By now, you’ve probably noticed Google’s new App Launcher, which has replaced the black navigation bar that used to run along the top of most Google products. This App Launcher gives you quick access to Google’s top products like Google+, YouTube, Maps, 4Drive, Gmail and Calendar.
For now, this 3×3 grid is not customizable, which for some is extremely frustrating. What if you rarely or never use many of the “apps” on the launcher? There’s no way to remove them by default. Plus, what if you’d like to add your own custom shortcuts? That cannot be done either.
Luckily, the App Launcher Customizer for Google changes all of that. It’s a Google Chrome extension that allows you to customize the App Launcher and add more than 170 Google shortcuts. Additionally, you can also create custom shortcuts to any web page that you’d like.
To get started, install the extension and visit your favorite Google site (ie. Google Search). Click on the App Launcher icon and you’ll now see that it is a 3×4 grid, plus there should be a “configure” link at the bottom of the launcher.
When you click on “configure” a new options window will pop-up. Here you can and and remove services from the launcher (via drag-and-drop), rearrange your chosen services and add custom shortcuts (you can even add an optional tooltip and/or icon). You’ll also notice that if once you go past 12 services, your grid will begin to grow to accommodate your new “apps” – good bye multiple pages!
The process is pretty straightforward and in a matter of minutes you’ll have your very own custom Google App Launcher.
Note: If you’d like to add Make Tech Easier to your App Launcher for quick access, here is a link to our icon – https://maketecheasier.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mte-icon.jpg.
