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Highlightly

License Manifest V3 Privacy First Lightweight Open Source

A fast, privacy first browser extension that lets you instantly understand any word on any webpage simply by highlighting it. Build your personal vocabulary as you browse and revisit saved words anytime.


Overview

Highlightly transforms passive reading into active learning.

Select any word on a webpage and a lightweight popover appears instantly with:

  • A concise definition
  • Pronunciation (when available)
  • Example usage in context
  • A Save control to add the word to your vocabulary

Saved words are securely stored on-device and accessible anytime through a clean, dedicated dashboard.


Core Features

Instant Definitions

Get immediate word meanings directly on the page without switching tabs or losing focus.

Smart Vocabulary Saving

Save words in one click and build a structured vocabulary set that includes:

  • Word
  • Definition
  • Source page
  • Date saved

Vocabulary Dashboard

A distraction-free interface to manage your learning:

  • Search across saved words
  • Sort and filter entries
  • Edit or delete saved vocabulary
  • Track your learning over time

Privacy by Design

Your data belongs to you.

  • Stored locally on your device
  • No tracking
  • No analytics
  • Optional cloud sync (only if explicitly enabled)

Lightweight and Fast

Engineered for performance:

  • Minimal footprint
  • No unnecessary scripts
  • Optimized popover rendering
  • No noticeable impact on browsing speed

How It Works

  1. Highlightly any word on any webpage
  2. A popover instantly displays its meaning
  3. Click Save to store it
  4. Open the dashboard to review and manage saved words

Technology and Architecture

Highlightly is built using modern browser extension standards and performance-oriented design:

  • Manifest V3 compliant
  • Event-driven architecture
  • Efficient DOM selection parsing
  • Local storage persistence layer
  • Lightweight UI injection system

Browser Compatibility

Supported on all modern Chromium-based browsers:

  • Google Chrome
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Brave
  • Arc
  • Any Manifest V3 compatible browser

Permissions

Highlightly requests only the minimum required permissions:

  • activeTab — access selected text on the current page
  • storage — store vocabulary locally on your device

No hidden permissions. No tracking.


License

Licensed under the Apache License 2.0.


Support the Project

If Highlightly improves your reading or learning workflow:

  • Star the repository
  • Share it with others
  • Contribute improvements

Roadmap

Planned enhancements include:

  • Multi-language dictionary support
  • Contextual phrase detection
  • Cloud sync across devices
  • Spaced repetition learning mode
  • Export vocabulary (CSV, Image, PDF, Excel Sheet)

About

Highlightly makes understanding new words effortless. Just select any word on any webpage and a clean floating popup appears with its definition. No switching tabs, no dictionary apps, everything happens instantly where you’re reading.

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