What Is a CRX File?

This article explains what a CRX file is, how to use one in your web browser, and how to convert one to a different file format.

What Is a CRX File?

A file with the CRX file extension is a Chromium extension used to extend the functionality of a compatible browser, like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, through programs that add additional features to the default browsing experience.

Most CRX files are downloaded through the Chrome Web Store, but since you can make your own Chrome extensions and install them offline, others may originate elsewhere.

Some files that use this file extension might instead be Links Games Course files or program files used by Autodesk's DWG TrueView program.

How to Open a CRX File

Google Chrome is one web browser that supports CRX files. They're usually downloaded through Google's website. See How to Add Chrome Extensions for directions.

Once installed, they're stored here by default:

Installing unofficial extensions (i.e., CRX files you've downloaded outside the Chrome Web Store), requires a separate set of instructions. Here's how it works in Chrome:

1. Unzip the CRX file to a folder. There are lots of ways to do this, but 7-Zip is the easiest.

2. Go to chrome://extensions in the URL bar.
   

3. Enable Developer mode by selecting that option at the top of the page.

4. Select Load unpacked, and then choose the folder you created in Step 1.

Opera, Vivaldi, and Edge natively support this format, too.

Since a CRX file is a renamed ZIP file, an archive program like PeaZip or 7-Zip (both free) can open one for expansion. If you'd rather go a different route, the CRX Extractor website can do it for you.

However, doing this will only let you see the data that makes up the extension, not actually run the program.

Autodesk DWG TrueView uses CRX files, too, but the purpose for these files is unclear. The program most likely can't open the file through a menu, so they're probably just used by certain components of the software automatically and aren't intended to be opened manually.

How to Convert a CRX File

XPI (Firefox) and SAFARIEXTZ (Safari) files are similar to CRX files in that they're extension files used in those respective browsers. These formats, however, no matter their same intent (to extend functionality), can't be easily converted to or from the other formats.

However, you can convert Opera extensions to Chrome extensions by renaming Opera's .NEX file to Chrome's .CRX file. This new file must be installed to Chrome manually using the drag-and-drop technique explained above.

There's no reason to look for a Chrome-to-Edge extension converter because CRX files can be installed in Edge, too, by default and without a separate tool.

Keep in mind what you read above about ZIP files. CRX Extractor is an excellent way to convert one to ZIP, but you can also just rename the file extension to .ZIP and open it with a file zip/unzip program. CRX is really just a renamed ZIP file.

If you're looking to convert your CRX file to EXE for some kind of automatic install, your best bet is to try compiling it with an installer like Inno Setup.

Still Can't Open It?

Be careful to read the file extension correctly. Some file formats append a suffix to the end of the file name that looks a lot like it reads ".CRX" when it's really a letter or two off.

For example, CXR might look the same, but it's used for a different file format, specifically FMAT Plate Results used with the FMAT 8100 HTS System. Similar is CXX used by Microsoft Visual Studio for C++ Source Code files.

The point here is to check the file extension and then research accordingly, looking for any information you can on the format the file is in, which will help you find the right program that can open it.