Open-source Chromium new tab extension
A private, local-first start page for your links — free, open-source, and easy to export.
Aura Start keeps clean groups of links on your Chromium new tab page, with local storage by default, no required account, no analytics, and export-first data ownership.
Chrome Web Store listing coming soon. Developer-mode builds are available from the repository.
Why Aura Start?
Local-first by default
Your groups, links, settings, and restore points live in local extension storage unless you choose optional Google Drive sync.
Export anytime
Export Full Backup JSON, Browser Bookmarks HTML, Markdown, CSV, or an A Fine Start-compatible export code.
No required account
Aura Start has no backend, no ads, no analytics, and no tracking. Google Drive sync is optional and off by default.
Built for clean link groups
- Custom groups and links with descriptions and tags.
- Search across title, URL, description, tags, and supported query modifiers.
- Light, dark, and system themes with compact mode and configurable columns.
- Drag-and-drop reordering in explicit edit mode.
- Command Palette and keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation.
Designed around recovery
- First-run onboarding and useful empty states.
- Optional demo groups added only after user action.
- Export / Backup hub for local file backups.
- Restore Points Manager for local safety history.
- Duplicate Finder scans read-only and deletes only after selection and confirmation.
Import from A Fine Start
Aura Start supports importing A Fine Start export codes and exporting an A Fine Start-compatible code if you want a basic grouped-link format again later.
Aura Start is independent and not affiliated with A Fine Start. A Fine Start is mentioned only for inspiration, migration, and compatibility.
Optional Google Drive backup
When enabled, Google Drive sync uses Chrome identity and only the
drive.appdata scope to store one hidden
aura-start-sync.json file in Google Drive
appDataFolder.
Aura Start does not request full Drive access and does not read visible Drive files.
Privacy Promise
No analytics or tracking
No telemetry, behavioral profiling, ads, affiliate replacement, or hidden data collection.
Least-privilege permissions
No bookmarks, history, cookies, tabs, webRequest, scripting, or full Google Drive permission.
Open-source under MIT
The source, docs, and build scripts are intended to be public and auditable.
Store and release materials
Aura Start's public release materials are kept in the repository so users and reviewers can compare listing text, screenshots, privacy claims, and release steps against the source code.