What is Arc Browser? My First Impressions

According to The Verge, Arc Browser is the much-anticipated replacement for Chrome, and I wholeheartedly agree. The creators of Arc describe it as the "operating system for the web," aiming to revolutionize how we navigate online. Based on my extensive experience with Arc in recent months, it’s designed to keep you engaged within the app for everything you need during a work session—whether that’s taking notes, planning projects, or even binge-watching your favorite series while juggling emails.

If you're transitioning from Chrome or another browser, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly Arc imports all your bookmarks, history, saved passwords, cookies, and more, making the switch feel seamless. It’s as if you never changed browsers; all your visited sites, logins, and bookmarks transfer over effortlessly.

Now that you have a general understanding of what Arc Browser is, let’s explore the reasons behind my decision to leave Safari behind.

Spaces: Organizational Bliss

One feature that immediately stands out in Arc is the concept of Spaces. Comparable to the Mission Control feature on your Mac, Spaces allow you to create multiple folders and save pinned/bookmarked sites to different browser instances based on specific purposes.

For instance, you can set up a 'Work' space with essential sites like Outlook and Slack, and a 'Personal' space for YouTube, Netflix, and news websites. In contrast to Safari, where research websites would clutter my tabs chaotically, Arc allows me to neatly categorize my frequently visited sites into relevant spaces, such as 'Projects' and 'Research.' This organization helps me focus on one project at a time without the distraction of countless open tabs.

Shortcuts: Efficiency at Your Fingertips

I find myself using shortcuts in Arc significantly more than I ever did in Safari. The standard shortcuts of Safari pale in comparison to the robust options available in Arc, which can greatly enhance your workflow.

Here are some of the shortcuts I use regularly:

• ⌘ + S: Show/hide the sidebar for quick access to favorites or maximize screen space.
• Shift + ⌘ + C: Quickly copy the current site's URL.
• Option + ⌘ + G: Instantly ask a question to ChatGPT.
• Ctrl + Option + N: Open a note in split view.
• ⌘ + L: Access the Command bar for site searches or to open new websites.

As you can see, Arc offers an extensive list of shortcuts that facilitate an intuitive browsing experience. If you're considering switching to Arc, learning these shortcuts early will enhance your experience significantly.

Max and AI Features: The Magic of Arc

Max is the suite of AI features introduced in Arc that sets it apart from other Chromium-based browsers. This feature was a significant factor in my decision to try Arc. Here’s a glimpse of what Max offers:

• Ask on Page: An AI-powered version of the Find on Page feature. Ask any question regarding the content on the current page, and it will provide instant answers while highlighting the relevant section.
• 5 Second Previews: My favorite feature! Hover over any link while holding the Shift key to get a contextually relevant summary of that link.
• Tidy Tab Titles and Downloads: This thoughtful feature simplifies lengthy website titles in your pinned section and renames downloaded files to contextually relevant titles.
• ChatGPT in the Command Bar: A straightforward feature that allows you to chat with ChatGPT instantly by pressing Option + ⌘ + G.

Boost: Personalize Your Browsing Experience

Boost is a customization feature that I initially overlooked but quickly came to appreciate. It allows you to modify various aspects of any site, including background colors, font styles, and element colors. You can even remove certain buttons or menus from a site.

The possibilities are endless; for instance, you could change the font style on your favorite news site or eliminate the comments section on YouTube. I encourage new Arc users who enjoy customization to explore Boost; you might find it addictive and distracting!

Little Arc: Quick Link Previews

Little Arc is a delightful feature that lets you preview links across your Mac, similar to Safari’s link preview feature. You can hold down the Shift key and click on links in any application, including Slack or Twitter, to view them in a preview window.

Split View: Multitasking Made Easy

Using split view in Safari can be cumbersome, especially without a window management app. In contrast, Arc allows you to open up to four websites in split view effortlessly, whether vertically or horizontally.

I frequently use split view to watch YouTube while taking notes or keep Slack and Email open simultaneously. This feature simplifies multitasking and enhances my workflow.

Maximizing Screen Real Estate

One of the standout features of Arc is its efficient use of screen real estate, thanks to its vertical tabs layout and sidebar hiding options. This allows for a more immersive browsing experience, especially on external monitors, and minimizes distractions from numerous open tabs or notifications.

Archive Tabs: A Clutter-Free Experience

The Archive Tabs feature aims to reduce distractions by automatically closing unused tabs after a set period, helping save battery life on my Mac. You can customize the duration, but I recommend keeping it at 12 hours for optimal organization.

ChatGPT Integration: Instant Assistance

The ability to invoke ChatGPT quickly from anywhere in Arc is incredibly convenient, especially when you have questions while reading or watching content.

Notes and Easel: Integrated Productivity Tools

Arc provides a built-in note-taking app that allows for quick note creation. While I typically use other apps for this, I find it handy to jot down thoughts while browsing. Additionally, the 'Easel' feature acts as a digital canvas for creating mind maps or flowcharts.

Extensions: Enhanced Functionality

Safari’s lack of Chromium-based extensions is a significant drawback. By switching to Arc, I can now utilize numerous invaluable extensions, enhancing my browsing experience.

System Integration: Seamless Connectivity

Arc integrates smoothly with other apps on my Mac. Features like Little Arc and Air Traffic Control enhance the overall browsing experience, making it feel cohesive and intuitive.

Screen Capture Suite: Effortless Screenshots

Arc includes a comprehensive screenshot suite that allows for easy capturing and editing of images. You can save, share, or retake screenshots with simple shortcuts.

Picture in Picture Mode: Multitasking with Media

This feature allows you to continue watching videos in a floating window while you work on other tasks, making it particularly useful for multitasking.

Command Bar: A Powerful Tool

The Command bar, invoked by ⌘ + T or ⌘ + L, is a versatile feature that lets you search for extensions, shortcuts, notes, and more. It’s one of my favorite aspects of Arc.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Arc

I’ve covered numerous reasons why I enjoy using the Arc Browser and why I ultimately decided to leave Safari behind. I hope I’ve inspired you to give Arc a chance. Please share your experiences in the comments—what made you switch to Arc, and what features do you love most?

In the video "Why I've switched to Arc (goodbye Chrome, Firefox, Safari…)", the presenter shares their motivations for transitioning to Arc from traditional browsers.

The second video, "Arc Browser vs Google Chrome: Is It Worth The Switch?", discusses the advantages of Arc over Chrome, providing insights for potential switchers.