Ask Cursor:

"Set up a Chrome extension project structure with manifest v3"

Cursor creates:

• manifest.json
• popup.html
• popup.js
• background.js
• content.js
• icons/

All the boilerplate.

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Tell Cursor what it does:

"Build a word counter extension that:
- Counts words on current page
- Shows count in popup
- Highlights the longest paragraph
- Works on all websites"

Cursor generates the logic.

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Ask Cursor:

"Create a clean popup UI showing:
- Word count
- Paragraph count
- Reading time estimate
Use modern styling"

Cursor creates popup.html and styling.

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"Write content script to count words and paragraphs on the page"

Cursor:

• Writes page analysis code
• Handles DOM manipulation
• Communicates with popup

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"Create background worker to handle extension state"

Cursor sets up service worker for manifest v3.

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Load in Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://extensions
2. Enable "Developer mode"
3. Click "Load unpacked"
4. Select your extension folder

Test on different websites.

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Storage

"Add storage to remember user preferences"

Context Menu

"Add right-click menu option to count selected text"

Keyboard Shortcut

"Add Cmd+Shift+W shortcut to open popup"

Badge

"Show word count in extension badge"

Cursor implements all of these.

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Ask Cursor when stuck:

"Extension shows error: [paste error]. Here's my code: [paste]"

Cursor debugs Chrome extension issues faster than docs.

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"Prepare extension for Chrome Web Store submission"

Cursor:

• Checks manifest
• Optimizes code
• Creates ZIP file
• Lists requirements

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"Create a productivity Chrome extension that:

Features:
- Timer/pomodoro in popup
- Block distracting websites
- Track time spent on sites
- Show daily summary

Technical:
- Manifest v3
- Local storage for data
- Clean UI with dark mode
- Icon badge showing active timer"

Cursor builds it. You test and refine.

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Without Cursor: 1-2 days for basic extension
With Cursor: 2-4 hours

Cursor knows Chrome APIs. You don't need to.

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1. Start Simple
Build basic version. Add features after.

2. Test Often
Reload extension after each change.

3. Use Cursor for Chrome APIs
Chrome APIs are complex. Let Cursor handle them.

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Get started:

• Cursor - Build extensions

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More extension guides:

• Chrome Extensions
• Cursor Setup

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Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.