Hyperlink Powerups - Chrome Extension

A Chrome extension that forces all links on webpages to open in the same tab instead of new windows or tabs, with additional link selection features.

Features

• Same Tab Navigation: Removes target="_blank" and target="_new" attributes from all links

• Dynamic Content Support: Handles dynamically added content through MutationObserver

• Link Selection: Select and copy multiple links by dragging your mouse

• Customizable: Configure your own link selection key

• Works on all websites: Lightweight and efficient

Project Structure

chrome-hyperlink-powerups/
├── manifest.json          # Extension configuration
├── background.js          # Background service worker
├── content.js            # Content script
├── options.html          # Options page
├── options.js            # Options logic
├── icons/                # Extension icons
│   ├── icon16.png
│   ├── icon48.png
│   └── icon128.png
├── package.json          # Project configuration
└── README.md            # This file

Installation

Simple Setup

1. Clone this repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/chrome-hyperlink-powerups.git
   cd chrome-hyperlink-powerups

2. Load the extension in Chrome:

   • Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://extensions/
   • Enable "Developer mode" in the top right corner
   • Click "Load unpacked" and select this project folder
   • The extension will be installed and active

That's it! No build process needed - the extension works directly from the source files.

Usage

Basic Functionality

Once installed, the extension will automatically:

• Work on all websites you visit
• Force all links to open in the same tab
• Show a console message when active

Link Selection Feature

1. Open the extension options page
2. Set your custom shortcut key (default: "Z")
3. Hold down your custom key
4. Click and drag to create a selection box
5. Release to copy all links in the selected area to clipboard

Link Selection

• Custom Key + Drag: Select and copy multiple links

Development

File Structure

• manifest.json: Extension configuration, permissions, and file references
• background.js: Background service worker that manages extension state
• content.js: Content script that modifies link behavior and provides link selection
• options.html: Options page for user configuration
• options.js: Options page functionality
• icons/: Extension icons in different sizes

Development Workflow

1. Edit files directly in the project folder
2. Reload the extension in Chrome when you make changes:
   • Go to chrome://extensions/
   • Click the refresh icon on your extension
3. Test your changes on any website

How It Works

The extension uses multiple components:

1. Background Script: Manages extension state and handles keyboard shortcuts
2. Content Script: Modifies link behavior and provides link selection functionality
3. Options Page: Allows users to configure settings
4. Manifest: Defines extension permissions and structure

Link Modification Process

1. Modifies existing links: Removes target attributes from all links on page load
2. Handles dynamic content: Uses MutationObserver to catch newly added links
3. Intercepts clicks: Prevents default behavior for links that would open new windows
4. Forces same-tab navigation: Redirects all link clicks to open in the current tab

Testing

To test the extension:

1. Install the extension
2. Visit any website with links that open in new tabs
3. Click on those links - they should now open in the same tab
4. Test the link selection feature by holding your custom key and dragging
5. Check the browser console for any error messages

Troubleshooting

• If links still open in new tabs, try refreshing the page
• Check the browser console for any error messages
• Ensure the extension is enabled in chrome://extensions/
• Verify that all files are in the correct locations

Permissions

This extension requires:

• activeTab: To run content scripts on web pages
• storage: To save user settings

No personal data is collected or transmitted by this extension.

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Test thoroughly
5. Submit a pull request

License

This project is open source and available under the MIT License.