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self-distribution.md

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layout title permalink published topic tags contributors last_updated_by date
sidebar
Distributing an add-on yourself
/documentation/publish/self-distribution/
true
Publish
add-on
distribution
publication
reviews
signing
installation
rebloor
rebloor
2019-08-18 04:19:17 -0700

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Distributing an add-on yourself

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You aren't required to list or distribute your add-on through addons.mozilla.org (AMO); you can distribute it yourself. However, before distributing your add-on yourself, here are some things you should consider:

  • AMO is a very popular distribution platform, with millions of monthly visitors and installations. It's integrated into the Firefox Add-ons Manager, allowing for easy installation of add-ons published on AMO.
  • When an add-on is listed on AMO, Firefox automatically updates installed copies when a new version is listed on AMO. To enable Firefox to automatically update self-distributed add-ons, the URL where Firefox can find updates needs to be included in the add-on manifest's update_url key.

For self-distributed add-ons that don't have an update URL, Firefox checks AMO for updates and the add-on is updated to a listed version, if one is available.

For more information on how to submit an add-on for distribution on AMO or self-distribution, see Submitting an add-on.

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Self-distribution options

When you choose to distribute an add-on yourself, they can be installed using the following methods:

  • Web download—make your extension available on a suitable web accessible server and when the user downloads the signed add-on file Firefox will install it.
  • Installing add-on from file—enables a user to install an add-on using an .xpi file saved on their computer.
  • Add-ons for use with a desktop app—starting with Firefox 74, it is no longer be possible to have an extension be automatically installed as part of another application install. See the Add-ons Blog for more information.
  • Add-ons in an enterprise environment—this page discusses the use of signed compared to unsigned extensions, installation options, the Firefox settings affecting installation, and including add-ons with a custom Firefox install package.

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