What Is Microsoft Edge Collections and Why Should You Use It

Wondering what the Collections icon is next to the address bar in the new Microsoft Edge Chromium web browser? If you come from the legacy version of Microsoft Edge or another Chromium-based browser such as Google Chrome, you will be justifiably curious. So what exactly are Microsoft Edge collections? And should you use it?

Collections are a feature unique to Microsoft Edge. Like the integrated tracking prevention module, it is a distinctive addition that helps the browser to stand out from the rest of the Chromium pack. If you can’t figure out what the Collections feature is or how to use it, let’s go over everything you need to know about it.

What is the Collections function in Edge

The Collections feature aims to reduce the clutter and confusion of multiple tabs, bookmarks, and note-taking tools when you want to focus on a particular task while using the new Microsoft Edge browser.

For example, say you are comparing products when shopping online or doing research for your next assignment. Collections allow you to easily group your results, whether they are links to pages, images, videos, or text snippets as a “collection.”

Not only can you easily collect items from websites, browser windows, or tabs, but it’s also possible to add to your collections in subsequent browsing sessions. And to make things better, Collections even lets you insert your notes into the mix.

And if you are wondering, Collections is compatible with the dark mode of Microsoft Edge Chromium. So you should have a seamless experience regardless of your preferred color mode.

How to access the collections

By clicking the Collections button next to the address bar in Microsoft Edge, a nifty flying pane is accessible from any tab or window. It serves as the main area where you will create and manage your collections.

You can also use the Collections option in the Edge menu to make it appear. However, the Collections button plays a major role in the overall convenience factor.

Collections are enabled by default. If you can’t see it next to the address bar, just head over to Edge Settings> Appearance, then turn on the switch next to the Show Collections button.

Collections in action

The collections are easy to access and fairly intuitive to use. Once you open the Collections pane, click Start New Collection, name the collection and you’re good to go.

Adding content is as simple as dragging and dropping items into the Collections pane, or right-clicking an image, video, or link, pointing to Add to collections, and then specifying the collection to which you want to add it to.

Note: Collections stores your images and videos as a link. It does not download them to your PC or Mac.

The same goes for adding text snippets – first highlight part of the text, then use drag and drop or select the collection to add it from the right click context menu.

Want to add your notes to a collection? Click the Add Note icon in the upper right corner of the pane, start typing, and use the formatting options available to spice things up.

Point: Want to add all open Microsoft Edge tabs to a new collection? Right-click on any tab and select “Add all tabs to a new collection” from the context menu.

After that, you can rearrange the items in a collection by dragging the blocks around. You can then start creating new collections immediately. Do not worry. You can continue adding to old collections whenever you want.

And when it’s time to browse your collections, just click on the items to load them immediately into the tab you’re currently on. With the fly-out on one side and a full-size tab on the other, it’s just super easy to flip through the elements.

Synchronize your collections

Microsoft Edge also lets you sync your collections to other desktops and Android-based devices. You must be logged in with a Microsoft account for this to work. At the time of writing, however, the iOS version of Edge does not support collections.

Start by going to Edge Settings> Profiles> Sync. Turn on the switch next to Collections, and you’re good to go. Repeat on the other devices from which you want to access your collections, and they should sync immediately.

If you use collections

Microsoft Edge Collections is a super useful feature that makes everything from research into practical experience. It is also an excellent replacement for bookmarks; the site thumbnails and the possibility of inserting your own notes are very useful during the subsequent revision of the links.

The collections will appear unknown and strange at first. But use it for a while and you will like it soon. Microsoft is also ready to improve functionality – with the integration of a Pinterest search tool, for example – in future updates, so keep your eyes open.