23 Chrome Extensions You Must Have

Although I have been active on Twitter, I have neglected my blog since the holidays. Glad to say that I'm back and ready to provide you with awesome resources. In April 2013, I posted a list of 17 Chrome extensions to use with your Google Chrome browser. I have updated this list (added, deleted) to include those extensions you and students shouldn't live without. I have starred * my absolute favorites. If you'd like to browse the Chrome Web Store, click HERE.



*AdBlock Plus- blocks ads, malware and tracking

Autocopy - Automatically copies text or links when they are selected. Imagine how many times a day you click Control or Command + C. Now, you don’t have to!

Chrome Web Store Launcher- quick access to all your Chrome apps

EasyBib Tools- provides students with instant citing of a webpage




Evernote Web Clipper- clip and save things to your Evernote account


goo.gl URL Shortener- shorten the URL of any long address; if you use Twitter, this can be really handy

Google Calendar- easily connect to your events on Google calendar

*Google Dictionary- highlight a word on a web page to get the definition


Google Similar Pages- explore pages similar to the one you are on; extension appears in Omnibox

*History Eraser- "Deletes typed URLs, Cache, Cookies, your Download and Browsing History...instantly, with just 1-click on the Eraser button!"

LastPass- extension manages all passwords with one master password



OneTab- converts all your tabs into one list; saves memory

Polarr Photo Editor RAW- crop and rotate photos, use advanced photo filters

Quickmark QR Code Extension- create and read QR codes on the web

*Readability- eliminates clutter on a web page and makes reading easier


Save as PDF- saves a webpage as a PDF (does not work with all formats, i.e. .ASPX)

Save to Google Drive- save web content and screen captures to your Google Drive

*Screencastify- a simple video screen capture software for Chrome. (You need a camera or a Chrome Book)



Send From Gmail- quickly compose and email with a link to send someone

Simple Highlighter- highlights, annotates and translates

Snagit- Take a screenshot, screen capture, or screen video recording. Collaborate and show what you know.

SpeakIt! - Select text, and it will read it to you. (Great for ESL and Special Ed students!)



TLDR- summarizes a long article for you

How to Use SnagIt's Chrome App and Extension

I've been using the full version of TechSmith's SnagIt for about seven years now and love it. It's not an expensive program (I was lucky and won a copy at EdCamp Philly a few years ago) but can cost a bit when you need hundreds of licenses for your school. SnagIt just partnered with Google to offer an app and extension of their program which can be used with the Chrome browser and is linked to your Gmail account. Screen captures are saved to a folder on your Google Drive named "Techsmith". If you wish to share a capture with your students, you are given a shortened URL where the image resides. Please note that if you are used to the full SnagIt version, this one has its limitations; image size cannot be changed, one arrow, circle or square style is available, (a handful of colors) one font can be used and the image is saved as a .png. For most people, this will be quite enough. Here's a brief tutorial which I made with the full version of SnagIt. You can find both the extension and app at the Chrome Store.