With all the great features that Microsoft Edge has gotten recently, there is one extension which you should try out if you use the browser frequently.
Mouse Gestures for Microsoft Edge is an amazing browser extension which has much to offer. It is overlooked because it was among the launch extensions when the feature was first introduced in the Insider Preview builds.
Mouse Gestures allows you to use your mouse or Surface pen to navigate the browser with greater ease, by making shapes in connection with a certain action on your browser. This way, you can carry out an action that is otherwise done by the keyboard or navigating the mouse.
For example, you can quickly draw an “<-” shape to go back, or a “^” to go to the top of the screen. It’s really neat.
While the shortcuts will take some muscle memory to learn, they will be well worth it when you want to demonstrate your technological prowess to awe your co-workers or friends!
Installing the extension is relatively simple and straightforward. Head to the link at the bottom of this page to download it, and when you have installed it, launch Microsoft Edge.
You will be given a binary choice on the top right of the screen, here you will choose “Keep it on”.
When you have done so, you will be taken to a new tab which will give you a quick guide to using the new extension.
Depending on your device, you will need to hold down the necessary switch and trace the shape for the action you wish to carry out.
If you are also using the mouse, you need to hold down the right-click. For the Surface pen, you need to make the necessary shape on an empty part of the web page.
As you can see below, I have created the gesture necessary to refresh the page, and releasing right-click will carry out the action as long as it registers like in the screenshot below:
While this is a superb gesture for power users, keep in mind that there are no options for making custom gestures, while you can re-map gestures and control the current set of gestures to suit your use, there is still much to be desired from the extension.
We can hope that once the app picks up enough attention, Microsoft considers releasing a better-updated version of the extension with features to cater to a wider audience.
Download Mouse Gestures for Microsoft Edge [Windows Store]
If you plan on or are currently using the extension, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!