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Getting Started with Ingesto: Complete Installation and Setup Guide

December 10, 2025
8 min read

Getting Started with Ingesto: Complete Installation and Setup Guide

Ingesto is a powerful web clipper and highlight saver that helps you capture, organize, and search web content effortlessly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with Ingesto browser extension.

What is Ingesto?

Ingesto is a privacy-first browser extension designed for web research, note taking, and content organization. Unlike cloud-based note-taking tools, Ingesto stores all your data locally on your device, ensuring complete privacy and security. With features like auto-tagging, source tracking, and offline search, Ingesto transforms how you collect and organize web highlights.

System Requirements

Before installing Ingesto, ensure your browser meets these requirements:

  • Chrome: Version 88 or higher
  • Microsoft Edge: Version 88 or higher
  • Firefox: Version 109 or higher

All modern browsers support Ingesto's core features, including IndexedDB for local storage and the necessary APIs for text capture.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

For Chrome and Edge Users

  1. Open Chrome Web Store

  2. Find Ingesto Extension

    • Look for "Ingesto: Web Clipper & Highlight Saver"
    • Verify it's the official extension by checking the developer name

  3. Install the Extension

    • Click the "Add to Chrome" button
    • Review the permissions requested
    • Click "Add Extension" to confirm

  4. Verify Installation

    • Look for the Ingesto icon in your browser toolbar
    • Click the icon to open the extension popup

For Firefox Users

  1. Open Firefox Add-ons Store

  2. Install the Add-on

    • Click "Add to Firefox"
    • Review permissions and click "Add"

  3. Access Ingesto

    • Click the Ingesto icon in your toolbar
    • Or use the sidebar panel (if enabled)

First-Time Setup

Onboarding Tour

When you first launch Ingesto, you'll see a welcome screen with a quick onboarding tour. This introduces you to:

  • Capture Methods: Four ways to save web content
  • Organization Features: Tags, sources, and search
  • Privacy Settings: Understanding local storage

Take a few minutes to complete the tour - it will help you understand Ingesto's capabilities.

Initial Configuration

  1. Review Settings

    • Open the Settings tab
    • Configure auto-save mode (optional)
    • Adjust micro-popup preferences
    • Set up keyboard shortcuts

  2. Test Capture

    • Visit any webpage
    • Select some text
    • Try saving your first highlight

  3. Explore Interface

    • Familiarize yourself with the four tabs: Notes, Sources, Data, Settings
    • Try the search function (Alt+F)
    • Check out the Sources tab

Understanding Ingesto's Interface

Notes Tab

The Notes tab is your main workspace where all captured highlights are displayed. Here you can:

  • View All Notes: Scroll through your saved highlights
  • Filter by Tags: Click any tag to filter notes
  • Filter by Source: View notes from specific websites
  • Sort Options: Recent, alphabetical, or by source
  • Quick Actions: Edit or delete notes with one click

Sources Tab

The Sources tab shows all websites you've captured content from. This feature helps you:

  • Track Origins: See where your notes came from
  • View Statistics: Note counts per source
  • Quick Navigation: Click to return to original pages
  • Source Filtering: Filter notes by website

Search Tab

Ingesto's powerful search uses MiniSearch for instant, offline full-text search. You can:

  • Full-Text Search: Find notes by any keyword
  • Filter Results: Combine search with tag/source filters
  • Instant Results: Works completely offline
  • Keyboard Shortcut: Press Alt+F to open search

Data Tab

The Data tab handles all data management operations:

  • Export Options: JSON, Markdown, or CSV formats
  • Import Data: Restore from JSON backups
  • Storage Info: View data usage statistics
  • Cloud Sync: Optional sync for authenticated users
  • Clear Data: Remove all notes if needed

Four Ways to Capture Content

Method 1: Text Selection with Micro-Popup

  1. Select any text on a webpage
  2. A small popup appears with three options:
    • Save: Save immediately
    • Edit: Customize before saving
    • Close: Dismiss the popup

This is the most intuitive method for quick captures.

Method 2: Context Menu

  1. Select text on any webpage
  2. Right-click on the selection
  3. Choose "Save to Ingesto" from the context menu
  4. The note is saved automatically

Perfect for when you want to save without seeing a popup.

Method 3: Quick Add (Alt+N)

  1. Press Alt+N or click the + button in Notes tab
  2. A modal opens for manual note entry
  3. Add your text, tags, and source information
  4. Click Save

Ideal for adding notes without selecting text first.

Method 4: Keyboard Shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+S)

  1. Select text on a webpage
  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+S (or Alt+Shift+S)
  3. The note is saved instantly without any popup

Fastest method for high-volume capture sessions.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Master these shortcuts to maximize your productivity:

  • Alt+N: Quick add note - Opens the capture modal instantly
  • Alt+F: Open search - Jump to search without clicking
  • Ctrl+Shift+S: Save selected text immediately (Windows/Linux)
  • Alt+Shift+S: Save selected text immediately (Alternative/Mac)
  • Delete/Backspace: Remove highlight when hovering over it

These shortcuts work globally across all webpages.

