# Browser controls

Read references, search the web, and manage browser tabs from Oleafly.

Keep a source open while you write. Oleafly's browser is useful for reading a paper's landing page, checking an author guide, or following a reference without leaving the app.

![The browser window has tabs across the top, then Back, Forward, Reload, the address field, Open in your browser, and More options.](https://cdn.oleafly.com/images/screenshots/desktop/docs/browser-reference-dark-window-v2.png)

## Enable the browser

Open **Settings → Experimentation**, enable **Web browser**, then open the browser from the workspace dock. This also makes browser tools available to the assistant.

## Search or enter a URL

![The address field is between Reload and Open in your browser. The + button opens another tab.](https://cdn.oleafly.com/images/screenshots/desktop/docs/browser-reference-dark-window-v2.png#view=0,0,2048,180)

Click the address field, or press **Cmd/Ctrl+L**. Enter a web address to visit that page, or enter a query to search with the search engine selected in Appearance settings. Press Enter to navigate. Escape cancels an unfinished address edit.

## Back

Return to the previous page in the current tab's history. Each tab keeps its own history.

## Forward

Move forward again after using Back.

## Reload

Reload the current page with the circular-arrow control or **Cmd/Ctrl+R**. The loading indicator shows when navigation is in progress.

## Open in your browser

Use this control to send the current URL to your system browser. It is useful when a site works best with the account or extensions you already use there.

## New tab

Click **+**, choose **More options → New tab**, or press **Cmd/Ctrl+T**. Keep a journal's instructions in one tab and the papers you are reading in others.

## Switch tabs

Click a tab's title to bring it forward. The address field updates to that tab's page.

## Close tab

Use the tab's close control or **Cmd/Ctrl+W**. Closing a browser tab does not close your writing project.

## Copy URL

Choose **More options → Copy URL**. Paste the address into a reading list, research task, or message to the assistant.

## Set as home page

Choose **More options → Set as home page** to use the current address as your browser starting page. You can also edit the home page under **Settings → Appearance → Browser**.

## Search engine

Open the Browser controls in **Settings → Appearance** and select a search engine. This affects queries entered in the address bar.

## Import cookies

![Settings → Appearance → Browser → Import cookies. The button is below Home page.](https://cdn.oleafly.com/images/screenshots/desktop/docs/settings-browser-dark-window-v2.png#view=519,89,883,474)

Open **Settings → Appearance → Browser → Import cookies** to reuse an existing browser sign-in. Choose an available browser profile. Oleafly reads that profile only after you review and confirm the import.

### Target hostname

Enter a hostname such as `example.com` to import only cookies that site can use. Leave the field empty to import all eligible cookies from the selected profile.

### Review import

Choose **Review import** and check the browser, profile, and hostname scope. **Back** returns to the selection step; **Cancel** closes without importing.

### Confirm import

Choose **Import cookies**, then confirm the native prompt. Chromium cookie unlocking uses macOS Keychain locally. Imported cookies are stored in Oleafly's browser and sent to their matching websites. The completion summary reports what was imported or skipped.

## Use a page in research

1. Open a paper's landing page and read its abstract.
2. Copy its DOI or title into [Citation Search](/docs/literature-search/).
3. Check the returned author, venue, and year, then add the bibliography entry.
4. Record the page URL and your reading notes in the project.
5. Insert the citation into the section that uses the source.

## Work with an assistant

With the browser enabled, the assistant can use available browser tools while working on a task. Give it a specific destination and outcome, such as checking a journal's manuscript requirements. Review the source page and the proposed edits before using the result in your paper.