Genealogy Quick Guide: Web Browser Extensions

Free web browser extensions, also called plug-ins or add-ons, can help you maximize the power of your internet browser and spend your time online more efficiently. To download an extension, go to your browser’s online extension store (such as Chrome’s or Firefox’s).

Before installing a new extension, confirm what permissions it asks for and check reviews to ensure you don’t install malware. Below are some of the most helpful browser extensions we’re using right now.

 

Extension	Compatible Browser(s)	What it Does	Tips
Awesome Screenshot: Capture & Annotate	Chrome, Firefox, Safari	• snap a picture of a web page, crop, then annotate with circles, arrows, lines or text • the PNG file saves to your computer or your Google Drive	This extension saves you from having to edit screenshots later in a photo-editing program. It’s great for highlighting important parts of record images or search results pages.
Evernote Web Clipper	Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera	• clip part or all of web pages or a URL • organize clippings into folders and subfolders	Tag your clippings with keywords to help you find them later. You must have an Evernote account to use the Web Clipper.
GTranslate	Firefox	• highlight text on a web page and right-click to view the translation • translates from more than 50 languages	This tool is great for quick translations of content on foreign archives or records websites.
Pin It Button	Chrome	• easily pin items to your Pinterest boards	You’ll need to have a Pinterest account to create pins. Firefox users can try a similar extension called Pinterest Pin Button.
Read Later Fast	Chrome	• right-click to save web pages to read later (on- or offline) • archive or delete items after you read them	Use this add-on to avoid printing articles to read later. It’s great for airplanes and other places where internet access is spotty.
RootsSearch	Chrome	• after searching genealogy records on selected websites, click the blue magnifying glass in the web address bar and select another site to search • your search criteria is autofilled on the site in a new browser tab	RootsSearch helps you speed up searching on Ancestry.com, Archives.com, BillionGraves, FamilySearch, Find A Grave, Geni and WeRelate.