wxt

WXT is a framework (a pre-built toolkit that speeds up development) for building browser extensions — add-ons that run inside web browsers like Chrome. Think of it as a fast-track starting kit that handles all the complicated setup so you can focus on what your extension actually does.

The problem it solves: building a browser extension from scratch means wrestling with browser-specific rules, file organization, and a slow development loop where you have to reload the extension manually every time you make a change. WXT removes that friction.

How it works: you organize your extension's files in a folder-based structure, and WXT figures out the rest — it compiles everything, handles the differences between browser manifest formats (MV2 and MV3, the two rule sets browsers use), and gives you a live development server with HMR (Hot Module Replacement), meaning your changes appear instantly without a manual reload. It also auto-imports common utilities so you don't have to write repetitive setup code.

When would you use it: if you want to build a Chrome or cross-browser extension — whether it's a productivity tool, a page customizer, or anything that lives in the browser toolbar — WXT gets you from zero to running faster than setting things up manually. It supports whichever frontend framework you prefer (Vue, React, Svelte, and others are all mentioned as compatible). You can also publish your extension automatically through WXT's built-in publishing tools.

WXT is written in TypeScript and MIT-licensed (free to use in any project).