Google Chrome may not be the most customizable web browser at first. But the Chrome New Tab page is definitely an exception. Depending on your preferences, you can change how the New Tab page looks and behaves. Here is a quick guide on how to customize Google Chrome New Tab page. I have covered both the basic and advanced options to get this done.
How to Turn on Dark Mode for Google Search?
Here’s something you should do before making changes to the New Tab page on Google Chrome. As you know, the light mode on Google Chrome is an affair of eye strain, and it can have an impact while you browse through Google Search results.
Fortunately, you can turn on Dark Mode for Google Search. It should make the whole experience friendlier. Here are the steps you need to follow.
- Search for something on Google.
- On the page, tap on Account picture and choose Other Settings
- Go to the Other Settings page

- Turn on the Dark theme.
From now on, the entire Google Search page will be dark, reducing the stress on your eyes.
Customizing Chrome via the Appearance Section
Google Chrome comes with a dedicated section called Appearance. This section allows you to customize not only the New Tab page but also the different aspects of the web browser. The steps are:
- Open Google Chrome and navigate to Settings
- From the sidebar menu, choose Appearance
- You can find a few options on this page

One, you can install or choose between the multiple themes available for your browser. Chrome also allows you to choose between Dark and Light modes.
As far as the New Tab page is concerned, you can select what becomes the New Tab page. For instance, you can choose the default New Tab page or select a custom web address. This option is excellent if you start your work with a specific website, say Trello or Google.
In addition, the Appearance page allows you to customize the position of the side panel, memory usage, font size, custom fonts, page zoom, and a few behavior changes.
- Once you have made these changes, you can close the page
- You may have to restart Google Chrome to enable some changes.
Add Required Shortcuts & Extensions
You can customize the New Tab page on Google Chrome with shortcuts and extensions as well. You can find a wider variety of extensions on the Chrome Web Store, and they offer different feature sets as well.
Momentum is a great example here. This extension lets you customize the different aspects of the New Tab page and introduce widgets. You can change how the New Tab page looks and behaves from scratch.
You can also find other extensions like Forest. The best part here is that you can find an extension that offers the required customization options.
These extensions and shortcuts are a great way to change how the New Tab page looks and works.
Install Themes from Chrome Web Store
In addition to New Tab extensions, Google Chrome themes can also help you customize what happens when you open a new tab on your device. However, I recommend choosing a suitable theme after you have set up the New Tab page.

Bonus Tips for Advanced Customization
Here are a few other steps that will help you customize the New Tab page on Google Chrome.
- If you don’t want to install third-party themes or extensions, you must check the built-in options on Google Chrome. The Customize Chrome section allows you to change the color scheme and select the shortcut elements.

- Google Chrome Flags is also a great way to find upcoming features. While they are in beta, you can test if these features can change the way you interact with the web browser.
Conclusion
These are just the basics, and the Chrome customization options are practically endless. However, I should warn you that third-party extensions and themes take a toll on system resources. So, I would not suggest these options if you already have a slow system. But if RAM is not a limit, you can try all these options without worrying.