What Are Microsoft Edge Collections and Why Should You Use It?

Wondering what that Collections icon is next to the address bar in the new Microsoft Edge Chromium web browser? If you’re coming from an older version of Microsoft Edge or an alternative Chromium-based browser like Google Chrome, you’ll rightfully wonder. So what exactly are Microsoft Edge Collections? And should you use it?

Collections is a feature unique to Microsoft Edge. Just like the integrated Anti-Tracking module, it is a distinctive plugin that helps the browser stand out from the rest of the Chromium suite. If you can’t find what the Collections feature is or how to use it, let’s review everything you need to know about it.

What is the Collection Feature in Edge?

The Collections feature aims to reduce the clutter and clutter of multiple tabs, bookmarks, and note-taking tools when you want to focus on a particular task while using the new Microsoft Edge browser.

For example, let’s say you’re comparing products while shopping online or doing research for your next assignment. Collections allow you to easily group your findings, whether links to pages, images, videos or text snippets as a ‘collection’.

Not only can you easily collect things between websites, browser windows or tabs, it’s also possible to add to your collections in subsequent browsing sessions. And to make things better, Collections even lets you add your notes to the mix.

In case you were wondering, Collections is compatible with the dark mode in Microsoft Edge Chromium. That’s why you should have a seamless experience regardless of your preferred color mode.

How to Access Collections

Clicking the Collections button next to the Microsoft Edge address bar brings up a nifty popup that you can access from any tab or window. It serves as the main place you go to create and manage your collections.

Alternatively, you can use the Collections option in the Edge menu to bring it up. However, the Collections button plays an important role in the overall convenience factor.

Collections are enabled by default. If you don’t see it next to the address bar, go to Edge Settings > Appearance and then turn on the switch next to the Show Collections Button.

Collections in Action

Getting into collections is easy and very intuitive to use. When you open the Collections pane, click Start New Collection, give the collection a name and you’re ready.

Adding content is as easy as dragging and dropping Items into the Collections pane, or right-clicking an image, video, or link, pointing to Add to Collections, and then specifying the collection you want to add.

Note: Collections store your images and videos in link format. It will not download them to your PC or Mac.

The same is true when adding text snippets – start by highlighting part of the text and then use drag and drop or select the collection to add in the right-click context menu.

Want to add your notes to a collection? Click the Add Note icon in the upper-right corner of the pane, start typing, and use the available formatting options to spice things up.

Fly: Want to add all open Microsoft Edge tabs to a new collection? Right click on any tab and select ‘Add all tabs to a new collection’ in the context menu.

After that, you can reorder items in a collection by dragging the blocks around them. Then you can start creating new collections right away. Do not worry. You can continue adding to old collections at any time.

And when it’s time to review your collections, simply clicking on the items will immediately load them in the tab you’re currently in. With a popup on one side and a full-size tab on the other, navigating items is a breeze.

Syncing Your Collections

Microsoft Edge also lets you sync your collections between other desktops and Android-based devices. You must be signed in with a Microsoft Account for this to work. However, at the time of this writing, the iOS version of Edge does not support Collections.

Start by going to Edge Settings > Profiles > Sync. Turn on the switch next to Collections and you’re good. Repeat on other devices you want to access your collections on and they should sync right away.

Should I Use Collections?

Microsoft Edge Collections is a super useful feature that makes anything involving research a convenient experience. It is also a great alternative to bookmarks; The site thumbnails and the ability to add your own notes are really helpful when revisiting the links later.

Collections will seem unusual and strange at first. But use it for a while and you will love it soon. Microsoft is also set to improve this feature in future updates, for example with the integration of a Pinterest-powered search tool, so keep your eyes peeled.

Next: Confused things while using Microsoft Edge? Try resetting the browser and see the next link to find out what happens when you do.