Need help with BoardTab? Here's everything you need to know about using the Chrome extension that transforms your new tab page into a visual Kanban board for tab management.

    Getting started

    Installation

    Install BoardTab directly from the Chrome Web Store. Search for "BoardTab" or visit our website and click the install link to add it to Chrome.

    Download from the Chrome Web Store →

    First time setup

    After installation, open a new tab to see BoardTab's Kanban board interface. Your current tabs will appear in default columns (Work, Social, Personal, Research). Drag tabs between columns to organize them, use the search bar to find specific tabs, or create new columns. Your layout saves automatically and syncs across Chrome devices.

    Features overview

    Free features

    • Visual Tab Organization: See all tabs in a clean kanban board layout
    • Tab Analytics Dashboard: Track which tabs you actually use with detailed analytics
    • Instant Tab Search: Find any tab across all windows instantly
    • One-Click Tab Groups: Convert column tabs into Chrome tab groups or bookmark entire columns
    • Time-Based View: Auto-group tabs by creation date
    • Privacy-First Design: Your data stays on your device

    Pro features ($2/month)

    • Advanced Tab Analytics: Visual timeline showing tab view history and usage patterns
    • Task Management Integration: Convert tab columns into actionable tasks with notes and due dates
    • Custom Board Themes: Personalize your kanban board with custom colors and layouts
    • Unlimited Columns: Create as many organization categories as you need
    • Productivity Reports: Weekly and monthly reports showing tab usage and optimization suggestions
    • Smart Tab Suggestions: AI-powered recommendations for organizing new tabs

    Common questions

    Why does BoardTab need so many permissions?

    BoardTab needs `<all_urls>` permission to manage tabs across any website, `tabs` permission for the Kanban organization features, `storage` permission to save your layouts locally, `tabGroups` for Chrome tab groups integration, `bookmarks` for creating bookmarks from tabs, and `notifications` for Pro feature alerts. All data stays local - we never read page content or track your browsing.

    Will BoardTab slow down my browser?

    BoardTab is designed to be lightweight and only processes data when you open a new tab. It uses minimal background resources and doesn't continuously monitor your browsing. The extension focuses on visual organization rather than heavy processing.

    Does it work with private/incognito tabs?

    BoardTab can access private tabs if you enable "Allow in incognito" in Chrome's extension settings (chrome://extensions/). However, your private tab organization won't be saved due to browser privacy restrictions - layouts reset when you close private windows.

    How do I upgrade to Pro?

    Click any Pro feature in BoardTab to see the upgrade prompt, or look for the "Upgrade to Pro" button in the interface. You'll be redirected to secure Stripe checkout for $2/month billing. Pro features activate immediately after payment confirmation.

    Can I use BoardTab with other tab extensions?

    BoardTab works independently but may conflict with extensions that heavily modify tab behavior, such as Chrome's built-in tab groups or session managers. If you experience issues, try temporarily disabling other tab-related extensions.

    How do I backup my board layouts?

    Your board layouts are stored locally and automatically sync via Chrome Sync if enabled. For manual backup, ensure Chrome Sync is enabled or export your browser profile. Pro users can also use the Saved Board States feature for layout management.

    What data does BoardTab track?

    BoardTab tracks tab organization data (columns, groupings), basic statistics (view counts, creation times), user preferences, and Pro license information - all stored locally. Tab statistics older than 90 days are automatically deleted. No browsing behavior, URLs, or page content is collected.

    What happens when I restart my browser?

    Your column layouts and preferences persist across browser restarts. Actual tabs are restored according to your Chrome startup settings (restore previous session, start fresh, etc.). BoardTab will organize any restored tabs according to your saved layout.

    Browser compatibility

    Supported browsers

    • Chrome: Full support (primary platform, Manifest V3)
    • Firefox: Limited support (minimum version 109.0, no side panel feature)
    • Edge: Chromium-based versions (not thoroughly tested)

    Known limitations

    BoardTab is optimized for desktop Chrome. Mobile browsers don't support the extension due to platform limitations. Performance may degrade with 100+ open tabs - consider using the time-based organization or closing unused tabs.

    Troubleshooting

    BoardTab not appearing on new tabs

    Go to chrome://extensions/, find BoardTab, and ensure it's enabled. Check that you haven't set a custom new tab page with another extension. BoardTab should automatically take over the new tab page after installation.

    Extension not loading or showing errors

    Right-click the BoardTab icon and select "Reload extension" or disable/re-enable it in chrome://extensions/. If problems persist, restart Chrome or reinstall the extension. Check the Chrome developer console for any error messages.

    Tabs not appearing in the board

    Verify BoardTab has all required permissions in chrome://extensions/. Click "Details" and ensure all permissions are granted. Some system tabs (chrome://, edge://) cannot be managed by extensions and won't appear in the board.

    Board layout not saving

    Ensure Chrome allows extension data storage and that you're not in incognito mode (where data isn't saved). Check chrome://settings/content/all for any storage restrictions. Try recreating your layout if the issue persists.

    Pro features not working after payment

    Wait a few minutes for license verification, then refresh the new tab page. If Pro features still don't work, check your internet connection for license verification. Contact support with your Stripe payment confirmation if issues persist.

    Performance issues with many tabs

    BoardTab works best with under 100 tabs. Use the Time View to identify old tabs for closing, or organize tabs into fewer columns. Consider closing tabs you don't actively need and bookmarking important pages instead.

    Pro subscription help

    Managing your subscription

    Pro subscribers can manage billing through Stripe's secure customer portal. Look for "Manage Subscription" in BoardTab's Pro settings or use the link provided in your payment confirmation email. You can update payment methods, download invoices, and cancel subscriptions.

    Subscription not recognized

    Ensure you're using the same email address for payment and Chrome. License verification requires an active internet connection. If you're having network issues, Pro features have a 7-day offline grace period.

    Refunds and cancellation

    Subscriptions can be canceled anytime through the Stripe customer portal - Pro features will be immediately disabled. Refund policies follow Stripe's standard terms. Contact support for refund requests or billing disputes.

    Still need help?

    Can't find what you're looking for? We're here to help with any questions about BoardTab's features, Pro subscription, or technical issues.

    Email support: Reach out to support@boardtab.com

    Response time: We aim to respond within 24-48 hours during business days.