How to install the GlobalDrop Sync Chrome Extension (Local / Unpacked)

Simple step-by-step guide for non-technical users — install the extension you received in the ZIP package, in less than 2 minutes.

Before you start

  • You should have received a ZIP file named GlobalDropSyncChrome.zip (or similar).
  • Unzip the file to a folder. Keep the folder structure intact (do not rename files).
  • This guide covers Chrome on Windows & macOS. Edge (Chromium) works the same way.
Step 1 — Unzip the extension package

Locate the ZIP file you received and extract it to a folder. The folder should contain files like manifest.json, background.js, content-script.js, and folders like images or lib.

Windows
  1. Right-click the ZIP → Extract All...
  2. Choose a location (e.g. C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\GlobalDropSync).
macOS
  1. Double-click the ZIP to expand it.
  2. Move the folder to Downloads or any safe location.
Folder structure preview (example)
Step 2 — Open Chrome Extensions page

Open Google Chrome and go to the Extensions page. You can click the link below or paste it into the address bar:

chrome://extensions

Tip: If the link does not open, open Chrome and type chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter.
Step 3 — Enable Developer mode

In the top-right corner of the Extensions page, turn on Developer mode.

Screenshot placeholder: Developer mode toggle

Developer mode allows you to load an unpacked extension from your computer.

Step 4 — Load the unpacked extension
  1. Click Load unpacked.
  2. Select the folder you extracted in Step 1 (the folder that contains manifest.json).
  3. Chrome will load the extension; you should now see GlobalDrop Sync – Product Import Assistant in the list.
Screenshot placeholder: Load unpacked button

Important: Do NOT select the ZIP file itself — select the extracted folder.

Step 5 — Verify installation & pin the extension

After loading, make sure the extension is enabled (toggle is ON). To show the extension icon on the toolbar:

  1. Click the puzzle icon (Extensions) on the Chrome toolbar.
  2. Find GlobalDrop Sync and click the pin icon → it will show in the toolbar.
Screenshot placeholder: Pin extension
Step 6 — First run: Bind your store / enter API key

When you click the extension for the first time, it will ask for an API key or to connect to your OpenCart store. Please follow these steps:

  1. Open your OpenCart admin panel.
  2. Go to the GlobalDrop Sync plugin page → Settings → API Key.
  3. Copy the API Key and paste it into the extension popup, then click Bind (or Save).

If you do not have an API Key, open your plugin in OpenCart and create one. Contact support if you need help.

Troubleshooting — Common issues & fixes
  • Error: "Could not load extension" — Make sure you selected the extracted folder and it contains manifest.json.
  • Extension icon is greyed out — Enable the extension on the extensions page and try pinning it.
  • Manifest v3 errors — Ensure your manifest.json has "manifest_version": 3 and correct background.service_worker.
  • Import fails on certain sites — Check that you allowed host permissions in the extension (or install the newest version we provided).
  • Windows blocked the app — If Windows Defender warns, allow the folder or mark it safe.

Still stuck? Use the quick support options below.

Need help? Support

If you still cannot install, please try one of these:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Send us a screenshot of the Extensions page with the error.
  • We offer 1-on-1 remote install assistance (paid service).

Quick checklist to include in support ticket:

  1. OS (Windows/Mac) and Chrome version.
  2. Did you extract the ZIP? (Yes/No)
  3. Screenshot of the extracted folder (showing manifest.json).
  4. Screenshot of chrome://extensions page.
Quick Tips
  • Always use the latest Chrome.
  • Keep your extension folder safe; updates require re-loading the unpacked folder.
  • When we send you an update ZIP, re-extract and press "Reload" on chrome://extensions for the extension.
FAQ

Q: How do I update the extension later?
A: Replace the files inside the local folder with the new ones, then open chrome://extensions and click Reload under the extension card.

Q: Can I install on multiple machines?
A: Yes — each machine must load the unpacked folder separately. For many users, we recommend using our licensed distribution or cloud-managed deployment.

Q: Is this safe?
A: Yes — the local extension runs only on your browser and connects to your store only if you enter the API key.

Quick Commands
chrome://extensions
Open > Load unpacked
Pin extension to toolbar
Open your store admin → GlobalDrop Sync → API Key
Contact Support