extension-ui

Extension UI

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Build professional, polished Chrome extension interfaces. Do NOT just explain — execute the workflow.

Workflow (Execute This)

Step 1: Detect context

1. Check framework: package.json → React / Vue / Svelte / Vanilla
2. Check existing UI files: popup, sidepanel, options, content scripts
3. Check if Tailwind / shadcn / DaisyUI already configured
4. Identify extension type: popup-only, sidepanel, full options page

Step 2: Analyze existing UI

If UI files exist:

• Read component files for layout, spacing, color usage
• Check for dark mode support (prefers-color-scheme or class="dark")
• Check accessibility: semantic HTML, aria-labels, focus management
• Check for Chrome design language alignment

Report findings: what's good, what needs improvement, priority fixes.

Step 3: Recommend UI stack

Framework	Recommended Stack
React	shadcn/ui + Tailwind (best component quality)
React (minimal)	Tailwind only + custom compact theme
Vue	DaisyUI + Tailwind
Svelte	Tailwind + svelte-headlessui
Vanilla	Custom CSS with CSS variables

Step 4: Implement improvements

Apply fixes in priority order:

1. Dark mode support (critical — many users use dark mode)
2. Proper sizing constraints (see references/extension-ui-constraints.md)
3. Typography and spacing for small surfaces
4. Accessibility fixes (keyboard nav, aria, focus)
5. Loading/error/empty states
6. Animations (subtle, fast, purposeful)

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Extension UI Constraints (Summary)

Surface	Size	Key Constraints
Popup	max 800x600px	Closes on outside click, no resize
Sidepanel	320-400px wide	Full height, persistent
Options page	Full tab	Standard web page
Content script UI	Injected	CSS isolation via shadow DOM

Full details: references/extension-ui-constraints.md

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Dark Mode (Required)

Always implement dark mode. Extensions live in both light/dark browser themes.

/* CSS variables approach */
:root {
  --bg: #ffffff;
  --text: #111827;
  --border: #e5e7eb;
}
@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
  :root {
    --bg: #1f2937;
    --text: #f9fafb;
    --border: #374151;
  }
}

Store user preference override in chrome.storage.sync.

---

Typography for Small Surfaces

• Base font: system font stack — no custom fonts (bundle size + render speed)
• Popup base size: 13-14px (readable without overflow)
• Line height: 1.4-1.5 (tighter than web default)
• Font weights: 400 (body), 500 (label), 600 (heading)

font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", sans-serif;

---

Color Palette (Chrome-aligned)

• Primary: #1a73e8 (Google Blue) or brand color
• Surface: #ffffff / #1f2937 dark
• Border: #dadce0 / #374151 dark
• Text primary: #202124 / #f9fafb dark
• Text secondary: #5f6368 / #9ca3af dark
• Success: #34a853, Error: #d93025, Warning: #fbbc04

---

Animations

• Duration: 100-200ms (popup feels instant)
• Easing: ease-out for entrances, ease-in for exits
• Avoid layout-triggering animations (transform, opacity only)
• Always respect prefers-reduced-motion

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  * {
    animation: none !important;
  }
}

---

Accessibility Checklist (Quick)

• Tab order logical, all interactive elements reachable
• Icon-only buttons have aria-label
• Color contrast 4.5:1 minimum
• Focus visible (not just :focus-visible removed)
• Semantic HTML (button not div, nav for nav)

Full checklist: references/accessibility-checklist.md

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References

• references/extension-ui-constraints.md — Size limits, layout patterns per surface
• references/design-system-setup.md — shadcn/ui, DaisyUI, Tailwind setup
• references/ux-patterns.md — Loading, error, empty states, onboarding
• references/accessibility-checklist.md — Full a11y requirements and testing

Related Skills

• extension-create — Scaffold new extension with framework choice
• extension-analyze — Analyze existing extension codebase
• extension-assets — Icons, images, asset optimization