Organizing Your Notes

Understanding Auto-Tagging

Ingesto automatically generates tags from your note content. This intelligent feature:

  • Extracts Keywords: Identifies important terms
  • Creates Categories: Groups related content
  • Saves Time: No manual tagging required
  • Improves Discovery: Helps find related notes

You can always edit or add custom tags to refine organization.

Manual Tagging Best Practices

While auto-tagging is powerful, developing a consistent tagging system helps:

  • Use Categories: #research, #ideas, #quotes, #tutorials
  • Add Topics: #javascript, #marketing, #design
  • Project Tags: #project-alpha, #client-beta
  • Action Tags: #to-review, #to-implement, #reference

Source Tracking Benefits

Every note automatically tracks its source URL and website title. This is invaluable for:

  • Academic Research: Proper citations and references
  • Content Creation: Crediting sources
  • Fact Checking: Returning to verify information
  • Bibliography Building: Tracking all sources

Searching Your Notes

Basic Search

  1. Go to the Search tab or press Alt+F
  2. Type your search query
  3. Results appear instantly with highlighted matches
  4. Works completely offline - no internet required

Advanced Filtering

Combine search with filters for precise results:

  • Search + Tags: Find notes matching keywords and specific tags
  • Search + Source: Find content from specific websites
  • Multiple Filters: Combine tags and sources for complex queries

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords for better results
  • Search works across titles, content, and tags
  • Results are ranked by relevance
  • Search is case-insensitive

Export and Import Features

Export Formats

Ingesto supports three export formats:

  1. JSON: Complete data with all metadata (best for backups)
  2. Markdown: Human-readable format organized by source
  3. CSV: Spreadsheet-compatible for data analysis

Import Process

To restore or migrate data:

  1. Go to Data tab
  2. Click "Import JSON"
  3. Select your backup file
  4. Choose merge or replace option
  5. Confirm import

Backup Strategy

Regular exports protect your work:

  • Weekly Backups: For active users
  • Monthly Backups: For occasional users
  • Before Major Changes: Before clearing data or reinstalling
  • Multiple Copies: Store backups in different locations

Privacy and Security

Local Storage Explained

Ingesto uses IndexedDB, a browser-based database that stores data directly on your device. This means:

  • No Cloud Storage: Data never leaves your device
  • No External Servers: Everything is local
  • Complete Privacy: No tracking or analytics
  • Offline Functionality: Works without internet

Permissions Required

Ingesto requests minimal permissions:

  • Storage: For local data storage
  • Scripting: For text capture functionality
  • Context Menus: For right-click "Save to Ingesto" option
  • Active Tab: For capturing page information

All permissions are used locally only - no data is transmitted externally.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Notes Not Saving

If notes aren't saving:

  1. Check browser console for errors (F12)
  2. Verify IndexedDB is enabled in browser settings
  3. Try clearing extension data in Settings
  4. Reinstall the extension if issues persist

Search Not Working

If search isn't functioning:

  1. Rebuild the search index (clear and re-import data)
  2. Ensure notes have actual text content
  3. Check that the search index was properly initialized

Extension Won't Load

If the extension doesn't load:

  1. Ensure Developer Mode is disabled (for store installs)
  2. Verify browser compatibility
  3. Try reinstalling from the store
  4. Check for browser updates

Best Practices for Beginners

Start Simple

  1. Begin Capturing: Don't overthink - start saving content immediately
  2. Trust Auto-Tags: Let Ingesto generate tags automatically at first
  3. Review Weekly: Set aside time to organize your notes
  4. Export Regularly: Create backups to protect your work

Develop Your Workflow

  1. Capture First: Save everything that seems relevant
  2. Organize Later: Review and refine during dedicated sessions
  3. Use Search: Rely on search rather than perfect organization
  4. Refine Tags: Periodically review and improve your tagging system

Productivity Tips

  • Learn keyboard shortcuts for faster capture
  • Enable auto-save mode for high-volume sessions
  • Use source tracking for research projects
  • Export regularly for peace of mind

Next Steps

Now that you're set up with Ingesto:

  1. Start Capturing: Begin saving web highlights immediately
  2. Explore Features: Try all four capture methods
  3. Develop Workflow: Find what works best for you
  4. Read Our Blog: Check out productivity tips and guides

Getting Help

If you need assistance:

  • FAQ Page: Answers to common questions
  • Blog: Tips, guides, and best practices
  • Email Support: support@ingesto.org

Conclusion

Ingesto is designed to be simple yet powerful. The key to success is starting - begin capturing content today, and you'll quickly develop a workflow that maximizes your productivity. Remember: capture first, organize later. The most important thing is to start using Ingesto and discover how it can transform your web research and note-taking workflow.

With local storage, powerful search, and intelligent organization, Ingesto gives you complete control over your web highlights while maintaining absolute privacy. Start capturing today and experience the difference a well-organized knowledge base can make.