14 Opera Browser Productivity Tips

Key Insights:

• Create different workspaces for various tasks to organize your browsing more efficiently and block out potential distractions with the Opera Ad blocker feature.
• As a gamer, consider using Opera GX, a version of Opera tailored to that purpose with gaming-centric features and performance optimization. Also, choose a built-in VPN to enhance privacy and security.
• You can set keyboard shortcuts for several browser tasks, such as opening new tabs, switching tabs, and navigating history.

Tip 1: Create Separate Workspaces for Different Tasks

Opera Browser Workspaces enhances your productivity by allowing you to create separate workspaces for different tasks, helping you organize your browsing more efficiently. It also enables you to declutter your browser and improve focus. The following steps show how to set it up:

1. Launch the Opera Browser on your computer, click the ellipses in the sidebar, then select Add More from the Workspaces section.
   
2. Next, choose an icon for your new workspace, give your workspace a descriptive name, and click Create.
   
3. Note that if you don’t name your workspace, Opera will automatically assign it a name.
4. Once done, the new workspace will appear in the sidebar as an icon.
   
5. You can finally click the icon on the sidebar to open the workspace and start your browsing.
   

The equivalent on Brave browser is the Tab Group management capabilities.

Tip 2: Reduce Distractions and Improve Page Loading Times with Built-in Ad Blocker

Opera browser features a robust ad blocker that boosts productivity by minimizing distractions and speeding up page loads. It conserves data and enhances security against ad-related risks, with options to allow ads on certain sites and manage blocking settings.

Opera typically enables the ad blocker by default. However, you can verify and customize its settings with the steps below:

1. Launch the Opera browser on your computer, click the Opera logo at the top-left corner of the screen to open the menu, and select Settings.
   
2. Then, locate and click Basic in the left-hand sidebar and toggle the Block ads and surf the web up to three times faster switch On.
   
3. You can enable ads on specific sites by doing the following:
   • Click Manage exceptions.
     
   • Then, click the Add button next to Site, enter the URL you want to exclude, and click Add.
     
4. You can also manage blocked ads by clicking Manage list and checking/unchecking the blocked ads.
   

Tip 3: Use Opera’s Free VPN to Increase Browsing Privacy

The Opera browser integrates a built-in VPN to increase your browsing privacy. It helps protect your online activities from prying eyes by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address. Use the following steps to set it up:

1. Launch the Opera browser on your computer, click the Opera logo at the top-left corner of the screen to open the menu, and select Settings.
   
2. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Advanced.
   
3. Afterward, locate the VPN section and toggle the Enable VPN switch On.
   
4. Once enabled, a blue VPN badge will appear in the address bar, meaning the VPN is active.
   
5. You can click the badge to toggle the web browser VPN on or off.
   
6. To choose one of the several virtual locations, click the VPN icon in the address bar and click Optimal location.
   
7. Then, choose the desired location from the list.
   

Tip 4: Perform Safe Transactions with Crypto Wallet

Opera Browser integrates a native crypto wallet to allow you to explore Web 3.0 like Brave and make secure transactions with cryptocurrencies. The following includes what it offers:

• Secure crypto transactions directly within Opera Browser.
• Multichain support, granting access to multiple blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and more).
• Compatibility with digital assets like NFT for different blockchains in one wallet.
• Seamless connectivity to decentralized applications without extensions.
• Crypto domain support allows the use of domain names instead of wallet addresses.
• Backup service to safeguard your assets.
• NFT trading to buy, sell, and trade NFTs from various platforms.

The following steps show how to set it up:

1. Launch the Opera browser on your computer, click the Opera logo at the top-left corner of the screen to open the menu, and select Settings.
   
2. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Advanced.
   
3. Find Crypto Wallet and toggle the Enable Crypto Wallet switch On when you find it.
   
4. Afterward, a built-in wallet badge will appear on the browser side panel at the left end of the browser.
   
5. Finally, click the badge to access your wallet.
   

Tip 5: Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Various Actions

Keyboard shortcuts can significantly boost your browsing speed and efficiency. Opera browser offers several shortcuts to help you navigate, manage tabs, perform various actions without relying on the mouse, and enhance productivity.

Some essential keyboard shortcuts on Opera include the following:

Navigation:

• Ctrl + Tab: Switch to the next tab
• Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Switch to the previous tab
• Ctrl + W: Close the current tab
• Ctrl + T: Open a new tab
• Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab
• Ctrl + N: Open a new window
• Ctrl + Shift + N: Open a new incognito window
• Ctrl + H: Open History
• Ctrl + Shift + Del: Clear browsing data

Page Actions:

• F11: Toggle fullscreen
• Ctrl + F: Find text on a page
• Ctrl + P: Print the current page
• Ctrl + R: Reload the current page
• Ctrl + Shift + R: Force reload the current page
• Ctrl + Shift + E: Open Extensions

Other Shortcuts:

• Ctrl + Shift + I: Open developer tools
• Ctrl + Shift + D: Open Speed Dial
• Alt + P: Open Opera settings

The following steps show you how to set it up:

1. Launch the Opera browser on your computer, click the Opera logo at the top-left corner of the screen to open the menu, and select Settings.
   
2. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Advanced.
   
3. Under Shortcuts, toggle the Enable advanced keyboard shortcuts switch On.
   
4. Next, click Configure shortcuts.
   
5. Afterward, hover your mouse over a command and click Type a shortcut.
   
6. Finally, enter your new shortcut.
   

Tip 6: Enhance Your Personal Space and Communication Across Devices with My Flow

The My Flow feature in Opera browser is a powerful tool that lets you sync your browser data across multiple devices. Utilizing My Flow can enhance your personal space and communication efficiency. To increase your productivity with this Opera browser feature, do the following:

• Ensure you have a stable internet connection for optimal sync performance.
• Check My Flow settings to ensure data is synced frequently.
• To sync specific data, you can customize sync settings.
• Protect your Opera account with a strong password to safeguard your data.

Set up My Flow using the following steps:

1. Open Opera on your primary device (e.g., your computer) and open Settings.
   
2. Use the search bar to find flow and toggle the Enable My Flow switch On when you see it.
   
3. Once completed, the My Flow icon will be displayed on the side panel.
4. Sign in using your Opera account. This is necessary to sync your data. If you don’t have one, create a new one.
5. On your secondary device (e.g., your smartphone), open Opera and enable My Flow.
6. Lastly, open My Flow on both devices, follow the instructions to complete the setup, and pair the devices.
   

Tip 7: Use Integrated Messengers for Uninterrupted Communication

Opera offers integrated messaging capabilities in its browser, allowing you to remain connected without switching between apps and significantly boosting productivity by streamlining communication. The browser currently supports the following messaging platforms:

• Facebook Messenger
• WhatsApp
• X (Formerly called Twitter)
• Telegram
• VK
• Instagram
• TikTok

To set up the integrated messengers, use the following steps:

1. Launch the Opera browser on your computer.
2. Then, locate the messenger icon on the sidebar and click it.
   
3. Follow the on-screen instructions on one or more of the desired apps to connect your account to the messenger accordingly.
4. Once linked, you can chat with your contacts directly from the Opera sidebar.
   
5. If the app you want does not appear on the sidebar, click the ellipses.
6. Then, find the Messengers section, click Show More to see all the apps.
   
7. Finally, select the one you want and it will appear on the sidebar.
   

Tip 8: Enable Battery Saver

The built-in Battery Saver mode in Opera helps extend your laptop’s battery life when using the browser by reducing resource-intensive activities. The feature is designed to activate when your laptop is unplugged. When enabled, Battery Saver:

• Reduces visual effects and animations.
• Limits background activities.
• Optimizes resource usage.

The following steps will help you set this mode up:

1. Launch the Opera browser on your computer, click the Opera logo at the top-left corner of the screen to open the menu, and select Settings.
   
2. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Advanced.
   
3. Afterward, locate the Battery saver section and toggle the Enable battery saver switch On.
4. Also, toggle the Save battery automatically switch On, and set the time as desired with the drop-down options.
5. If you want to see the battery icon on the browser, toggle the Always show battery icon on toolbar switch On.
   

Tip 9: Use Snapshot Tool to Capture Your Favorite Pages

Opera’s built-in Snapshot tool is a versatile feature that allows you to capture and save web pages for later reference. In addition to the Window’s built-in screen capture feature, this feature can be particularly beneficial for articles, research, or any content you intend to revisit without an internet connection.

The following steps show how to use the Snapshot Tool:

1. Once on the content you want to snap, click the Camera icon by the right of the address bar.
   
2. The keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + 5 (Windows) or Command + Shift + 2 (Mac) also starts the feature.
3. Then, select any of the modes below:
   • Capture visible page: This mode takes a snapshot of the web page.
   • Capture full page: This mode captures the entire web page.
   • Save as PDF: This mode saves the web page as a PDF document.
     
   • Capture region: This mode saves a specific web area. To accomplish this, you will:
     • Click, drag, and adjust the cropping box to select the desired area.
     • Once selected, click the Capture button to take the snapshot.
       
     • Then, edit as desired in the next window and click Save.
       
     • Finally, give it a descriptive name and save it in any folder you choose.
       

The final two steps above work for the Capture visible page and Capture full page modes also.

Tip 10: Float Videos using Video Pop-out

The Video Pop Out feature in the Opera browser allows you to detach online videos into a movable, adjustable floating window, boosting your productivity. This window is movable and realizable and stays on top of other applications without obstruction.

