Google is testing a new feature that will help users quickly access Chrome commands using a search interface accessed via a keyboard shortcut. First detected by Techdows, the feature is currently hidden behind a Chrome flag in the latest Canary build of Google Chrome. In this article, we’ll go over the feature in action so you know what to expect when the software giant finally releases the feature to the stable channel.
Use Commander in Google Chrome
Chrome’s upcoming Commander feature offers a search interface for using Chrome commands, similar to how Chrome actions work. This can also be considered equivalent to the universal search found in operating systems. That said, here are the steps to enable the feature on your machine running Chrome Canary 90 and newer.
Enable Chrome Commander
1. Open Chrome Canary and Visit chrome://flags. In the search box of Chrome flags, Type ‘commander’. Alternatively, you can paste the following URL into your browser:
chrome://flags/#commander
2nd. Select ‘Enabled’ from the drop-down list next to the flag and restart the browser. The feature will be ready to use after reboot.
Using Chrome Commander
After enabling the feature, Use the ‘Ctrl+Space’ keyboard shortcut To activate the commander. As you can see in the image below, you will now get a search box in Chrome:
You can now type keywords to view all related commands. For example, if you type “new”, you’ll see options to quickly open Google Sheet, Meet, Form, Docs, and Slides. You can also open new tabs or windows from here. This will come in handy if you are someone who is not used to the different Chrome keyboard shortcuts.
One aspect of the feature worth mentioning is that the search box doesn’t disappear when you click outside the search box, or at least switch to another tab in its current state. You will have to manually press the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+Space) again to close the search box.
Try Chrome Commander Now in Chrome Canary
That’s all you need to know about Chrome’s upcoming Commander tool. This feature will help people who are not experts in keyboard shortcuts but prefer to use the keyboard for quick actions. For more such tips, be sure to check out our Chrome tips and tricks article.
