Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is TextAlchemy?

TextAlchemy is a Chrome extension that transforms ordinary text into eye-catching Unicode styles. It provides 25+ unique text formatting options that work across all platforms and devices.

Is TextAlchemy free?

Yes! TextAlchemy is completely free and open source. You can use all features without any cost.

Do I need to create an account?

No, TextAlchemy works completely offline and doesn't require any account creation or sign-up.

Is my data safe?

TextAlchemy doesn't collect, store, or transmit any of your text data. All processing happens locally in your browser.

Installation & Setup

How do I install TextAlchemy?

You can install TextAlchemy in three ways:

1. Chrome Web Store (recommended) - coming soon
2. Manual installation - download from GitHub and load as unpacked extension
3. Pre-built version - download the latest release

Why can't I see the extension after installation?

• Make sure you've enabled "Developer mode" in Chrome extensions
• Check that all files are in the correct folder structure
• Try refreshing the page or restarting Chrome

The extension isn't working properly

• Verify the extension is enabled in chrome://extensions/
• Check for any error messages in the browser console
• Try reinstalling the extension

Usage Questions

How many characters can I format?

Each style supports up to 500 characters. Longer text will be truncated.

Can I use the formatted text anywhere?

Yes! The Unicode characters work across all platforms - social media, messaging apps, documents, etc.

Why do some characters show as boxes (□)?

This happens on older systems or devices that don't support certain Unicode characters. The text will still work when pasted elsewhere.

The copy function isn't working

• Make sure you're on an HTTPS site (required for clipboard API)
• Try clicking the copy button again
• Check if another extension is interfering with clipboard access

How do I use the context menu?

Select any text on a webpage, right-click, and choose "Open TextAlchemy" to open the formatter widget with your selected text pre-filled.

Technical Questions

What browsers are supported?

TextAlchemy works in all modern browsers that support Chrome extensions, including:

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Brave
• Opera

Does it work on mobile?

Currently, TextAlchemy is designed for desktop browsers. Mobile support may be added in future versions.

Can I use it offline?

Yes! TextAlchemy works completely offline once installed.

How often is the extension updated?

Updates are released regularly with new features, bug fixes, and improvements. You can check the GitHub repository for the latest version.

Feature Questions

How many text styles are available?

TextAlchemy includes 25+ unique text styles, including:

• Bold, Italic, Cursive
• Bubble, Square, Upside Down
• Small Caps, Tiny Text
• And many more!

Can I add my own text styles?

Currently, custom styles aren't supported, but this feature may be added in future versions.

Is there a way to save my favorite styles?

Not yet, but this feature is planned for future updates.

Can I format text in different languages?

Yes! TextAlchemy works with any language that uses standard Unicode characters.

Troubleshooting

The popup doesn't open

• Check if the extension is enabled
• Try clicking the icon again
• Restart Chrome if the issue persists

Styles aren't displaying correctly

• Some Unicode characters may not display on all systems
• This is normal and the text will work when pasted
• Try using simpler styles if you're having issues

The extension is slow

• Close other tabs and extensions to free up memory
• Restart Chrome if performance issues persist
• Check if your system meets the minimum requirements

I found a bug

Please report bugs by:

1. Creating an issue on GitHub
2. Including details about your browser version and operating system
3. Describing the steps to reproduce the issue

Support & Community

Where can I get help?

• Check this FAQ first
• Visit the GitHub repository
• Create an issue for bugs or feature requests

Can I contribute to the project?

Yes! TextAlchemy is open source and welcomes contributions. Check the Contributing page for details.

How can I stay updated?

• Star the GitHub repository
• Watch for releases and updates
• Follow the project for announcements

Is there a community?

The community is growing! You can connect with other users through:

• GitHub discussions
• Issue reports and feature requests
• Social media (coming soon)