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Cover image for I Built CodeRef Start – A Productivity Dashboard That Replaces Your Chrome New Tab
ANWAARUL HAQUE
ANWAARUL HAQUE

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I Built CodeRef Start – A Productivity Dashboard That Replaces Your Chrome New Tab

Every time we open a new browser tab, we usually see the same default page.

But what if your new tab could become your personal productivity dashboard?

That's the idea behind CodeRef Start, a Chrome extension I've been building to make everyday browsing more productive.

Instead of opening multiple websites for bookmarks, notes, tasks, news feeds, and search, CodeRef Start brings everything together in one customizable start page.

🚀 Try CodeRef Start:

https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/coderef-start-new-tab-sta/cgnfgbgfdkjcmglffeonlhjigmfeglkb

What can you do with CodeRef Start?

1. Your own customizable New Tab

Turn every new tab into a personalized dashboard.

  • Organize bookmarks into lists or speed-dial tiles.
  • Create multiple pages for Home, Work, Reading, and more.
  • Add shortcuts to frequently visited websites.
  • Import existing Chrome bookmarks.

2. Search and AI from your New Tab

Search the web or ask your favourite AI assistant without navigating away.

  • Choose your preferred search engine.
  • Configure your own search websites.
  • Connect your favourite AI assistants.
  • Use the Ctrl/⌘ + K command menu to quickly access links or ask AI.

3. Productivity Widgets

Keep important information accessible whenever you open a new tab.

  • To-do lists
  • Notes
  • RSS and news feeds
  • Weather
  • World clock
  • Calendar
  • Countdown timers

4. Save Tabs and Bookmarks in One Click

Found something useful while browsing?

Save it directly to CodeRef Start.

  • Save the current page.
  • Save all open tabs.
  • Save links using the right-click context menu.
  • Organize saved links into pages.
  • Save and restore browser tab sessions.
  • Search saved links directly from the Chrome address bar.
  • Copy web pages as Markdown.

5. A New Tab That Changes With Your Day

CodeRef Start also includes visual customization.

  • Live sky backgrounds that follow the time of day.
  • 22 landscape photos.
  • 14 colors and gradients.
  • Upload your own background.
  • Light and dark modes.
  • Customizable clock formats.

6. Built for Teams

CodeRef Start isn't just for individuals.

Team features include:

  • Shared team pages.
  • Custom logos and colors.
  • Team roles.
  • Announcements.
  • Link analytics.
  • Centralized browser configuration through Chrome policies.

7. Free and Optional PRO

CodeRef Start is free to use, with up to three start pages.

PRO – $24/year

  • Unlimited start pages.
  • Additional premium widgets and features.

Team – $29/month

  • Team workspace for up to 20 people.

Privacy Matters

CodeRef Start is designed with privacy in mind.

Your most visited websites and uploaded backgrounds stay in your browser. The extension communicates with CodeRef services for the functionality it provides.

Why I Built This

I wanted something more useful than a blank browser tab.

A place where I could access my frequently used websites, manage bookmarks, track tasks, read feeds, and use AI search without constantly switching between tools.

That idea became CodeRef Start.

Give It a Try!

I'd love to get feedback from the developer community.

What would you add to a browser start page?

Would you prefer more productivity widgets, AI integrations, or better bookmark management?

Install CodeRef Start:

https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/coderef-start-new-tab-sta/cgnfgbgfdkjcmglffeonlhjigmfeglkb

Website: https://coderef.xyz/

Thanks for checking it out! 🚀

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