12 Days of Google Tips: Tip 7 - Customize New Tab Page in Chrome


Tis the season of giving and I've been inspired by my PLN and a certain holiday song to share some Google Workspace Tips that I've either discovered or rediscovered in 2021. To be precise, the plan is two share 12 Google tips in addition to any other posts I am inspired to complete during the month of December. I will link other 12 Days of Google posts at the end of each post for your reference. 

Today I wanted to share my seventh tip connected to customizing the new tab page in Chrome.

Users can use the Chrome settings to customize the appearance, but did you know that Google recently released the ability to go even further to customize the new tab page in Chrome? Users have always been able to set a home page, display options, and themes for Chrome tabs. 


Here is a quick overview of the new tab page.

  1. The current Google Doodle that is found on the Google homepage. Click on this will provide more information connected to the Doodle.
  2. Quick access to Google search. 
  3. Shortcuts. These can be arranged by the user, Google can add the most frequent pages, or these can be turned off.
  4. Quick access to Image search, Google apps, and the user's Google Account.
  5. Customized background. Choose your own image or use one from the Google collection. When an image is selected from one of the Google themes, it can be set to "Refresh daily" though the theme's images. 
  6. Customize Chrome settings. Depending on the theme this will either be the small pencil button or a button that includes the pencil and the phrase "Customize Chrome". 
Clicking on the "Customize this page" button in the bottom right will open up this settings box. 


Background - Upload a background image, choose classic chrome, or select from one of the themes. Theme selections can be set to refresh daily or the same image from the theme can always be in the new tab.

Shortcuts - Allows users to choose one of 3 options.
  1. Shortcuts that are set by the user.
  2. Shortcuts based on websites most visited by the user.
  3. Hide the shortcuts all together.

Cards - Google will show cards on Chrome’s New Tab Page that remind you about recent searches. Users can hide the cards of choose from several options. Google may add additional card options in the future. 

Color and theme - Create your own custom colors or use one of the 23 pairs. The first color is basically the framing of the tab and the second color is the background if a theme photo is not being used. 

Bonus
Google has a great resource to make the most of your browsing experience: Tips and shortcuts for better browsing
Did you know that the Chrome Web Store has a collection of Extensions to "Take Control of Your Tabs". 

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