# Nook Nook is a minimalist web browser for macOS that blocks ads and trackers, with reading and focus modes and browsing data stored locally by default. It’s made for a quieter reading experience, without extensions, accounts, or sync. - Findings24: - Website: - Pricing: Freemium - Categories: Design Tools ## What is Nook? Nook is a minimal web browser for macOS built on Chromium. Its compact interface keeps the window to tabs, an address bar, and four buttons, while ad and tracker blocking operates from the first page you open. The browser is aimed at readers and other users who want less surrounding page clutter. Reading mode turns long articles into a single column, while Focus mode hides the tabs and toolbar so the page occupies the available window space. ## What can Nook do? ### Ad and tracker blocking Nook checks page requests against Ghostery's filter lists and stops requests identified as ads or trackers before they download. ### Reading mode Long articles are shown as one readable column of text and pictures without sidebars, sign-up boxes, or related-link carousels. Shortcut: ⌘ ⇧ R. ### Focus mode The tabs and toolbar slide away so the page fills the window. Use ⌘L to enter an address while controls are hidden and Esc to restore them. Shortcut: ⌘ ⇧ F. ### Bookmarks, history, and downloads A single menu provides access to bookmarks, history, and downloads. Bookmarks are stored in a plain JSON file in the Mac's Application Support folder, while history is kept in memory only. ### Private-by-default data handling Cookies, cache, and site data are deleted when Nook quits. The product states that it has no account, sync, telemetry, or crash reporting. ### Chromium foundation and sandboxing Nook uses Chromium for page rendering, and each page runs in Chromium's sandbox. The Mac download is signed and notarized by Apple. ## Use Cases ### Reading long articles Use Reading mode to remove sidebars, sign-up prompts, and related-content modules while keeping the article's text and pictures. ### Distraction-limited browsing Enable Focus mode when you want the page to occupy the window without visible tabs or toolbar controls. ### Starting each session fresh Because cookies, cache, and site data are removed on quit, Nook suits browsing workflows where users prefer to begin signed out of websites. ### Keeping portable bookmarks Bookmarks are saved as a plain JSON file in Application Support, allowing them to be backed up or read outside the browser. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What operating systems and Macs does Nook support? Nook supports macOS 13 or later and runs natively on both Apple silicon and Intel Macs. ### Does Nook support browser extensions? No. The product states that there are no extensions to add and no settings to change. ### What happens to browsing data when Nook quits? Cookies, cache, and site data are deleted. History is held in memory and is gone after quitting, while bookmarks remain in a plain JSON file in the Mac's Application Support folder. ### Can Nook play Netflix or other DRM-protected video? No. The site states that Netflix and other DRM-protected streaming services will not play in Nook. ## Quick Facts - **Category**: Web browser - **Platform**: macOS 13 or later - **Processor support**: Apple silicon and Intel Macs - **Rendering engine**: Chromium - **Pricing**: Free; no account required - **Privacy model**: No account, sync, telemetry, or crash reporting stated