Key controls are available in the floating window, making it easy to manage your video while multitasking. Use the following steps to enable and use this mode:

1. Launch the Opera browser on your computer, click the Opera logo at the top-left corner of the screen to open the menu, and select Settings.
   
2. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Advanced.
   
3. Afterward, locate the Video pop out section and toggle the Enable video pop out switch On.
   
4. Toggle the Automatically pop out videos when possible switch On to ensure the browser floats videos whenever possible.
5. Also, toggle the Make pop-out transparent switch on to ensure the pop-out doesn’t block other browser activities.
   
6. Once completed, open your video, hover your mouse over it to reveal the pop-out icon, and click it.
   
7. The video will pop out and float on the browser and other applications.
   

Tip 11: Speed Dial Page to Access Frequently Visited Sites

The Speed Dial page on the Opera browser is a pictorial bookmarking system that helps you access your favorite websites quickly and easily. Customizing your Speed Dial with frequently visited sites can significantly improve browsing efficiency.

Use the following steps to set up and use the Speed Dial:

1. Open a new tab by clicking the + button on the tab bar.
   
2. Once you see the Speed Dial page, click an empty dial to add a new website.
   
3. Then, enter the website’s URL in the address bar and click Add to Opera.
   
4. Optionally, add a descriptive title or change the thumbnail by doing the following:
   • Right-click on the dial and select Edit.
     
   • Then, add the name or change the thumbnail and click OK.
     
5. To organize your dials, drag and drop dials to rearrange their positions.
6. You can also create groups of dials by dragging one dial onto another.
   
7. Finally, click a dial to open the corresponding website.

Tip 12: Use Needed Extensions and Add-ons

Extensions can enhance your productivity on the Opera browser by adding useful features. This productive feature is common across various browsers, including Firefox. Install only essential extensions, limit their access, keep them updated, and explore alternatives for those whose functions are unsatisfactory.

The following steps guide you through how to install Extensions:

1. Launch your browser and open the Opera Add-ons Store using one of the following methods:
   • Address bar:
     1. Enter the following into the address bar: opera://extensions/.
        
     2. Then, click Get more extensions to open the Opera Add-ons Store.
        
   • Opera Extensions option:
     1. Click the Opera menu button, select Extensions, then click Extensions.
        
     2. Then, click Get more extensions to open the Opera Add-ons Store.
        
   • Get Extensions option:
     1. Click the Opera menu button, select Extensions, then click Get extensions.
        
     2. The Opera Add-ons Store will open afterward.
   • Keyboard Shortcut:
     1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + E keys simultaneously to launch the Extensions window.
     2. Then, click Get more extensions to open the Opera Add-ons Store.
2. Then, use the search bar to find the desired extension, select the desired result, and click the Add to Opera button to install it.
   
3. Opera may require you to confirm the installation; some extensions might also require enabling after installation.
4. Once installed, open the Extensions page to view and manage the extension.
   
5. You can also install extensions from the Chrome Web Store. While this method generally works, it might have occasional compatibility issues or limitations.

Tip 13: Use Personal News to Stay Current

The Personal News feature allows you to curate a personalized news feed based on your interests, saving you time and helping you stay informed without getting overwhelmed by irrelevant information. Opera allows you to filter news by category, source, or date to focus on specific topics, boosting your productivity on the browser.

The following shows how to set up Personal News in Opera:

1. Launch the Opera browser on your computer, click the Opera logo at the top-left corner of the screen to open the menu, and select Settings.
   
2. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Advanced.
   
3. Afterward, locate the Personal news section and set the frequency of Check my sources for new content between never and every 6 hours.
4. If you also want to see available news feeds on the address bar, toggle Show Available News Feeds on the address bar and switch it on.
   
5. Then, click the ellipses on the sidebar, scroll down to the Opera Tools section, and enable Personal news if it is not already enabled.
   
6. You should see the Personal news button added to the sidebar. Click it to read the news.
   

Tip 14: Player for Music and Podcasts

Opera’s Player feature manages music and podcast playback, integrating popular platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Tidal through a simple sidebar panel. Log into your accounts to enjoy your playlists while browsing the web.

The following steps will guide you through setting it up:

1. Launch the Opera browser on your computer, click the Opera logo at the top-left corner of the screen to open the menu, and select Settings.
   
2. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Advanced.
   
3. Afterward, locate the Player section and and toggle the Enable player switch On.
   
4. Adjust other settings as desired.
5. Then, click the ellipses on the sidebar, scroll down to the Special Features section, and enable Player if it is not already enabled.
   
6. You should see the Player button added to the sidebar. Click it, set up your account and begin enjoying your music.
   

For gaming on the Opera browser and attaining maximum productivity, we recommend using Opera GX, which is designed explicitly for that purpose. It’s ideal for those looking to install Google Chrome from Microsoft but having trouble finding it. Also, explore Aria, its AI assistant, for more productive time on the browser.