Tab Capture

tabCapture

Medium RiskCategory: Browser UIView Official Docs↗

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Install Warning

"Read and change all your data on all websites you visit."

Technical Context

Enables the extension to capture the visible content of a tab as a video or image stream. This is used for screen recording, video conferencing, and streaming applications.

What This Means For You

The extension can record or stream what you see in a browser tab, like for screen sharing or video calls. It only captures what is visible on screen.

Related APIs

This permission enables access to these Chrome APIs:

chrome.tabCapture

Common Use Cases

✓Screen recorders
✓Video conferencing
✓Streaming tools

How to Declare in manifest.json

Add the "tabCapture" permission to your extension manifest:

{
  "manifest_version": 3,
  "name": "My Extension",
  "permissions": [
    "tabCapture"
  ]
}

What Users Will See

When users install your extension, Chrome will display this warning:

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This extension can:

"Read and change all your data on all websites you visit."

Related Permissions

Page Capture

pageCapture

The extension can save entire web pages as files that you can open later, even offline. The saved pages include all images and formatting.

medium

Accessibility Features (Modify)

accessibilityFeatures.modify

The extension can change Chrome's accessibility features, like turning on high contrast or adjusting keyboard settings. This is used by accessibility enhancement tools.

medium

Side Panel

sidePanel

This provides a sidebar companion that stays open while you browse, making it perfect for taking notes or doing research. It prevents you from having to constantly click an icon to reopen the extension's window.

low

Context Menus

contextMenus

The extension can add new options to the menu that appears when you right-click on a page. This makes it easy to use the extension's features without leaving what you are doing.

low

Notifications

notifications

The extension can show popup notifications on your desktop even when Chrome is minimized. This is useful for alerts and reminders but can be annoying if overused.

low