What are extensions?
Extensions are small programs which let you add features to your browser. They are usually free but can have premium versions.
A word of warning
Some extensions are malicious. They can track what you are doing and even steal your data, so do your research before installing them. Read How to Make Sure a Chrome Extension is Safe Before Installing It and Why you should be careful with browser extensions.
How do I install and manage them?
- Instructions for Chrome - Chrome Web Store
- Instructions for Firefox - Firefox Add-Ons
- Instructions for Safari - access them via the Safari menu/Safari Extensions.
- Instructions for Edge - Chrome Web Store
Scroll down for some useful extensions for productivity
Resources
Libkey Nomad (University of Exeter only)
LibKey will let you know when the full text of a scholarly article is available when searching via the web, whether through Open Access sources or your Library's subscriptions.
Lean Library (Falmouth University only)
This helps to to connect you to Falmouth Library resources when you are searching via the web, automatically signing you in (or sending you to the Falmouth login page if you’re not already signed in). Available for use with multiple browsers.
Jiffy Reader
'Bionic reading' Chrome extension which makes parts of words bold. This helps guide your eyes and stops you losing your place when reading.
Weava Highligher - PDF & Web
Free Chrome extension for highlighting and annotating pdfs and webpages. Organise these into folders and subfolders and access them from anywhere.
Forest
Available as a mobile app for iOS and Android and also a Chrome extension, Forest helps you put down your phone and get productive!
Evernote/Evernote Web Clipper
Save, organise and annotate images, webpages, photos, scans and files and sync across all your devices. Online, app (iOS and Android) and extension for Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge.
Note Board
Virtual note board where you can write tasks, add notes, upload files and save online content. Available online, as a Chrome extension or a mobile app (iOS and Android).
Unpaywall
Chrome extension which finds legally-available free copies of journal articles.
Wayback Machine
If a webpage is no longer available, Wayback Machine will look for an archived version which you can open. Online and available as an extension for Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge.
OneTab
If you have lots of open tabs, OneTab extension for Chrome and Firefox will convert them into a single list, freeing up memory and speeding up your computer. Click to reopen tabs or save and export.
StayFocusd
Chrome extension which helps you limit or block distracting websites.
OpenDyslexic
OpenDyslexic is a font which some people with dyslexia may find easier to read. Works with Chrome and Safari.
Visor
Chrome extension which will lets you tint your screen and add a reading ruler.
Google Keep
Save links, images and notes and sync these between your devices. Extension works with Chrome, Firefox and Edge. Also online and app for iOS and Android.
Grammarly
Checks your spelling, punctuation and grammar as you write. Extension works with Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge.
Selection Reader
Selection Reader is a simple Chrome extension which will read aloud any text you highlight in webpages when using the Chrome browser.
