Note: This post was translated to English using AI. My native language is Spanish.
The Problem:
Users of SaaS apps (accounting, project management, etc.) often need to repeatedly copy data into external forms (government portals, client systems, etc.). Today this is a tedious, fully manual process.
My Current Solution
A browser extension where:
- Websites expose an injectless.json declaring which fields they can fill and on which domains
- The user explicitly installs the integration (one-click opt-in)
- When visiting an allowed site, the extension offers to “paste” each field
The Doubt
A friend suggested that instead of a browser extension, this should be a native app (similar to KeePassXC or Espanso) that:
- Works in any browser without installing multiple extensions
- Pastes sequences of fields using TAB (simpler, more universal)
- Works even outside the browser
- Avoids extension permissions, CSP issues, Shadow DOM, etc.
My Concerns About a Native App
- Mobile: Browser extensions do work on mobile (Safari iOS, Firefox Android). Native apps would face heavy sandboxing restrictions
- UX: The extension popup can show exactly which fields are available for the current page. A native app would be more “blind”
- Context: The extension knows which page you’re on and can automatically validate allowed domains
The Question
What seems more valuable / practical?
A) Browser extension (current approach) — more context, mobile support, clearer UX
B) Native app like Espanso/KeePassXC — more universal, single install, simpler
C) Both — native app as a base + optional extension as a companion for better UX
Has anyone worked on something similar?
What trade-offs might I be missing?
Thanks!