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Apparent – A lightweight extension to simplify and clean Gmail

Apparent – A lightweight extension to simplify and clean Gmail

by JaredCampbell·Apr 6, 2026·1 point·1 comment

AI Analysis

MidSolve My Problem

Hide Gmail AI overviews and clutter, but Simplify Gmail does more for longer.

Strengths
  • Hide AI overviews feature addresses timely frustration with Gmail's new additions.
  • Zero remote processing with all modifications running locally in the browser.
  • Lightweight at 267KiB with minimal footprint compared to heavier alternatives.
Weaknesses
  • Simplify Gmail and Checker Plus offer more features with larger user bases.
  • Chrome Web Store listing shows item unavailable which hurts credibility.
Category
Target Audience

Gmail power users, productivity-focused professionals

Similar To

Simplify Gmail · Checker Plus for Gmail

Post Description

I got frustrated with Gmail's lack of customization, and built an extension for myself.

It doesn't do much other than modify how Gmail is displayed in Chrome. Does it as minimally as possible (that I can engineer). Done locally, zero remote processing.

Currently built the following settings (want to add more soon):

Conversations:

* Show newest message first

* Show every message in a thread (sometimes they're collapsed into numbered bubbles)

* Remove AI overviews (retches)

Layout/UI:

* Minimize the search & top bar

* Minimize the far left "rail" (Mail/Chat/Meet)

* Hide a bunch of extraneous icons/buttons/items

* Adjust width of Folders/Labels column (still in-process)

Mini-Automations:

* Automatically open to inbox on page start/refresh

* Automatically select first message if the reading pane is open (unless unread, or previous message already selected)

* Add a recurring reminder (if wanted) to use Gmail's new Manage Subscriptions folder/feature

Bunch more features I'd like to add. Let me know if you think I should change anything. Or if you have any code/bug feedback... :)

[email protected]

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