how do I download Firefox extensions?

I want to download them, not automatically install them through Firefox, so that I can keep a copy of the .xpi files on my computer. Every link I see is an "install now" one, never a "download" option. I know this can be done, but I haven't for the life of me been able to figure it out for myself. Heeeeelp!

 

I do it all the time. If you are in the Extention page, right click on the Install line, and select to Save link as .xpi file. I have a folder full of .xpi file. When you are ready, open your extention window, minimize the browser, and drag and drop the file in the window. The installation will begin.
By the way drag and drop does not loses the file. It is like a reminder kick.

It took me three shots to get this posted, and only after I tried again. No evidence that amything had happened for a total of almost ninety seconds.

 

Could've saved myself an afternoon of frustration if I'd just asked how to do it four hours ago. Thanks, Westside - works like a charm!

Hmm, I have another question now. I just downloaded and installed the ScrapBook extension - instructions say: "After installation... Go to main menu, [View] > [Toolbars] > [Customize], drag-and-drop ScrapBook icon onto toolbar." But I don't see a ScrapBook icon there. I don't want to install too many extensions all at once (lest I end up with problems down the line and not know which extension to attribute them to), so I'm reluctant to experiment with others to see if their icons will show up.
When I followed your instructions, Westside, it looked like ScrapBook installed properly (I got the usual extension popup, with my pre-existing extensions all listed there as well). Any ideas or suggestions?

 

I was fooled the first that I went to View|Toolbars|Customize.
I had not scrolled down all the way, and there was icon.
I got the extention, and after rebooting I found an icon as I thought, at the bottom of the pile. It lands in the Menu bar, which would be out of the picture if there is too much. When I click on it, it opens a sidebar. I have no idea what I will do with it, but I got in FF1.0.7.

 

Actually, the icon truly wasn't there for me at first. I uninstalled Firefox, reinstalled in, tried adding ScrapBook again, and this time it worked. Wish I could say as much for some of the other extensions I've been trying to add, but that's another thread now!

 

I never would have thought of dragging and dropping had Westside not mentioned it, as it's just as easy to click on the "Open" button.

It's not necessary to minimize the browser ... in fact, the drag-drop method is easier if you don't. The only requirement is that you close and reopen the browser after installing any new extensions.