Browser Extension

Install, navigate, and manage your projects directly within GitHub's interface using Zenhub's integrated tools

Zenhub's browser extension transforms GitHub into a complete project management platform by adding powerful features directly within GitHub's interface. Instead of switching between separate tools, you can manage issues, track progress, and collaborate with your team without ever leaving GitHub.

Installing the Zenhub browser extension

Zenhub's browser extension is available for Chrome and Firefox, supporting the latest three versions of each official browser build. The extension integrates seamlessly into GitHub's interface, requiring no separate logins or complex configuration.

Visit zenhub.com/extension to download the extension for your browser, or search for "Zenhub for GitHub" in the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons marketplace. After installation, you'll see the Zenhub logo ("multiplier" button) appear in your browser's address bar. Click this button to access Zenhub's notification center showing your team's recent activity.

The extension requires GitHub authentication to access your repositories and issues. When you first visit a GitHub repository after installation, Zenhub will prompt you to sign in with your GitHub credentials. This authentication enables Zenhub to read issue titles, pull request information, and repository data needed for project management features.

You'll know the extension installed correctly when you see several new elements in GitHub's interface. A new "Zenhub" tab appears alongside Code, Issues, and Pull requests in any repository. The Zenhub logo in your address bar provides quick access to notifications. You may also see additional options in issue and pull request interfaces for connecting work and managing workflows.

Accessing Zenhub within GitHub

Once installed, Zenhub adds its features directly into GitHub's existing interface, creating a unified experience for both code and project management.

Click the "Zenhub" tab in any repository to access your Work Tracker (the main project management dashboard). You can also use the keyboard shortcut "z + b" to quickly open the Work Tracker from anywhere within a repository. The Work Tracker displays your issues organized into customizable pipeline columns that represent different stages of work.

The Work Tracker supports multiple repositories in a single view, allowing you to manage cross-repository projects without switching between different GitHub pages. Use the repository filter options to show or hide issues from specific repositories as needed.

Zenhub enhances GitHub's issue and pull request pages with additional project management functionality. When viewing an issue, you'll see new options for assigning story points, connecting to epics, setting dependencies, and linking pull requests. These additions appear seamlessly within GitHub's existing interface layout.

Pull request pages include Zenhub connection options that allow you to link PRs to issues during creation. You'll also see pipeline assignment options that let you control where new pull requests appear on your Work Tracker. These features enable automated workflow management without requiring manual updates.

Extension vs web app

The browser extension provides access to Zenhub's complete feature set while maintaining GitHub's familiar interface and navigation patterns. However, you can also access all Zenhub functionality through the web application at app.zenhub.com.

Use the browser extension when you work primarily within GitHub's interface and want project management integrated seamlessly with code reviews, issue discussions, and repository navigation. The extension minimizes context switching by keeping everything in GitHub's familiar environment.

Use the web application when you experience performance issues with large repositories or extensive issue lists, work on a browser without extension support, need dedicated project management views separated from code workflows, or want optimized loading for complex projects with large datasets.

Both interfaces provide identical functionality with real-time synchronization. Changes made in the extension appear immediately in the web app and vice versa, so you can switch between interfaces based on your current workflow needs without losing context or creating duplicate work.

Permissions and organizational access

The browser extension respects GitHub's existing permission model while adding Zenhub-specific access controls for project management features.

Zenhub extension access mirrors your GitHub permissions. If you can view a repository in GitHub, you can see its issues in Zenhub's Work Tracker. If you have write access to a repository, you can modify issue assignments, story points, and pipeline positions through the extension interface.

For organizations using GitHub's third-party access restrictions, ensure that Zenhub is approved for your organization. The extension will display appropriate error messages if access is blocked, with links to documentation for resolving permission issues. Organization owners or administrators need to approve Zenhub as a third-party application through GitHub's organization settings.

Team workspace permissions build on GitHub's existing access controls, so team members see only the repositories and issues they already have permission to access in GitHub. Create and manage team workspaces through the extension interface to control which repositories and team members have access to specific project views.

For detailed permission configuration, SAML authentication requirements, and cross-organization collaboration setup, see the GitHub Permissions article.

Troubleshooting common extension issues

Most extension issues stem from browser configuration, GitHub permissions, or conflicts with other browser extensions.

If Zenhub features aren't appearing in GitHub, first check that you're using Chrome or Firefox official builds (not developer versions or unofficial variants). Force an update of the extension through your browser's extension management page to ensure you have the latest version. Disable other browser extensions temporarily to identify potential conflicts. Ad blockers and privacy extensions commonly interfere with Zenhub's functionality.

If you're seeing stale data or sync issues, verify that your GitHub permissions haven't changed recently, particularly for organization repositories with third-party access restrictions. Clear your browser cache and cookies for both GitHub and Zenhub if you're experiencing display problems. The extension relies on GitHub's API for real-time data, so connection issues can sometimes cause temporary synchronization delays.

If the extension feels slow with large repositories or extensive issue lists, use Zenhub's filtering options to limit the displayed data. Filter by assignee, labels, or specific repositories to improve loading times while maintaining access to relevant information. Consider using the Zenhub web application (app.zenhub.com) as an alternative if browser performance becomes problematic.

FAQ

Q: Can I use Zenhub without installing the browser extension?
A: Yes, you can access all Zenhub features through the web application at app.zenhub.com. The extension provides convenience for users who work primarily within GitHub's interface.

Q: Does the extension work with GitHub Enterprise?
A: Yes, Zenhub supports GitHub Enterprise installations. Contact Zenhub support for specific configuration requirements for your Enterprise setup.

Q: What browsers are supported besides Chrome and Firefox?
A: Only Chrome and Firefox have native extensions. Other browsers can access Zenhub through the web application, which works on any modern browser including mobile devices.

Q: Why does Zenhub need write access to my GitHub repositories?
A: Write access enables Zenhub to update issue metadata like story points and pipeline assignments. Zenhub never modifies your code, only issue and pull request metadata for project management.

Q: Can I use different Zenhub workspaces with the same browser extension?
A: Yes, you can switch between multiple workspaces through the extension interface. Each workspace can have different repository configurations and team access settings.

Q: What happens if I uninstall the extension?
A: Your Zenhub data remains accessible through the web application. Issue story points, epic relationships, and other Zenhub metadata persist and can be accessed through any Zenhub interface.