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.CRX·File Extension

CRX Data & Text — A .crx file is a CRX Data & Text. It is a text-based data format widely used for configuration files, data interchange and API payloads.

Data & Textapplication/x-chrome-extension

Quick facts

Extension.crx

File typeCRX Data & Text

MIME typeapplication/x-chrome-extension

CategoryData & Text

Charset—

Compressible—

What is .crx

What is a .crx file?

A .crx file is a CRX Data & Text. It is a text-based data format widely used for configuration files, data interchange and API payloads.

In the mime-db registry it maps to application/x-chrome-extension. When serving .crx over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to application/x-chrome-extension — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

How to open .crx files

Use VS Code or Notepad++ to open and edit .crx files.
Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

Developer info

When served over HTTP, responses should set the following header:

Content-Type: application/x-chrome-extension

Common software that reads/writes .crx:

VS CodeNotepad++Sublime Textjq

Relation chain

.crxextension of

format

CRX Data & Textserved as

mime type

application/x-chrome-extensionsent via header

http header

Related extensions

Related MIME types

application/x-chrome-extension

.crx

Common uses

Configuration files
Data interchange between systems
API request and response payloads
Logs and data exports

How to edit .crx files

Open the file with VS Code, make your changes and save.
Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.

How to create .crx files

Create a new file and save it with the .crx extension, or export this format from VS Code.

Frequently asked questions

What programs can open .crx files?

Common options include VS Code, Notepad++, Sublime Text. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .crx file?

Create a new file in any text editor or the app that owns the format and save it with the .crx extension.

What is the relationship between .crx and the application/x-chrome-extension MIME type?

application/x-chrome-extension is the media type identifier used for .crx files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Sources & standards

Updated 2026-09-13

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