Replace Chrome's Download Toolbar with an icon

Martin Brinkmann
Jan 22, 2016
Updated • Jan 12, 2016
Google Chrome
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Downloads is a free browser extension for the Google Chrome web browser that removes the -- rather clunky -- download toolbar from the browser that pops up whenever files are downloaded using it.

The extension adds an icon to Chrome instead that you can use to manage downloads.

Google Chrome is in many ways a restrictive browser. There is no option to add toolbars or sidebars to the browser, and the interface can only be customized slightly all in all.

One of the features of Chrome that I disliked ever since it was introduced is the download toolbar displayed at the bottom of the browser window whenever files are downloaded in Chrome, and the missing option to disable it.

Downloads - Your Download Box extension

The toolbar takes up significant space in the interface and while that is the case, is limited to display only a handful of downloads at the same time.

Downloads - Your Download Box is an extension for Google Chrome that changes the browser's default download behavior.

Its two main features are the removal of the download toolbar and the integration of a download icon instead in the main toolbar that you can use from that moment on to handle file downloads.

The icon mimics the download interface of the Firefox web browser as it uses a similar icon and layout for all file downloads.

When you initiate downloads after installing the extension, you will notice immediately that the download toolbar is not displayed anymore.

It indicates downloads with an icon change so that you know exactly when new downloads start and complete.

A click on the icon displays information about the last five downloads. Each download is listed with its name, size, and either a "show in folder" or "retry download" option.

You may also get download confirmation dialogs if Chrome's Safe Browsing protection deems the download dangerous. This dialog is only displayed to you if you open the interface but also highlighted by the color of the icon.

A blue color indicates that you need to confirm the download while a green one that the download completed successfully.

The download manager displays options to clear and show all downloads on top of that. You may also run any of the downloaded files with a left-click right away from within the interface, or delete individual entries with a right-click and the selection of the x-icon that appears afterwards.

Closing Words

If you are using Google Chrome and downloading files regularly, you may like what Downloads has to offer as you may find the download shelf at the bottom of the interface more irritating than useful.

Summary
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Author Rating
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3.5 based on 13 votes
Software Name
Downloads - Your Download Box
Software Category
Internet
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Comments

  1. S2015 said on January 26, 2016 at 3:24 am
    Reply

    To free up one’s (system) disk space, perform the tips below regularly:
    * move those downloaded items to another disk, if you are still apply the default value to your Chrome;
    * delete some potentially unused setup files in time; moreover, you should effectively manage d programs list.

  2. Teiji said on January 23, 2016 at 4:42 pm
    Reply

    I would install it but the requirement is a bit shady: “Read and change all your data on the websites you visit.”

    And worse, he doesn’t respond any question that’s asked (like that requirement) in the support.

  3. flyli5411 said on January 22, 2016 at 10:08 pm
    Reply

    Have been using for a while now
    Works great ..
    There was no way i could put up with
    that damn ugly bar .
    so this extension took care of that !

  4. Alex said on January 22, 2016 at 4:11 pm
    Reply

    Using Chrono, it’s most stable and powerfull Chrome downloads manager that i tried. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chrono-download-manager/mciiogijehkdemklbdcbfkefimifhecn

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