With all the extensions available for Google Chrome, it can be tough to decide which ones to install. And with so many from unknown third parties, you might be overly cautious. If you want to play it safe, go right to the source—and who better to provide Chrome extensions than Google?

From useful to unique, here are the best Chrome extensions direct from Google that you need.

1. Google Mail Checker

google mail checker screenshot

If you keep a close on eye on your Gmail inbox, then the Google Mail Checker is the extension for you.

This basic button simply shows the number of unread emails in your inbox in your toolbar. You can also click the button to open your Gmail.

Download: Google Mail Checker for Google Chrome (Free)

2. Send From Gmail (by Google)

send from gmail chrome extension

For the fastest way to email a link to the page you are visiting, check out Send from Gmail. When you hit the button, a pop-up window will display for your Gmail account. The window contains a composed email with the subject line as the name of the page and the URL within the body.

All you have to do is add your contact and click Send.

Download: Send From Gmail (by Google) for Google Chrome (Free)

3. Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides

office editing chrome extension

If you do not have Microsoft Office installed on your computer, but need to open a file, then you need the Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides extension. Just drag the file onto your browser window, and it will open in a related application.

For example, an Excel file will open in Google Sheets for you to view and edit. You can then save the file to the new format or its original one.

Download: Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides for Google Chrome (Free)

4. Save to Google Drive

save to google drive chrome extension

Save to Google Drive allows you to quickly save the current page, a document, or an image to your Google Drive account.

To save a page, just click the button in your toolbar while visiting. For other items, open your context menu by right-clicking and then select the Save to Google Drive option.

Download: Save to Google Drive for Google Chrome (Free)

5. Google Keep Chrome Extension

google keep extension screenshot

Google Keep is a simple extension that allows you to create notes while browsing. Using it, you can save text, webpages, and images to Google Keep.

For saving text, select it and choose Save Selection to Keep from the right-click context menu. Similarly, you can save images to a new note. Saving a webpage is even more simple. Just click the Google Keep extension icon, and it'll show an option to save the current page.

With each note, you can add additional text and labels directly from your browser. Made by Google itself, it's one of the best browser extensions for Google Keep.

Download: Google Keep Chrome Extension for Google Chrome (Free)

6. Google Similar Pages

google similar pages chrome extension

Maybe you are browsing an online store, reading a blog, or doing research and would like comparable options. Google Similar Pages provides you a list of pages like the one you are visiting.

Click the button, view the list, and then select one to head to the site.

Download: Google Similar Pages for Google Chrome (Free)

7. Google Translate

google translate chrome extension

Sometimes you need a translation fast, so the Google Translate extension is a handy tool. To translate an entire webpage, just hit the button in your toolbar and click Translate This Page. The page language will then automatically change to your default dialect.

For individual words and phrases, use your mouse to highlight them, right-click, and pick Google Translate from the context menu. You can also click the toolbar button to translate what you highlight.

Download: Google Translate for Google Chrome (Free)

8. Google Input Tools

When what you really need is to type in another language, Google Input Tools is awesome. After installing the extension, click the button in the toolbar and select Extension Options. Then, choose the languages and input tools you want to use.

Now when you visit a spot where you want to type in a selected language, click the toolbar button to enable the tool and that's it. Besides typing, you can use handwriting input to enter the text.

Download: Google Input Tools for Google Chrome (Free)

9. Colour Enhancer

color enhancer chrome extension

For those who are color-blind, what they see on web pages can be troublesome. Google solves this problem with the Colour Enhancer extension.

When you visit a site, click the button and select the color scheme that works best for you. Pick the theme from three options and use the sliders to adjust it to your liking.

Download: Colour Enhancer for Google Chrome (Free)

10. Google Scholar Button

google scholar button chrome extension

If you are a student, then you might already be familiar with Google Scholar, and this extension gives you a shortcut to it. For searching academic journals, books, technical reports, and more, just hit the button in your toolbar. The Google Scholar search box will appear in a small window, so just enter your word or phrase, and you are on your way.

This is a real time-saver when you are doing research because you no longer have to open the Google Scholar site for help. Google Scholar Button can also help you format citations, so it's a useful online tool for researchers and students.

Download: Google Scholar Button for Google Chrome (Free)

11. Google Tone

Ideal for office workers, school classes, students, or families wanting to get on the same page is Google Tone. This cool tool lets you broadcast the page you are visiting to computers nearby.

When everyone has the extension installed, just click the button when you want to send them your current page. You will hear a beeping tone while the link is being sent and then the others will receive a notification.

Then, just click to open it, and you can all visit the page together without emails or instant messages.

Download: Google Tone for Google Chrome (Free)

12. Earth View From Google Earth

earth view from google earth chrome extension

If you are a Google Earth fan, then why not see a new, spectacular image every time you open a tab? This is exactly what the Earth View from Google Earth extension does.

You can view images from previous tab openings, download a photo as wallpaper, or open the gallery for more great shots.

Download: Earth View from Google Earth for Google Chrome (Free)

13. Google Arts & Culture

google art project chrome extension

Prefer amazing photos of artwork in your new tabs over pictures of Earth? Google Arts & Culture places a piece of art into your new tab each day with a brief description, the artist's name, and applicable gallery. While the image is the same with each new tab you open, you will see a different one every day.

Download: Google Arts & Culture for Google Chrome (Free)

14. Mindful Break

mindful break chrome extension

Something unique from Google is the Mindful Break extension. You can configure the tool to remind you to take a break at your chosen time. Set it for a number of hours, a specific time each day, or use the random reminder. You can also decide how to receive the reminder with a badge icon, browser notification, or bell sound.

The extension has an option to begin a breathing exercise and go into fullscreen mode for complete focus. Just click the button and relax.

Download: Mindful Break for Google Chrome (Free)

Install Extensions From Trusted Developers

Google has developed some excellent Chrome extensions. But unfortunately, Google can't create an extension for every functionality itself.

This leaves you with no choice but to resort to third-party browser add-ons. And while you install these extensions, always check to see if they're safe. Remember, there are a lot of shady Chrome extensions out there.