How to Customize Google Chrome Search

Member

By copperhill
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(7 Ratings)

Customize Google Chrome Search

Google Chrome is becoming more popular with many web users. The Chrome browser is minimalistic, sometimes to a fault. While having a less clutered browser is certainly appealing, there are some of those handy shortcuts worth having nearby.

Granted, the Google search engine is the most used by a large margin. However, there are times when a user wants to search using another search engine or web site. By now, most Chrome users have figured out that the address bar serves as a Google search omnibox. Type the search terms in the address box, hit enter, and your Google search will begin. But what if you want to quickly search from Yahoo, Live, or Ask.com? It is easier than you may think.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Right-click inside the address bar and chose the option to “Edit Search Engines”. A window will open to allow you to modify almost any search engine you wish to use. As an example lets modify the Yahoo search function.
Step 2

Double-click the Yahoo option within the edit search engine window. A new window opens which will allow you to change the name, keyword, and URL. Given that the name and URL should be correct, your focus will be on the Keyword option. You should shorten this keyword down to a two or three letter abbreviation. For example, consider changing it to “yah” for your Yahoo searches.
Step 3

The next time you want to search Yahoo from the Google Chrome address bar, type the following:

“yah”, (space), “search terms”.

The Chrome browser will automatically search Yahoo for the terms you entered and show the results.
Step 4

To quickly search for the definition of a word you can also utilize this functionality within Google Chrome. Make sure you have recently visited your favorite online dictionary website, e.g. dictionary.com. You will use the same method outlined above in Steps 1-3. Consider changing the keyword to “dic”. Now anytime you want the definition for a word, type “dic”, (space), “the word” into the Google Chrome address bar. A dictionary.com page will open to the word you entered and viola you have your definition.
Step 5

Think outside the box (no pun intended) when customizing your Google Chrome search engine capabilities.

Set up a shortcut for wikipedia. Make the keyword “wiki”. Then any time you want to search for information, type “wiki” (space) “subject matter”, and instantly you have the wiki results.

Do you like to cook? Customize the search capabilities to allow an instant search from your favorite recipe site. For example, create the keyword “recipe” for allrecipes.com. Then when planning dinner, all you have to do is type “recipe” (space) “baked chicken” and you will instantly get full search results from the website.

Comments

Alrady said

Flag This Comment

on 8/14/2009 Thanks for the great tips.. I just downloaded it the other day and am amazed at how much faster it is to use. I will try some of your suggestions thanks