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Arc Browser Developer Tools - Can You Use It for Your Projects?
7 min. read
Updated onJune 28, 2024
updated onJune 28, 2024
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If you want to learn more about Arc browser developer tools and how they can benefit you, you’ve come to the right place.
Your web browser application is equally important as your IDE if you’re a website and web app developer. It allows you to visualize, improve, test, debug, and review your codes. Your browser should allow advanced developer integrations, extensions, and code optimization features.
So, if you’ve been using Google Chrome orMozilla Firefoxfor website development and you’re looking for a change, check outArc browser. I’ll cover its developer tools and capabilities so you can see if it fits your needs. Ready?
What Is Arc Browser Developer Mode?
Arc Developer Mode offersvarious tools for website and app development projects.
This mode transforms the selected tab entirely by adding new UI elements, assistive tools for website development, a full-length website address bar, a screenshotting tool, etc. It alsoautomatically enables the JSON Formatter extensionso you can review website codes efficiently.
Moreover, Arc browser includes a dedicatedDeveloper modefor browser extensions. You can test your customadd-onswithout switching to a different browser. You can load unpacked add-ons, pack them, and more.
In a nutshell, Development mode removes the bottlenecks of frontend development by covering all the necessary features in one app.
On a Mac computer, you can enjoy all the features of Arc browser developer tools. However,if you’re using a Windows 11 PC,the following functionalities won’t be available:
How To Enable Arc Browser Developer Tools in Mac
You must enable Developer Mode to get access to the tools for each tab individually:
If you’d like to useArc browser commands, pressCommand+Ton the browser interface and typeDeveloperin theArc Command Bar. Now, click on theTurn on Developer Modecommand.
How To Enable Arc Browser Developer Tools in Windows 11
Standout Arc Browser Developer Features and Tools
Here are some must-have tools you should know about:
Full URL Address Bar
Developer Mode in Arc offers afull-size URL baracross the top of your window. This makes it easy to see long website addresses. Also, you can navigate complex URLs with ease. No more squinting or mistyping!
Capture in Portrait Mode
Arc lets you capture website screenshots in two ways in dev projects. The first one is theCapture in Portrait Modewhich allows you to grab a full-page screenshot. It’s perfect for sharing website layouts or saving long articles for later.
Capture a Portion
You can also use theCapture a Portionfeature. Simply select the area you want and Arc saves it as an image – ideal for grabbing code snippets or specific visuals.
Toggle Console
Do you want to see the code behind a website? Use theToggle Consolefeature tobring up a developer console with website codes.It allows you to view error messages, run JavaScript code, and interact with the web page’s background code.
Toggle Network Panel
Are you curious about how fast a page loads? The ToggleNetwork Paneldisplays information about all the files a website uses. It helps you to pinpoint the bottlenecks so you can optimize loading times.
Moreover, you can use this developer tool to get a sneak peek into competitors’ websites that load faster than yours and compare strategies.
Inspect Element
Do you ever wonder what font a website uses, or how to change a button color? Arc’sInspect Elementlets youhover over any part of a webpage to see the HTML and CSS codebehind it. You can even make temporary changes to the code and see the effects live in the browser.
Split View
For a truly immersive experience, you can use theSplit Viewfeature.
For example, in the following image, I’m reviewing the underlying code of the Google Maps app side by side with the Google Maps portal. This split view makes it easy tosee how changes in the code translate to visual changes on the webpage.
Boost
Boost is a visual method tocustomize the graphical and textual website elementsfor multiple editions for fun or a client review. You can save the customized view of a website so you can share it with collaborators. However, the actual website won’t change.
Boost includes asmart color wheelso you can change the shades. For color editing, there are additional controls, likeInvert lightness,Advanced color controls, andReset to original colors. It also makes font customization easy. You can pick a typeface from 20 choices and edit the font Size and Case.
To delete elements and content from a website forA/B testing purposes, you can use theZapfeature. It creates a visual and interactive layer on the existing website so you can remove things with a simple click.
Explain or Complete Codes With AI
If you’ve activated Arc Max you can use theArc browser ChatGPT integrationto ask questions. Also, you can use AI to write codes from scratch or auto-complete scripts you optimize in theConsole,Network Panel, andInspect Element.
For example, I’ve copied a short segment of the underlying HTML script for Google Maps.
Then, I used the Ask ChatGPT feature to learn more about it. I could see the Console, the visual website, and explanations.
Arc Browser Developer Mode vs. Google Chrome & Firefox
I’ve compared the Arc browser developer tools with Firefox and Chrome by testing experimental development projects. With first-hand practical experience with these three browsers, I’m outlining Arc’s advantages and disadvantages for website development:
Pros
Cons
Moreover, if you’re wonderinghow it competes with Opera, look no further.
Summary
According to my evaluations, the Arc browser developer tools can handle high-profile website and app development projects.
If the article helped you to switch to Arc for advanced development needs, give a shout-out in the comments below!
More about the topics:Arc,browser
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
