Make your own Arc at home
Tags: productivity, browser, extensions, diy
Published: 2024-06-23 10:29:21

Arc Browser is gaining popularity with its cool features and easy-to-use interface. However, some long-time Chrome or Firefox users may not want to switch over completely, and some Windows users have experienced performance issues with Arc.

Fortunately, you don’t have to give up Chrome or Firefox to enjoy some of Arc’s most remarkable features. This article will show how to use extensions to bring Arc’s best features into your current browser. Whether you’re looking to preview links without leaving your page, organize your tabs more efficiently, or want a fresh look, we have solutions for you.

## Replace Arc’s Peek feature with MaxFocus

Great for browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Vivaldi, and Brave.

**Arc’s Peek feature**: Peek lets you quickly preview the content of a link without opening it in a new tab. It’s handy for checking the content without losing your current page.

![Preview with Little Arc](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/zz0yicecektdqo79xcvc.png)

**MaxFocus**: [This link preview extension](https://maxfoc.us/) provides a similar feature to other browsers. It lets you preview links in various ways, such as hovering, long-clicking, or using a keyboard shortcut. This keeps you focused on your current task by letting you see what’s behind a link without navigating away.

![Preview with MaxFocus](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/xqn9ki12og0rrxtxpkz0.png)

### Why you’ll love MaxFocus

- **Customizable previews**: hover over, long-click, drag a link, or use a keyboard shortcut [to preview links](https://maxfoc.us/blog/how-to-open/).
- **Reader mode**: enjoy a clean, ad-free reading experience for news and articles
- **Enhanced navigation**: you can preview webpages, articles, or [videos](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkHMrwfqN6U) before fully committing to opening them in a new tab.
- **Highly customizable**: adjust preview settings, color schemes, and power-saving options to suit your needs.
- **AI features**: ask questions right in the preview, get prompt suggestions, and dive deeper into the content.

## Replace vertical tabs from Arc with the Side Space extension

Great for browsers: Chrome, Opera
You can also enable native vertical tabs in Edge, Vivaldi, and Brave.
For Firefox, try Sidebery or Tree Style Tab.


![Vertical tab management in Arc](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/z20dmdjovqvgvol4bers.png)

Arc’s vertical tabs feature is incredibly convenient if you enjoy using vertical tabs. But if you’re seeking a similar experience in your browser, you should check out [the Side Space](https://www.sidespace.app/) extension.

### What’s Side Space?

Side Space is a vertical tabs manager in a side panel of your browser. Imagine all your tabs neatly lined up in work, life, or school categories, making it easy to find exactly what you need.


![Vertical tab management with Side Space](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/572zk3b44hugzlfxgoa9.png)

### Why you’ll love Side Space:

- **Organized spaces**: With Side Space, your tabs are neatly categorized into vertical spaces in a side panel. This means you can quickly find, manage, and focus on your tasks.
- **Group tabs easily using AI**: Side Space uses AI to help organize and group your tabs efficiently, so you spend less time sorting and doing more.
- **Auto sync across devices**: Your tabs automatically sync across devices. You can access your saved spaces from anywhere by logging in to your account.
- **Dark mode & Custom themes**: Browse comfortably at night with dark mode, and customize the space color palette to make it feel more like you.
- **Pin & Search tabs**: Pin key tabs for quick access and instantly find any tab or space with fuzzy search.

### Try it out

If you like the vertical tabs in Arc, you’ll love Side Space. It makes tab management easier, giving you more options and control. Side Space helps you keep track of many tabs while working, shopping, or browsing online.

## Advanced: Make an Arc-like UI in your Firefox

Love the Arc Browser design but prefer Firefox? Use [the ArcWTF theme](https://github.com/KiKaraage/ArcWTF) to customize your Firefox to look like Arc!

![ArcWTF theme. Screenshot from Reddit](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4l2ccowj1lg42zg30zvs.png)

Why you’ll love ArcWTF:

- **Sleek design**: Vertical tabs, rounded corners, and a polished look.
- **Enhanced browsing**: Combine with add-ons like Sidebery for better tab management.

## Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a new browser, Arc is a great choice. It’s fast, secure, and has a clean interface. But if you’re happy with your current browser, you can still enjoy some of Arc’s best features with extensions like **[MaxFocus](https://maxfoc.us)**, **Side Space**, and **ArcWTF**. Give them a try and see how they can improve your browsing experience.