If you want to work quicker, smarter and possibly save money, these are the Google Chrome extensions you will want.
15. 1Password
When it comes to Chrome’s password management software, 1Password is a great extension for both Windows and Mac. Rather than having to memorize numerous passwords, this extension is able to generate secure passwords for each site that you use, and then remembers it for you. Using the Chrome extension, you are able to login, automatically fill registration forms and enter credit card details with a couple clicks of your mouse.
14. Momentum
We don’t mean any disrespect to Chrome’s new tab screen, however, there are times when more is needed for motivation other than some recent links. That is where Momentum comes in, the default screen is replaced with the time, a wonderful image, inspirational quote and there’s a ‘main focus’ which you set at the start of the day. You’re also able to make to-do lists or go back to the basic new tab screen quickly.
13. Earth View – Google Maps
While the new tab screen isn’t loaded with features with Earth View, it is still breathtaking with the curated satellite images from all over the world. Each time a new tab is opened, you will be presented with a random location. There is a globe located at the bottom right of your screen, you can use it to be taken to the corresponding location in Google Earth. It’s great for taking short breaks and escaping what you were planning to get done.
12. Coupons at Checkout
This extension works by detecting when you are fixing to purchase something online. It then searches the web for any related coupons that you could use to save a little. If it comes up there are none, it still saves you the time from manually going through websites that are filled with spam and clutter, which some consider that just as good as saving money.
11. Evernote Web Clipper
If you do research online, or just need to quickly save information for later, Evernote Web Clipper is a must. It goes past the basic copy and paste, you simply click a button and you have the option to annotate pages, save them to view later, create a link summary, or even save an image of the whole page. Naturally, it all gets saved online with Evernote.com, making it available from any computer or mobile device.
10. FVD Downloader
While most video sites are against downloading content from their sites for personal use, such as creating GIFs, that does not stop FVD Downloader. It will add a download button to any site or page where a video is located, with the exception of YouTube (YouTube is now owned by Google and they have this thing about ripping off their own content). Although, it’s great for pretty much any other site.
9. Office Editing for Docs, Sheets and Slides
Google Docs, Sheets & Slides can be described as a very powerful tool for productivity, but not so great with Microsoft Office Docs. Using this extension, you are able to modify and view Office documents directly from Google Drive. This allows you to bypass having to convert Office Docs to Google’s preferred format, then saving it back into the original format again (.PPT, .XLS or .DOC).
8. Search by Image – Google
Have you ever found an image while browsing and you wondered where it originally came from? Using this extension can help you find out just that. After installing the extension, you can hover over any image and it will reveal the link for Google Image Search, this will be able to recognize the image while bringing up other similar images. From this, you can discover more details and track the original source much easier.
7. Strict Workflow
The issue with working within a web browser is that distractions are everywhere. However, the next time you get the feeling of sneaking at Facebook, you can install Strict Workflow. This extension forces you to spend a minimum of 25 minutes working before it will give you a 25-minute break. You have the option of blacklisting certain sites, which are common distractions, or create a whitelist of allowed sites.
6. Xmarks Bookmark Sync
Chrome does a good job with bookmark syncing by default, given you only use Chrome of course. However, Xmarks provides an alternative for those who use multiple browsers, such as across various devices. Xmarks supports Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and IE.
5. Google Dictionary
For those looking to improve their vocabulary, this extension makes it easier. You are able to double click on any word within the browser and get the definition in a popup. By clicking on the button, it will provide the full dictionary description, and you have the option of saving it to a list along with others you look up.
4. Google Quick Scroll
It can get annoying when searching the web for certain quotes or statistics when it’s hidden in mountains of content. That is where this extension helps out, as you can jump right to the content you’re wanting as it shows snippets of the relevant content in a popup window. By clicking on the content, you are taken to the section, which saves you time.
3. Send to Kindle
It won’t matter if you use apps such as Instapaper or Pocket, you should try this version from Amazon. It renders the web articles into an ad-free and clean format that sends them directly to Kindle and other apps you choose. It can be useful for those that want a distraction free experience with the Kindle e-reader or wants to mix in some web articles.
2. Weather Watcher Live
This widget comes in handy while letting you skip past the usual clutter of major weather sites. You simply enter your zip code, pick the nearby station and you will be updated of current temperatures with the extension icon. For quick access to the hourly and daily forecasts, simply click the icon. You also have radar functions that give you more engagement.
1. Pic2Pixlr
If you make edits to web images often, Pic2Pixlr is a must have. When it’s installed, you simply right click the image and you are going to have the ‘open with pic2pixlr’ option. This allows you to directly jump to Pixlrs suite with free editing tools, it’s quicker than having to download, upload and then download the image over and over.