Nagi: Arc-Style Spaces and Command Bar for Chrome
A lightweight browser extension bringing organized tab management and command-line navigation to Chrome.
1Nagi Browser Extension Overview
Nagi introduces a calm, Arc-inspired interface to Google Chrome. It features a dedicated spaces side panel, a command bar for navigation, and custom browser themes. The project aims to declutter the browsing experience by providing structured tab management without modifying web page content or requiring intrusive host permissions for users.
2Privacy and Security Architecture
The extension operates without content scripts, ensuring that websites behave exactly as intended. It requests minimal permissions, including tabs, bookmarks, and history, to function. All user data is stored locally within chrome.storage.local on the device. No information is transmitted to external servers, maintaining strict user privacy throughout the browsing session.
3Command Bar Functionality
Users can trigger the command bar via Option+K to perform fuzzy searches across open tabs, bookmarks, and history. It supports various actions like copying links, creating new spaces, or closing duplicate tabs. The interface allows for quick URL entry and web searches, significantly reducing the need for manual mouse navigation during tasks.
4Spaces and Tab Management
Spaces function as tab groups, allowing users to fold inactive groups to maintain focus. The side panel supports drag-and-drop reordering, pinning, and moving tabs between spaces. While Chrome does not allow extensions to remove the native tab rail, Nagi minimizes it to a thin icon row to maximize screen space.
5Automated Tab Archiving
Nagi includes an optional auto-archive feature configurable for 12-hour, 24-hour, or 7-day intervals. Every 15 minutes, the system checks for inactive tabs that are not pinned or currently playing media. These tabs are moved to an archive, helping users maintain a clean, manageable workspace without losing access to their important research.
6Custom Themes and Aesthetics
The extension provides two distinct themes, Oat and Sumi, which apply a cohesive look to the Chrome frame, tab rail, and address bar. These themes are distributed separately from the core extension, allowing users to apply them independently. They feature a subtle paper grain texture to enhance the browser's visual calm.
7Developer Setup and Build
Developers can build Nagi from source using npm commands like npm run build and npm run dev. The repository includes mock Chrome APIs in src/dev/mock-chrome.ts for local testing. Users can load the extension via the chrome://extensions page by enabling Developer mode and selecting the dist folder for immediate local deployment.
8Strategic Browser Productivity
By integrating command-line efficiency and spatial tab organization, Nagi addresses common workflow bottlenecks in standard browsers. The tool provides a lightweight alternative for users seeking advanced navigation features. Its reliance on native Chrome APIs ensures compatibility with browser updates, making it a sustainable solution for long-term productivity and interface management.
Original article: Hacker News: Show HN — Nagi: Arc-Style Spaces and Command Bar for Chrome