Do you use a web browser?
Of course you do!
But did you know that you can use it for more than just browsing the web?
There are more than 130,000 extensions available for Google Chrome that can turn it into a true productivity powerhouse.
In this issue, you’ll learn about 3 Chrome extensions that I use to help me work more efficiently. Oh, and they are all free to use.
📨 Process email faster
Checker Plus for Gmail is a lightweight extension that you can position next to your address bar. It’ll show a non-intrusive notification when you have a new email that you can open, read, reply to, archive, or delete, all from within the overlay.
This is especially useful for things like logging into an account with 2-Factor-Authentication. If you receive the verification code via email, all you have to do is open the extension, copy the code, and paste it into the page without ever leaving the web page you were on.
🔓 Fill out forms faster
A great way to log in quickly is by using the same, simple password that you keep in your head for every account you have. It’s also a great way to get hacked easily.
That’s where a password manager comes in. It can create extremely complex passwords that you won’t have to (nor be able to) remember, and stores them in a vault.
It’s not just for passwords though. Tired of filling out your address or payment details every time you order something online? It can save that too.
The cool thing is that it can recognize which website you’re on and provide the associated login which you can get filled out with just one click.
My password manager of choice is Bitwarden, as it’s user-friendly, open-source, and also works well on mobile.
👀 Save your eyes
If you’re working remotely, you’re likely behind a screen all day. The light emitted by a screen can strain your eyes over time though, especially if it’s bright and contrasts with a dark environment at night.
Luckily, there’s Dark Reader to save the day. It can create a dark mode version of any website you’re viewing. In my experience, readability is preserved 95% of the time and you can easily turn it off with a keyboard shortcut or add exceptions for sites you want to view in their original color scheme.
Go ahead and test it on my website!
You can learn about 2 more productivity browser extensions in this video.
Actionable advice for this week: turn your web browser into a productivity tool.
Try out the extensions I mentioned, or scout your browser’s extension library for more. Make sure you understand the security risks as well though. Look into an extension’s data protection track record. Lock, hide, or shut down any extensions that display sensitive data like the email checker or password manager, whenever you’re using your computer in a public space where it may be stolen or used while you’re stepping away for a moment.