In the fast-paced world of digital browsing, users often find comfort in familiar routines, sticking to tried-and-true methods within their favourite applications. However, the latest features can bring hidden gems that revolutionize the user experience. Google Chrome users, brace yourselves for a game-changer – the sidebar.
For those who’ve been accustomed to a particular way of using the Chrome browser, the sidebar might have gone unnoticed. Tucked away on the right side of the screen, the sidebar is represented by an unassuming icon—a rectangle with a shaded column. Its unobtrusive nature might lead users to overlook its potential, much like other features that often go unexplored.
The sidebar’s versatility extends to its positioning and width. Users can customize these settings by clicking and holding the two-line drag icon on the side. Additionally, the sidebar can be configured to open on the left side of the screen, providing a tailored experience. To achieve this, click the three-dot icon on the top right, navigate to Settings > Appearance, and choose between “Show on right” or “Show on left.”
Upon closer inspection, the sidebar unfolds a range of apps designed to streamline your browsing experience. Here are five key apps, with a glimpse into how they can redefine the way you interact with Chrome.
The sidebar introduces a fresh approach to managing bookmarks. Users can access their bookmarks conveniently from the sidebar, potentially offering a more organized alternative to the traditional bookmark bar at the top of the screen. To toggle the top-screen bookmark bar, use the key combination Shift-Ctrl-B (Windows) or Shift-Command-B (macOS).
Ever stumbled upon an intriguing article but lacked the time to delve into it immediately? Chrome’s Reading List, accessible from the sidebar, solves this predicament. Simply choose “Reading List” from the drop-down menu and click on the “+Add Current tab” button to save the site for later reading.
The History app in the sidebar acts as a time machine for your browsing sessions. No more regretting the premature closure of a tab; the History drop-down lets you revisit recent tabs and searches, offering a chance for redemption.
In a world inundated with ads and distractions, Reading Mode in the sidebar becomes a refuge for those seeking a simplified reading experience. While particularly handy on mobile devices, it offers a clutter-free column of text on the laptop screen, enhancing the readability of content.
Chrome stays true to its Google roots with the Search app in the sidebar. Seamlessly integrated with Google’s Lens app, users can drag and drop images into the search box for various functions—finding similar images, extracting text, translating, or locating exact matches across different sites.
The sidebar’s flexibility extends beyond these core apps. Depending on the third-party apps installed on your system, additional options may populate the drop-down menu. For instance, to-do apps like TickTick seamlessly integrate, adding a personalized touch to your sidebar experience.
As users, it’s easy to settle into familiar routines and overlook the potential enhancements offered by new features. The Chrome sidebar beckons exploration, promising a more efficient and tailored browsing experience. Take the plunge, adjust the settings, and uncover a world of apps designed to make your digital life more organized and enjoyable.
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