# The Arc Browser is GENIUS, Here’s Why (Invite no longer needed) ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fcWuhUQreXs/maxresdefault.jpg) ## What makes it Better [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=0s) - [[Arc (web browser) | Arc Browser]] has unique features that set it apart from other browsers, making it difficult to go back to regular browsers once you get used to it [(00:00:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=1s). - The browser has major features that make it distinct from regular browsers, which will be discussed in the first part of the video [(00:00:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=5s). - In addition to the major features, Arc Browser also has smaller but impressive features that make it a joy to use, which will be discussed in the second part of the video [(00:00:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=12s). - Arc Browser is currently invite-only, but an invite link from [[Marques Brownlee | MKBHD]] that accepts 10,000 people is available, and it was still working at the time of testing [(00:00:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=19s). - The browser is currently only available on [[MacOS | Mac]], but a Windows version has been announced and is expected to be released soon [(00:00:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=28s). - Arc Browser is built on [[Chromium (web browser) | Chromium]], which means that all extensions will work, and transitioning from one browser to another is seamless [(00:00:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=31s). ## Fundamental Differences [(00:00:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=38s) - Arc's approach to tabs is different, as they are moved to the left-hand side, similar to the layout of most apps, and they can be merged with bookmarks, with a line separating bookmarks from disposable tabs [(00:00:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=40s). - Tabs can be bookmarked by dragging them past the line, and they can be made into favorite tabs by dragging them to the top, making them persistent across spaces [(00:01:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=60s). - Tabs can also be given names by double-clicking on them, providing more context, especially when researching [(00:01:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=87s). - If a tab is already a bookmark, it won't be listed on the left-hand side, and to see open tabs, the user can press control + Tab [(00:01:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=98s). - This feature helps declutter the browser and promote a distraction-free zone, as it reduces the number of tabs listed on the left-hand side [(00:02:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=125s). - Arc also handles extensions differently, as most extensions work in the background and don't need to be toggled on individually, so they are not visible by default [(00:03:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=191s). - Extensions can be toggled on and off by hovering over the top right side of the browser and clicking on the extensions menu, where users can also add and manage extensions [(00:03:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=208s). - Arc's command palette can be accessed by typing Command L, allowing users to type individual extension names or manage extensions to view all of them [(00:03:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=221s). - Spaces is a feature in Arc that enables users to segment their browsing experience based on different areas of their life, such as work or leisure [(00:03:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=232s). - Users can create new spaces by pressing the plus icon, assign different icons and colors, and switch between spaces using keyboard shortcuts or the scroll wheel [(00:03:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=238s). - Spaces can be used to segment bookmarks, and users can have multiple spaces for different areas of their life, such as work, [[YouTube]], and leisure [(00:04:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=269s). - By default, new spaces have all [[Google Chrome | Chrome]] extensions and favorite bookmarks, but users can create different profiles to make each space independent [(00:04:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=291s). - Profiles allow users to assign separate browsing data, including history, passwords, and extensions, to each space [(00:05:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=324s). - Users can create new profiles and assign them to different spaces, enabling features like automatic login to specific accounts on websites like [[Gmail]] or YouTube [(00:05:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=322s). - This feature is particularly useful for users with multiple accounts on services like Gmail, [[Amazon (company) | Amazon]], or YouTube, as they can assign different accounts to different spaces [(00:05:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=358s). - With separate profiles and spaces, users can customize their browsing experience, including bookmarks and extensions, for each area of their life [(00:05:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=351s). - The [[Arc (web browser) | Arc browser]] allows users to create separate profiles for different activities, such as work and leisure, which helps to avoid distractions and provides better recommendations by not mixing all interests in one account [(00:06:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=404s). - Extensions do not carry over from one profile to another in Arc, which is considered a feature rather than a bug, as it allows users to have different sets of extensions for different profiles [(00:07:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=422s). - Profiles in Arc are similar to profiles in [[Google Chrome | Chrome]], but switching between profiles in Arc is more seamless, as it does not require opening a new window [(00:07:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=443s). - The video is sponsored by Scrol, a visual-first Knowledge Management tool that combines mind mapping with network note-taking, allowing users to brainstorm and develop ideas in one place [(00:07:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=458s). - Scrol is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, with no user manual and zero learning curve, making it suitable for creating new notes, linking ideas, and sharing thoughts with others [(00:07:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=472s). - Scrol also allows for real-time collaboration, enabling users to invite others to view and contribute to mind maps, and to comment on each other's thoughts and provide feedback within the platform [(00:08:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=484s). - Scrol is offering a special Early Access pricing for a limited time, and users can get 20% off their first year by using a specific link [(00:08:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=505s). ## The Features That Make it a joy to use [(00:08:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=515s) - [[Arc (web browser) | Arc Browser]] features an "archive tabs" function, which allows users to easily restore closed tabs by holding shift and scrolling on the mouse wheel all the way to the left, and finding them in the "archive tabs" section [(00:08:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=515s). - The browser also has a command palette, similar to apps like [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]], [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]], or VS Code, which can be accessed by pressing command L and allows users to access almost everything from there [(00:09:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=542s). - Arc Browser has a split-screen feature that allows users to drag a tab into the screen to open it side by side, adjust margins, and create a combined tab [(00:09:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=565s). - Users can also take it a step further by dragging the split view to the top to bookmark it, rename it, and access it via the command palette [(00:09:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=579s). - The browser allows users to use full-screen mode by pressing command S, which removes the sidebar, and this shortcut can be customized in the keyboard shortcuts settings [(00:10:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=603s). - Arc Browser has a feature called "Peak" that allows users to preview pages within the same tab instead of opening them in a new tab, which is particularly useful in places like [[Twitter]] or email [(00:11:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=665s). - Peak can be used to quickly view links without keeping them as tabs, and can be closed when no longer needed [(00:11:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=678s). - Arc allows users to open links in a new tab by holding the command key while clicking on the link, promoting a clutter-free environment [(00:11:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=692s). - The browser features a picture-in-picture mode, enabling videos to continue playing in the background even when the user switches to another tab [(00:11:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=714s). - The picture-in-picture mode allows users to adjust the video size and move it across multiple screens if they have multiple monitors [(00:12:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=727s). - Arc has a feature called "[[Air traffic control | Air Traffic Control]]" that enables users to define rules for where links from specific sources or domains should open, using predefined rules and spaces [(00:12:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=733s). - Users can access Air Traffic Control by pressing command L, typing "link ends," and then opening link preferences to create a new route [(00:12:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=768s). - The feature allows users to specify that links from certain domains, such as [[Amazon (company) | amazon.com]], should open in a specific space, such as the personal space [(00:12:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=779s). - Arc also features a command to copy the current URL in markdown format, which can be pasted into other applications like [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]] or [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] [(00:13:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=808s). - The combination of these features, although not groundbreaking individually, makes Arc an appealing browser once users get accustomed to it [(00:13:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=822s). ## Features that I don't use, but you might! [(00:13:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=829s) - Little Arc is a feature that allows users to quickly visit a site without switching to the main [[Arc (web browser) | Arc browser]] window by pressing command option n, but it can be turned off if not needed [(00:13:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=830s). - The media feature shows the media files on the desktop, allowing users to easily share them by dragging and dropping, which can be useful in certain situations [(00:14:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=862s). - The downloads feature is a UI that displays recently downloaded files, but it may not be necessary for users who don't need to track their downloads [(00:14:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=880s). - The notes feature allows users to take basic notes, which can be saved as a separate tab and dragged and dropped into folders, but it may not be used by those who prefer other note-taking methods [(00:14:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=888s). - The easel feature is a mind mapping tool that allows users to create basic mind maps, copy URLs from tabs, and paste them into the mind map, but it may not be used by those who don't need mind mapping [(00:15:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=905s). - The native screenshot feature allows users to capture specific elements on a website by accessing it via the command pallet or pressing command shift 2, but it may not be necessary for users who already have a preferred screenshot tool [(00:15:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=923s). ## How Arc Monetizes [(00:15:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=939s) - Arc does not sell user data and is free to use for individuals [(00:15:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=939s). - The business model of Arc is planned to be similar to that of [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]], where it will be free for users but paid for companies [(00:15:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=946s). - Having a reliable business model is crucial for the longevity of a software tool, which is a key consideration when adopting new software [(00:15:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=953s). - A reliable business model helps prevent the need to constantly switch between different tools in search of the perfect one [(00:15:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=959s). - Arc has replaced multiple apps for some users, including [[Google Chrome | Chrome]], and has also replaced other apps with features like Readwise Reader [(00:16:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWuhUQreXs&t=977s).