Arc Browser Extensions

This article will provide an overview of how to find, install, and manage extensions in Arc browser. We’ll cover the process of enabling extensions, accessing the Chrome Web Store, organizing extensions, and more. Whether you’re new to Arc or simply looking to get more out of its extension capabilities, this guide will help you master extensions in Arc.

Enabling Extensions in Arc

Since Arc is built on top of the open-source Chromium codebase, it has native support for extensions built for Google Chrome. However, extensions are disabled by default in Arc. To start using extensions, you first need to enable them:

Open Arc browser preferences by going to Arc > Preferences in the menu bar (or hit Command + ,).

Go to the “Extensions” section in preferences.
Check the box next to “Allow Extensions”.

Once extensions are enabled globally, you can start adding them to Arc. The easiest way is to install them directly from the Chrome Web Store.

Accessing the Chrome Web Store

The Chrome Web Store is the official marketplace for Chrome extensions. It offers thousands of free and paid extensions for Chrome, and they also work seamlessly in Arc.

To open the Chrome Web Store in Arc:

Type “chrome://extensions” in Arc’s address bar and hit Enter.

This will open Arc’s extension management page. Click the blue “Open Chrome Web Store” button.
You’ll be redirected to the Chrome Web Store website.

You can now browse or search for extensions. When you find one you want, click “Add to Chrome”. This will install the extension in Arc browser.

Managing Installed Extensions

Once you’ve installed some extensions from the Chrome Web Store, you’ll want to manage them within Arc. Here are some tips:

See your installed extensions by typing “chrome://extensions” in the address bar.
Pin your most-used extensions for quick access by clicking the puzzle piece icon in Arc’s top toolbar.

Enable/disable extensions by using the slider on the management page.
Uninstall extensions by clicking the trash can icon.
Access extension options by clicking the Details button and selecting “Extension options”.

Arc will sync your installed extensions across devices. You can customize which extensions are enabled in regular vs incognito windows.

Top Extension Recommendations

There are thousands of extensions available for Arc and Chrome. Here are some of the most popular and useful options:

Ad Blockers

uBlock Origin – Open source ad blocker that’s lightweight and customizable.

AdBlock – Basic ad blocker that’s easy to use for beginners.
AdBlock Plus – Long-standing ad blocker with acceptable ads option.

Privacy & Security

Privacy Badger – Blocks hidden trackers that follow you between sites.

HTTPS Everywhere – Encrypts connections to websites for added security.
DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials – All-in-one privacy toolkit from the DuckDuckGo search engine.

Productivity

Momentum – Customizable new tab page with goals, to-do lists, and inspiration.

Save to Pocket – Lets you save articles, videos, and more to view later.
Linear – Integrates the Linear project management app into your browser.

Customization

Stylus – Manage custom CSS themes and styles for sites.

Tampermonkey – Run custom scripts on websites to add features.
Dark Reader – Force dark mode on any website.

Accessing Extensions Quickly

Arc makes it easy to access your extensions when you need them, without having to click tiny toolbar icons. There are two main methods:

Hover over the top border of the Arc window to reveal a dropdown menu with all your extensions.
Use the Command+E keyboard shortcut to bring up a menu where you can search for and open extensions.

For frequently used extensions, pin them for permanent quick access in the top toolbar.

Advanced Management of Extensions

While the basics of enabling, installing, and pinning extensions are straightforward in Arc, power users can benefit from learning some advanced management features:

The Extensions management page (chrome://extensions) offers additional options like force installing extensions, selecting specific browser action buttons, and controlling site access.
Using Chrome profiles allows you to separate extensions across different Arc windows. Launch a new window in a certain profile via Arc > New Profile Window.

Keyboard shortcuts can be assigned to open specific extensions. Open Arc > Preferences > Shortcuts to create custom shortcuts.
Adjust extension positioning by right-clicking the browser action buttons and selecting “Move to position…”.
Control extension permissions globally or per-site from the extension’s Details page.

Learning these advanced features allows for greater control when managing many extensions at once.

Troubleshooting Extensions

While extensions add useful functionality to Arc, they can sometimes cause problems. Here are solutions for common extension issues:

If an extension is slowing down Arc or web pages, try disabling or uninstalling it.

Check for extension updates if bugs pop up, as newer versions often have fixes.
Disable all extensions to isolate potential conflicts – enable them one-by-one.
Try using Arc in Guest mode, which disables all extensions temporarily.

Reset Arc settings via Arc > Reset Profile if extensions become corrupted.
Report buggy extensions directly to the developers per the extension’s homepage.

Properly troubleshooting extension problems will keep Arc running smoothly.

