Gray page, blue links, simple text.
Chrome extension for retro web time filters
Tab Time Machine
Make the current tab look like 1993, 1998, 2008, 2012, or a cleaner reader page. Turn it off whenever you want.
Current tab onlyRuns after you click.
No host permissionsNo persistent site access.
Archive by choiceWayback opens only after a click.
First action
Pick a time filter. The page changes right away.
The popup has five plain choices: Plain old web, Colorful old web, Glossy web, App style, and Easy reading. The selected filter is inserted as packaged CSS into the active tab, then removed when you click Turn off.
- Works on normal http and https pages.
- Uses the Chrome activeTab and scripting permissions.
- Does not run in the background across every site.
Included eras
Not one sepia filter. Five different web moods.
Bright backgrounds and chunky controls.
Shiny buttons, rounded panels, early social web feel.
Soft cards and warm textures.
A cleaner, old-reader style for busy pages.
Old copies
For famous sites, open real archived pages.
Google, Yahoo, YouTube, Reddit, Wikipedia, Amazon, and Craigslist get curated archive shortcuts. Other pages can open a 2008-era Internet Archive search in a new tab.
The extension is an unofficial educational tool. Local sample views are display-only examples, not copies of live brand services.
Privacy model
No project backend, no analytics inside the extension.
Local filters. CSS files are packaged with the extension and inserted only after a user action.
No storage. The extension does not store accounts, history, page text, or screenshots.
Wayback clicks. Internet Archive opens only when the user clicks an archive or old-copy button.
Minimal permissions. The manifest uses only activeTab and scripting.
Install status
Chrome Web Store package is ready for review.
The public store link will be added here after Chrome Web Store review creates or approves the listing. Until then, the privacy and support pages are live for reviewers and users.
FAQ
Straight answers before install.
Does it permanently change the page?
No. It inserts packaged CSS into the active tab and removes it when you click Turn off or reload the page.
Does it work on Chrome internal pages?
No. Chrome blocks extensions from changing chrome:// pages, extension pages, PDFs, empty tabs, and some protected pages.
Is it affiliated with Internet Archive or famous historical sites?
No. Archive links open Internet Archive pages. Sample views are local display-only educational examples.