A Google Chrome extension that actually extends

Technology as we know it has seen exponential growth over the past few decades. And so have our open tabs. 

“Tech” is now virtually synonymous with “the internet”; web browsers are our portal to entertainment, education, shopping, communication and work productivity. With so many tasks to do and one little window, browser tabs quickly became our best friends. But they’re becoming our enemies.

How many tabs do you have open right now? Does that number bring you joy? Or fear? I currently have 54 tabs spread over three Google Chrome windows. There is no world in which this is healthy. Whether these tabs hold tasks or opportunities, 54 is too many.

Fatigue, frustration, feelings of failure at work – these could be symptoms of technostress. There’s no official cure, but we know browser tabs aren’t it. Could a Chrome extension help?

The Lumin Chrome extension

Lumin has launched a new Google Chrome extension designed to enhance the way users interact with PDFs directly from their browser. This PDF reader extension allows users to not just read; they can also take shortcuts to unlock, edit and print PDFs without needing additional software or tabs.

This takes the digital clutter out of PDF management, and a clean browser is a clean mind.

Lumin founder and CEO Max Ferguson said the company has plenty of customers who need help cutting out the digital middlemen – downloading and uploading – from their PDF processes.

“We have a lot of customers who open forms and documents from webpages,” said Ferguson. “So they might go to a website and get a standard form. Right now, to get that form into Lumin, you have to download it, reupload it – that’s a bit clumsy.

We want to make people’s lives easier.”

So what does this Chrome extension do?

Our PDF reading extension lets you read, of course (and in dark mode, too!). If the PDF you’re opening is a form, you’ll be able to fill it thanks to our fillable fields feature. Then you can print, download or send the PDF on (via Lumin or via the "copy link" button)– from right there in the same tab.

We've also inserted a Lumin Sign shortcut: it’s the most secure way to sign, and a priority for us is making safe tech more accessible. One click away is as accessible as it gets.

The extension also contains shortcuts to Lumin’s most popular tools:

• edit PDF
• merge PDF
• create fillable forms
• unlock PDF
• secure signatures

And for all you night owls, we’ve got dark mode.

How do I use this Chrome extension?

Sounds good, right? It’s easy to get started - just download, drop and be done.

1. Download the extension from the Chrome web store.

2. Drag and drop any PDF into your browser to read it instantly (and for free!).

3. Use the extension’s handy shortcuts to take your PDF straight to the tool you need.

Oh, and did we mention the extension is free?

Why did Lumin choose Chrome for its PDF extension?

Because you’re probably reading this on Chrome. “80 or 90% of people who use Lumin use Chrome,” said Lumin CEO and founder Max Ferguson. “Some people use Edge, but I think people generally prefer Chrome, right? So it’s the best place to start.”

Google Chrome’s webstore has a huge list of extensions for every purpose: dark mode, shopping assistance and, of course, Cornify. 

Now Lumin is added to its ranks.

Is the Lumin Chrome extension any good?

Yeah, people like it! “It’s our highest-engaged product,” said Ferguson. “It’s probably the one people open the most documents into – the mobile app tends to be pretty popular too, but I’d say the Chrome extension is higher."

And that’s on first release; the Lumin PDF reader extension has much more coming to it soon (more on that later), and of course user feedback will constantly inform new and improved features.

What’s next for the Lumin PDF reader extension?

We’re also cooking up some exciting new features, including AI-powered document summarization and annotation tools. Imagine: asking questions about your document and getting instant answers. It’ll be your own personal SparkNotes.