Developing Arc Extensions

In addition to installing extensions from the Chrome Web Store, developers can also build custom extensions for Arc using these technologies:

JavaScript/CSS/HTML – Standard web languages for basic extension features.
Manifest JSON – Declares an extension’s metadata and capabilities.

Chrome APIs – Interface with the browser, tabs, storage, etc.
React/Vue – Build complex UIs with these JavaScript frameworks.
TypeScript – Static typing for writing robust extension code.

Webpack – Bundle modules and assets into finished extension files.

The Arc extension architecture mirrors Chrome, allowing porting extensions between the two browsers. Key resources for building custom extensions include:

Chrome Developer Documentation – Official programming guides.

Chrome Extension Samples – Example starter projects.
Arc Developer Forums – Get help from the Arc dev community.
crxjs – Framework for quickly building extensions.

With some JavaScript knowledge, developers can build advanced extensions tailored to their unique needs.

Publishing Arc Extensions

For extension developers looking to share their creations with other users, Arc supports publishing extensions through the Chrome Web Store and local installation methods.

Releasing on the Chrome Web Store

Google’s marketplace provides the best distribution platform:

Upload extension to the Chrome Developer Dashboard.
Add listing details like description, icons, screenshots.
Set a price or publish for free.

Pass the review process for editorial checks.
Users can now install directly from the Web Store.

Alternative Publishing Options

Other lower-friction ways to share extensions include:

Hosting the extension files on a website for direct download.
Listing the extension on forums with installation instructions.
Sending extension files to users to manually install.

Bundling the extension with apps or software packages.

These make it easy to get an extension in front of users quickly during development.

Notable Arc Extension Developers

Some of the top extension developers that have built for Arc browser include:

Wladimir Palant – Creator of Adblock Plus and several other popular ad blocking extensions.
Pocket – Pioneer of save-for-later functionality with their cross-platform Pocket extension.
Momentum Dash – Makers of Momentum, a highly customizable start page replacement.

Michael Gundlach – Developer of Dark Reader, which brings dark mode to any website.
Refined GitHub – Added useful interface options for GitHub’s code hosting service.
TinyGrab – Enables quickly capturing, annotating, and sharing screenshots.

The vibrant ecosystem of extension developers is critical to enhancing Arc’s functionality.

Integrating Extensions into Workflows

Extensions shift from novelty to productivity when integrated into real-world workflows. Here are some ways to incorporate extensions into everyday browsing routines:

Set up a password manager like LastPass to auto-fill credentials across sites and services.

Use a save-for-later extension like Pocket to flag content for future reference.
Pin workflows like note taking or project management apps to stay organized.
Auto-apply styles with user styles extensions to customize sites.

Let ad blockers run passively to speed up page loading.
Secure webmail with encrypted email extensions like Mailvelope.

With some trial and error, you can build browser extension habits that boost productivity.

Common Extension Use Cases

Extensions empower users to tailor their browser experience for different activities. Common use cases where extensions come in handy include:

Shopping – Price trackers, coupons, buyer protection.
Programming – GitHub tools, linting, color pickers.

Research – Archiving, annotations, citations.
Social media – Enhanced notifications, filters, downloaders.
Entertainment – Flash support, downloaders, video format converters.

Personalization – Custom themes, start pages, fonts.

Extensions help optimize browsers for specialized purposes beyond general web surfing.

Must-Have Extensions for New Users

When starting out with Arc, these extensions provide the biggest bang for the buck:

uBlock Origin – Hassle-free ad blocking with minimal memory footprint.
Bitwarden – Open source password manager packed with features.
Dark Reader – Invert bright sites into dark mode for easier reading.

Vimium – Navigate pages with keyboard shortcuts.
Momentum – Replace boring new tab page with daily inspiration.

Investing time to install and learn these extensions will instantly upgrade your browsing experience.

Staying Secure While Using Extensions

Although incredibly useful, extensions pose potential security risks. Some best practices include:

Only install extensions from reputable developers.
Check extension ratings and reviews before downloading.

Be wary of extensions requesting excessive permissions.
Audit permissions on installed extensions.
Use an ad blocker to limit malicious ad exposure.

Disable extensions you aren’t actively using.

Following basic security hygiene minimizes the extension attack surface.

The Bottom Line

Arc browser provides full support for the universe of powerful Chrome extensions. Core skills covered in this guide include:

Enabling extensions in Arc’s settings.
Browsing and installing extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Managing extensions from the chrome://extensions page.

Accessing extensions quickly using toolbar pins and shortcuts.
Recommendations for essential security, productivity and customization extensions.
Tips for advanced management and troubleshooting.

Resources for building your own Arc extensions.
Publishing extensions publicly or privately.
Integrating extensions into everyday workflows.

With this extension knowledge, Arc users can boost their productivity and customize their ideal browsing environment.