manifest.json
-
Complete Installation
Click "Select Folder" - the extension will be loaded immediately
🔷 Step 4: Install in Microsoft Edge
The process for Microsoft Edge is very similar to Chrome.
Edge Installation Steps:
-
Open Edge Extensions Page
Type
edge://extensions/
in the address bar and press EnterAlternative: Menu (⋯) → Extensions
-
Enable Developer Mode
Toggle the "Developer mode" switch in the left sidebar
-
Load Unpacked Extension
Click "Load unpacked" button
-
Select Extension Folder
Browse to and select your extracted extension folder
-
Confirm Installation
The extension will appear in your extensions list
✅ Step 5: Verify Installation
After installation, verify that the extension is working correctly.
Verification Checklist:
-
Check Extension Icon
Look for the MD-PDF-WORD icon in your browser toolbar
If not visible, click the extensions puzzle icon and pin it
-
Test Basic Functionality
Click the extension icon to open the popup
Try typing some Markdown text to test the interface
-
Check Permissions
Ensure the extension has necessary permissions enabled
Visit the extension details page if needed
-
Test on a Webpage
Visit any webpage and try using the extension features
Right-click context menus should include extension options
🎉 Installation Successful!
If you can see the extension icon and access its features, congratulations! The MD-PDF-WORD extension is now ready to use.
🔧 Troubleshooting Common Issues
❌ "Manifest file is missing or unreadable"
Solution:
- Make sure you selected the correct folder containing manifest.json
- Re-extract the ZIP file completely
- Check that the extraction wasn't corrupted
❌ Extension not appearing in toolbar
Solution:
- Click the extensions puzzle icon (🧩) in toolbar
- Find MD-PDF-WORD and click the pin icon
- Refresh your browser and try again
❌ "Developer mode is not enabled"
Solution:
- Go back to chrome://extensions/ or edge://extensions/
- Make sure the Developer mode toggle is ON
- Restart your browser if necessary
❌ Extension features not working
Solution:
- Check that all required permissions are granted
- Reload the extension from the extensions page
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try reinstalling the extension
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to install extensions manually?
A: Yes, when downloaded from trusted sources. Always verify the source and scan files with antivirus software if concerned.
Q: Will the extension update automatically?
A: No, manually installed extensions don't auto-update. You'll need to download and install newer versions manually.
Q: Can I install this on other Chromium browsers?
A: Yes, most Chromium-based browsers (Brave, Opera, Vivaldi) support Chrome extensions using similar steps.
Q: Why use Developer Mode instead of Chrome Web Store?
A: This extension is distributed independently to provide faster updates and more direct control over features.
Q: How do I uninstall the extension?
A: Go to your extensions page, find MD-PDF-WORD, and click "Remove" or the trash icon.
Q: What permissions does this extension need?
A: The extension requires permissions to access page content for conversion features and file downloads for saving PDFs/Word documents.
🎯 Conclusion
You've successfully learned how to download, extract, and install the MD-PDF-WORD Chrome extension manually. This process gives you full control over the installation and ensures you have the latest version with all features.
The extension is now ready to help you convert Markdown content to PDF and Word documents directly from your browser. Explore its features and enjoy enhanced productivity!