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Docs/Importing the Extension
Documentation3 min read

Importing the Extension from Source Code

Importing the Ascendara Download Handler extension from source code is simple and easy to follow, but is not recommended for most users. Install the extension from here instead.

Prerequisites

  • A supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, or Brave)
  • Git (optional, for cloning the repository)

Installation Steps

Step 1: Get the Source Code

You have two options:

Option A: Download ZIP (Easiest)

  1. Visit the GitHub repository
  2. Click the green "Code" button
  3. Select "Download ZIP"
  4. Extract the ZIP file to a location you'll remember

Option B: Clone Repository (For Developers)

If you're familiar with Git, you can clone the repository:

Plain text
git clone https://github.com/t-a-g-o/ascendaradownloadhandler

Step 2: Configure Manifest

Due to differences in browser requirements, you'll need to merge the appropriate manifest file content:

  1. In the extension folder, you'll find two manifest files:

    • manifest.chrome.json For Chrome-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, Opera, Brave)
    • manifest.firefox.json For Firefox

  2. Based on your browser:

    • For Chrome-based browsers: Copy the contents from manifest.chrome.json into manifest.json
    • For Firefox: Copy the contents from manifest.firefox.json into manifest.json

This step is necessary because each browser has different manifest requirements that can conflict with each other.

Step 3: Load the Extension

For Chrome, Edge, Opera, or Brave:

  1. Open your browser's extension management page:
    • Chrome: chrome://extensions
    • Edge: edge://extensions
    • Opera: opera://extensions
    • Brave: brave://extensions
  2. Enable "Developer mode" using the toggle in the top-right corner
  3. Click "Load unpacked" in the top-left corner
  4. Navigate to the extracted/cloned extension folder and select it
  5. The extension should now appear in your browser

For Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox and navigate to about:debugging
  2. Click "This Firefox" in the left sidebar
  3. Click "Load Temporary Add-on"
  4. Navigate to the extracted/cloned extension folder
  5. Select the "manifest.json" file

Step 4: Pin the Extension

  1. Click the puzzle piece icon in your browser's toolbar
  2. Find the Ascendara extension
  3. Click the pin icon to keep it easily accessible

Usage Guide

  1. Click the extension icon and enable the handler.
  2. Choose what the extension captures: My sites and providers, Any website (forwards all HTTP(S) downloads while enabled), or Capture next download.
  3. Start a download in your browser. The extension stops the browser download and asks your browser to open Ascendara.
  4. Allow the browser to open Ascendara. Ascendara receives the link through an ascendara://download URL.
  5. Review the game name in Ascendara (games outside the index are supported), then continue to download.

See Downloading Games for the full flow in Ascendara.

Troubleshooting

  • If the extension doesn't load, ensure you selected the correct directory containing the "manifest.json" file
  • For Firefox users: Note that temporary add-ons will need to be reloaded after restarting the browser
  • Make sure you have the latest version of your browser installed

Ascendara recommends using Arc Browser for the best experience. Arc includes built-in ad and popup blocking features that enhance your browsing experience while using Ascendara.

Need Help?

If you encounter any issues during installation, please:

  1. Check the Troubleshooting Guide
  2. Visit the GitHub Issues page
  3. Join the Discord Community for real-time support