Create your own Safari Extension

Did you know that anyone can build an extension for Safari? It is no problem, anyone can do it and it’s actually easier than you might think.

What you’ll need to make your own Safari Extension

• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (there are many books on Amazon if you’re new)
• The latest version of Safari (in this case, Safari 5)
• Sign up to be part of the Safari Developer Program at Apple
• Valid certificates signed by Apple for each Safari Extension
• Bookmark the Safari Dev Center
• Enable the Developer menu in Safari

At this point it’s really just a matter of creating the necessary HTML and Javascript for your extensions functionality. Part of the development is done through Safari in something called the Extension Builder (located under your Developer menu) and the rest is completed within the contents of the folder that Extension Builder creates (basically the extension package).

Apple is taking an approach similar to development for iOS in that you’ll need to be a part of the developer program (although joining the Safari developer program is free, developing for the iOS costs $99), and you’ll need to generate and download valid certificates for each extension. Here is what Apple says about the Safari Extensions and the required certificates:

All Safari extensions must be signed with an Apple-provided digital certificate in order for a user to install your extension on Safari. A signed Safari extension protects your product from being tampered with and verifies that any updates to the extension are from you.

Creating a certificate is hassle free and can be done from a Mac or even Windows PC through the Safari Certificate Assistant online.

If you’re familiar with developing for the web or iPhone/iPad, Safari Extension development will likely come natural to you and you won’t need much assistance to get started. If you’re new or just want some help building your first Safari Extension, check out the Official Developer Guide from Apple, or TheAppleBlog’s guide to building an extension.

Submit your Safari Extension to Apple

Once your extension is finished being developed, you can submit it to Apple to be included in a future Safari Extension Gallery through their submission site, you will need:

• The name of your extension
• A URL where users can download your extension
• Short and long descriptions about the functionality of your extension
• An extension icon (100×100 pixels)
• A screenshot of your extension (425×275 pixels)
• Extension category

There are a lot of great extensions coming out for Safari, and with more to come and an official gallery from Apple it looks like Safari has an even more exciting future.