3 Google Chrome extensions that will help you boost your productivity

If Google Chrome is your choice of browser, you’re in luck. If you need that extra push or a helping hand to get you through a manic Monday with all your work done and your sanity intact, your browser can lend you some support. The minimally designed browser can not only let you surf websites, it can also double up as a powerhouse of productivity boosters.

Google Chrome has a thriving marketplace called the Chrome Web Store that has on display everything to enhance your experience of using the browser. You can personalise your browsing experience using themes, games on your browser ranging from simple typing ones to complex MMORPGs.

You can also use the plethora of extensions and apps available to make sure you get the best out of Google Chrome in the office or while at home. From cloud-storage to screen-shot grabber and everything in between, Google Chrome is home to some really impressive productivity tools. Take a look at some of these:

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Neat interface, simple usage

To-do
If you’re a procrastinator, chances are you’re going to love this ultra-simple app called Do It (Tomorrow). While we all love to make long-winding to-do lists for tasks that require our immediate attention, more often than not the list gets pushed off to the next day. Here’s where Do It (Tomorrow) comes in.

The application lets you add simple tasks on to a reminder book. Once you’re through with a task, click on it and it will be struck off your list. On the right-hand side page is the next day. While you can add tasks on to the list for tomorrow, the app knows that you’re a lazy bum. There’s an arrow next to tasks listed for today that you can simply click on to let you push it on to tomorrow. Tomorrow you can push it on to the next day again, thereby some day deciding to quit hitting the arrow button and finally getting that task done.

The interface is beautiful and reminiscent of iOS design guidelines. The tasks listed down are in a soothing, handwritten font, and even when you strike it through, it looks like it’s been done with a pencil. While Do It (Tomorrow) is an app you can get through the Chrome Web Store, there is also an extension that will simply let you list tasks one-at-a-time for today.

Bookmarks + Read it later = One awesome extension

Bookmark
This is probably not the first tine you’re hearing of Pocket. Formerly called Read It Later, the app doubles up as a bookmarking tool as well as a list for your bookmarks that you can access from any device you’re using. While you can carry your bookmarks from one browser to the other, Pocket will sync your saves to your iOS and Android devices too.

With your bookmarks saved, you will be able to access them not only on-the-go, but also when you’re offline. Pocket will fire up an easy-to-read interface on your iOS, Android and even browsers, and will mark your progress in real time. So when you’re done reading that interesting article halfway last night, you can continue reading from where you left off on Chrome with your morning cup of tea. The app may not be a bookmarking tool in the real sense of the word, but it goes way beyond simply marking a page to check later.

A great alternative to Google Docs

Office Suite
Zoho Docs is the most famous Chrome alternative to Microsoft Office. The application acts mainly as a cloud-storage service, a centralised place where you can access all your documents. It also lets you edit your documents, spreadsheets, presentations and even pictures and videos.

You start off by signing up and receive free storage space of 1GB. While it may not seem like a lot, it should be enough for you to carry documents pertaining to Microsoft Office on it. For everything else, there’s Dropbox. Speaking of which, Zoho Docs also supports Dropbox integration, as well as Google Drive support. The application also lets you collaborate with colleagues and friends in real time. Of course, you can still choose to stick to Google Docs, but if you need a change, Zoho Docs is the application you need.

You can go right ahead and kick the lethargy to take Monday head-on with these free and simple apps and extensions. Let us know your favourite productivity enhancer Chrome extensions in the comments section below.

(Cover image credit: Getty Images)