Different from devices, device extensions or sprite extensions can be created through templates. Currently, a default Arduino template is provided for Arduino extensions and a universal template is provided for other extensions.

For details about the default Arduino template and universal template, see:

This page describes how to create an extension through the universal template.

1. Add an extension

Choose My Plugin > My Extension and click Add extension.

Add an Extension - 图1

2. Set the basic information

Add an Extension - 图2

(1) ID

ID is the unique identifier (ID) of the device, used identification by developers or programs.
Identifiers can be set to a combination of lowercase characters or digits. If multiple words are used, it is recommended that you use the symbol “_” to separate them, for example, arduino_uno and codey.

(2) Version

Version is the version number of the project file, used by developers to manage versions.
A version number must be a three-digit one, X.X.X.

(3) Name

Name is the name of the device, which is to be displayed on the UI.
It is recommended that you set the device name to a maximum of six characters.

(4) Description

Briefly describe the functions of the extension.
After you publish the extension, the description you have entered is displayed under the image of the extension in the extension center of mBlock 5.
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(5) Cover

Cover of the extension, which will be displayed in Extension Center of mBlock 5.
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Image formats:

  1.   - File extension: .jpg
  2.   - Dimensions: 600 × 372

:::info Note: Ensure that your image contains no advertisements or illegal content. :::

(6) Support platform

Set the platform(s) to be supported by the extension. Two options are available:

  1.   - mBlock PC
  2.   - mBlock Web

You can select Select all to set both the platforms.

(7) Support device/sprite

Set the device(s) or sprite(s) to be supported by the extension.

3. Configure the extension

(1) Open the editing page

Choose My Plugin > My Extension and click the Edit button of the extension to be configured.
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(2) Basic information

The basic information is the information you set in “2. Enter the basic information“, and you can click this tab to modify it.

(3) Blocks settings

For details about the configuration, see “Configure Blocks.”

(4) Common code settings

Upload source files or directly compile code.

(5) Custom widgets

Set the customized widgets to be invoked by blocks.

(6) Transcode settings

Set the transcoding language(s) of the blocks.
Currently, the following languages are available:

  • ArduinoC
  • Python
  • JavaScript

(7) Translation settings

Enter the translations of texts in the target language(s). Multiple languages are supported.
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(8) Extension download

Choose My Plugin > My Extension and click the Download button of the extension to be downloaded.
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mBlock 5 Extension Builder packs the device or extension (block set) into a .mext file.
You can download the .mext file and drag it into the mBlock 5 client to debug and test the device or extension.

:::info Note: After being dragged into mBlock 5, the .mext file overrides the exsiting device or extension. To remove the device or extension from the client, you need to delete it from the local disk. For details, see “16. Local extensions can’t be upgraded or deleted. What can I do?“ :::

(9) Preview

Click the Preview button of the extension to be previewed.
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(10) Delete

Click the Preview button of the extension to be deleted.image.png

:::info Note: The deletion can’t be undone. Take caution when deleting an extension. :::