First things first.
What is a browser extension? A browser extension is a small software program that adds features and functionality to a web browser. They are essentially mini-applications that run within the browser and can be used to customize the browsing experience, enhance existing features, or add entirely new functionalities (Google Gemini).
In plain English? It allows your browser to do cool stuff 👏 🥳
The 7 browser extensions mentioned below are for Chrome, my browser of choice (in my experience, it’s simply the fastest). That being said, if you prefer a different browser, a quick Google search will let you know if any of these are available on your platform.
Ready? Let’s go!
Ghostery: Ad Blocking Superhero
Have you noticed that ads are taking up more and more screen real estate all the time? Sometimes it isn’t easy to find the article you’re trying to read amidst all the ads! Enter Ghostery, your ad-blocking superhero. Add this extension to Chrome, and Ghostery will go to work.
Add the Ghostery Extension to Chrome
StayFocused: Lock Yourself Out of Time-Suck Websites
All of us have that cryptonite website that weakens all our powers when we’re trying to focus. Maybe yours is Facebook, maybe it’s TikTok – heck, maybe it’s Wikipedia – whatever it is, you can use the StayFocused extension to lock yourself out of those problematic sites when you’re trying to work.
Add the StayFocused Extension to Chrome
Loom: Record Videos of Your Browser
Why would you want to record a video of your browser? To name a few reasons: say you want to show your web designer a weird thing your website is doing, so they can check it out; or say you want to record a quick video to send to your friend to show them a website you think they’d love; or say you need to document how to do something in the browser to share with a colleague or team member. I found that once I installed Loom, I started using it all the time.
Add the Loom Extension to Chrome
ColorZilla: Get the Hex (6 Digit) Code for ANY COLOR
Okay, I’ll admit this one is a bit nerdy for a web designer like me, but as more and more business owners are getting savvy with creation apps like Canva, I think this tool could be helpful for many of us! When you install the ColorZilla extension, you can quickly get the hex code (six digits) for any color you see on a website, using an easy eyedropper tool. If you’re a color lover like me, you’ll love it!
Add the ColorZilla Extension to Chrome
Emoji Keyboard: Get the Emoji You Want When You Want It!
If you’re an emoji addict, you’ll love this one. No more keyboard shortcuts or left-clicking to try and find them. With this extension, simply press the emoji icon in your browser to get your full menu of emojis and off you go.
Add the Emoji Keyboard Extension to Chrome
Cently: Automatic Coupon Codes (No Strings Attached)
Whenever I tell people about Cently, they ask, “What’s the catch?” The answer is none that I can tell. After you install the Cently extension, every time you’re at checkout online, Cently will pop up and ask if you want to try all the possible coupon codes. Sure, sometimes none of them work, but when one of them does, it’s a happy day.
Add the Cently Extension to Chrome
Momentum: Beauty and Inspiration in Your Browser
Momentum may not be the most useful of extensions, but I love it anyway. With the Momentum extension installed, each time you open up a new browser tab, you’re met with a beautiful photograph of a natural landscape somewhere around the world, along with the time and an inspirational quote. It adds little pops of positivity to my day, and I like it.
Add the Momentum Extension to Chrome
In Closing
Sure, there’s a lot of pretty bad Chrome extensions out there, but there’s also some really, really good ones if you know where to look. They can help boost your productivity, make you feel superhuman, or just add a little fun to your day. For more, check out the full Chrome Extension Store. Have fun!
