Packaging and Submitting New Extensions

You can use the Macromedia Extension Manager to package extensions that you create before submitting them to Macromedia for distribution on the Macromedia Exchange website. After packaging an extension, test it by using the Extension Manager to install it locally. After you're satisfied, use the Extension Manager to submit the packaged extension to Macromedia.

Here are some helpful resources for creating extensions:

• For information on Macromedia Dreamweaver, see Extending Dreamweaver (Help > Extending Dreamweaver).
• For information on Macromedia Flash, see Extending Flash (Help > Extending Flash).
• For information on Macromedia Fireworks, see Extending Fireworks (Help > Extending Fireworks).
• For the latest information regarding the testing and approval of extensions, review the "How do I ensure that my extension will pass Macromedia testing?" section of the Macromedia Exchange site help.

To package an extension:

1. If you haven't already done so, install the Extension Manager.
2. Test your extension thoroughly.

   For information on how to configure and test extensions, review the "How do I ensure that my extension will pass Macromedia testing?" section of the Macromedia Exchange site help.

3. Copy all of the files for your extension to a staging folder for ease of packaging.

   All the files don't need to be at the same level of the folder hierarchy; you can specify a path to each file, relative to the installation file, using the <file> tag. However, it's easier to keep track of all the files if you don't try to package them directly from their installed locations in the Configuration folder.

4. Create an extension installation file (a filename ending in .mxi) for your extension.

   For more information, see "The Macromedia Extension Installation File Format," which you can download from the Macromedia website at www.macromedia.com/go/em_file_format.

   You'll find several sample extension installation files for Dreamweaver, Flash, and Fireworks in the following folders in the Extension Manager application folder: Samples/Dreamweaver, Samples/Flash, and Samples/Fireworks.

5. In the Extension Manager, select File > Package Extension.
6. In the file-selection dialog box that appears, browse to your extension's installation file to select it; then click OK (Windows) or Open (Macintosh).
7. Select a location for the package file, give it a name (ending in .mxp), and click Save.

   Note: The extension package filename must not contain spaces. It should be a filename that's valid on both Windows and Macintosh platforms.

   The Extension Manager creates a package file containing compressed versions of all the files used by the extension, including the installation file.

8. Test the package by installing it using the Extension Manager. After it's installed, try the extension and make sure everything works as you intended.

To submit an extension:

1. In the Extension Manager, select File > Submit Extension.

   The Macromedia Exchange submission page opens in your browser.

2. Follow the instructions on the page and proceed until you receive a confirmation message.