As a writer, I operate in my web browser, and Google Chrome is the choice of many in this industry. We frequently have multiple tabs open – researching posts and keeping potential ideas at hand. For all of this I utilize multiple extensions to control everything. It is a juggling act that is always on the verge of going out of control! One way to keep it in control is to add Recycle Bin in Chrome.
Add a Recycle Bin in Chrome
We have all closed a tab, by either accident or intention, only to realize that we need it back. Fortunately Chrome has a built-in fix for this. Simply right-click on any open tab and choose the option for “Reopen closed tab.”
This has an immediately noticeable limitation however. If you are looking for the last tab closed then you are good to go, but if it happens to be perhaps five tabs ago, then you will be forced to systematically open each of those five, as the browser works its way back in Orwellian fashion.
This is where Recycle Bin for Chrome comes in handy. It functions in a similar fashion to that of the traditional Windows Recycle Bin, holding deleted data in lieu of the user emptying it. In this case, however, instead of unwanted programs, the data is your previous tabs.
You can scroll down through recently closed tabs to find the one you wish to bring back to life; there is no need to start desperately clicking that “reopen closed tab” option any more!
Choose Some Options
The extension is not big on customization, but you can choose certain, rather important functions. To do so, simply head to Chrome Settings, then hit tools followed by extensions. Make your way down to Recycle Bin and click Options.
As I said, this is sparse (an understatement), but it gets the job done. You can choose to change the icon that represents the extension on your tool bar. Though the “recycle” logo that is the default seems the best option, it comes down to personal taste.
The most important thing included here is the number of tabs that the Recycle Bin in Chrome retains. By default, this is set to 20, but it is open for every user to choose what works best for them. There is no drop-down menu here; just enter the number you wish, though it is limited to 99, as the box only holds two digits!
Conclusion
Recycle Bin is one of several extensions you may wish to look at to keep your tabs under control – a process I find continuously difficult. There are numerous options for hiding tabs, saving them to reopen later, or even on another computer and much more. The Chrome Web Store has endless options, and you will need to try and decide which works for you.
For me, Recycle Bin in Chrome can be a life-saver when I have a need to return to a site that is somewhat old by the time I realize the need. It can be most important for the busy surfer or those who rely on these things for a job.
Alan is an avid fan of all things technology, including Microsoft, Android, Google, and more. When not writing about or using gadgets and software, he can be found on the trails hiking or mountain biking.
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