Catch Chrome extension packaging mistakes before you upload (free, local tool)

Description and use

ExtensionRelease Guard lets developers audit Chrome extension ZIPs locally for manifest, reference, locale, and icon errors before uploading, reducing rework.

Problem

Extension developers often discover packaging errors only after uploading, causing delays and rework.

Outcome

The tool identifies ZIP structure problems, manifest validity, missing references, locale issues, and icon format mismatches, providing actionable notes and a readiness summary.

Workflow

• Create ZIP of extension folder
• Open ExtensionRelease Guard
• Drop ZIP onto the app window
• Review findings and notes
• Fix reported issues in source
• Re‑zip and re‑upload
• Optionally export report or compare JSON reports

Evidence

I wanted to catch those mistakes before uploading, without sending my extension anywhere.

Source

Each finding comes with a short note on why it matters and what to do, and the app gives a readiness summary.

Source

It reads the archive without extracting or running anything, so it can't judge what your code does, and a clean result does not mean your extension is safe or will pass Chrome Web Store review.

Source