Guide

How to Customize Chrome New Tab

Chrome's built-in new tab options cover simple appearance changes. A new tab extension like PureTab is useful when you want widgets, saved layouts, bookmarks, notes, todos, search, and focus tools in one dashboard.

How to Customize Chrome New Tab in PureTab
Built-in Chrome
Basic background, shortcuts, and search
PureTab
Widgets, layouts, wallpapers, presets, and focus tools
Account requirement
Core features work without an account
Best next step
Install the extension and build a first dashboard

What Chrome can change by default

Chrome can adjust basic new tab appearance and shortcuts, but it is not designed as a widget dashboard.

  • Change simple background and shortcut behavior.
  • Use the built-in search box.
  • Keep the default minimal start page.

What an extension adds

A Chrome new tab extension can replace the default page with a richer interface that is purpose-built for repeated work.

  • Add todos, notes, bookmarks, clock, countdowns, and focus widgets.
  • Create reusable presets for different workflows.
  • Use a local-first dashboard with optional sign-in.

How PureTab fits

PureTab is for users who want a cleaner browser start page without turning every new tab into another feed or project management app.

  • Install PureTab from the Chrome Web Store.
  • Choose widgets and arrange the layout.
  • Save presets if you want reusable dashboards.

Widgets and surfaces

  • Clock and date
  • Todos and notes
  • Bookmarks and quick links
  • Search
  • Wallpapers
  • Countdowns and focus tools
  • YouTube embeds
  • Draggable and resizable widgets
  • Shareable presets

FAQ

  • Is PureTab a Chrome new tab extension?

    Yes. PureTab is built for Chrome and changes the new tab page into a dashboard with widgets, layouts, and presets.

  • Can I use PureTab without an account?

    Yes. Core new tab customization works without an account. Optional sign-in is used for saved presets, publishing, syncing, billing, and support.

  • What widgets does PureTab include?

    PureTab includes widgets for todos, notes, bookmarks, search, clock and date, countdowns, focus tools, wallpapers, YouTube embeds, and shareable presets.

  • How do I remove PureTab?

    You can remove or disable PureTab from Chrome's Extensions page. After removal, Chrome returns to its default new tab behavior.

How to Customize Chrome New Tab | PureTab Guide