Flocker

Flocker modifies Firefox extensions so that they can be used with the new social browser Flock.

Flocker maintains a simple interface. You simply run Flocker, then drag-and-drop your Firefox extension (.xpi) onto the window and out pops a Flock-compatible extension!

Flocker cannot convert every extension. Some just simply won't convert. Some will convert and won't install. Some will convert and install, but will behave improperly. Most (in my trials) will convert, install, and behave appropriately.

It is impossible to know which extensions will convert and run properly, but since it takes mere seconds to test, why not give it a shot!

Currently, Flocker is available for Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows. If you are using *nix, or an older Mac OS, you can do these modifications by hand. Visit the Flock Wiki link below for directions. If you make a "Flocker" for another OS, e-mail me and I'll link to it here!

It's important to note that it is up to the developers of each extension to convert them for Flock compatibility. Most authors of the extensions will not mind you modifying them for your own personal use. And while some (maybe all or most?) wouldn't mind you redistributing their extensions after they've been Flock'd, you better leave it up to them to convert the extension for the masses.

To find extensions that are officially compatible with Flock, visit the extend section on the Flock website.

To find extensions to try and convert for Flock, visit update.mozilla.org, or, you can go to the Extensions window in Firefox, right-click on an extension, and click "View Homepage."

An alternative to Flocker (1/11/2006)
Flocker is obviously my first choice for converting Firefox extensions, but I should also note that Ferrite has also been doing so magnificent work with extension conversions. His application is web-based and he stores the converted extensions on his webserver. With his new search plugin for Flock, it makes the simple drag-and-drop of Flocker now inside of Flock itself. If for some weird reason Flocker won't convert an extension, or perhaps you don't want a second app open, give Flock'd a try. It's pretty impressive. Here's his explanation of how our two apps differ:

"Flocker is a nice, polite, program that asks the extension if it can add the Flock compatibility string to it's install.rdf and treats it like a lady... err proper xml file. Flock'd is more like a serial rapist... it doesn't care what the extension wants, it strips it down and replaces the Firefox, Seamonkey, and Thunderbird strings with the Flock one... in essence, Flock'd breaks compatibility with what the extension was designed for to add Flock compatibility. I can't stress how important this is to tell people that... an extension that's been Flock'd will not work with Firefox anymore."