The Problem
Every new tab in my browser was wasted real estate: either a blank page or cluttered with "recommended" content I didn't ask for. Browser bookmark managers are functional but uninspiring, and cloud-based start pages raise privacy concerns and require accounts.
The Solution
Homebase is a self-hosted dashboard that transforms your new tab page into a personalized command center:
- Zero Dependencies: Pure HTML/CSS/JavaScript - no framework, no build step
- Privacy First: All data stays local, no accounts required
- Beautiful Themes: 15 color schemes in light and dark variants
- Offline Capable: Works without internet (except weather/RSS)
Features
Bookmark Organization
- Collapsible categories with 1-3 column layouts
- Drag-and-drop reordering with visual feedback
- Quick access bar with 5 favicon shortcuts
Multi-Engine Search
- DuckDuckGo, Google, Bing
- AI assistants: Perplexity, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude
- Keyboard-first interaction
Live Widgets
- Weather: Current conditions + forecast via Open-Meteo (no API key needed)
- RSS Ticker: Scrolling headlines from your favorite feeds
Data Portability
- Import/export your entire configuration
- Sync across browsers via Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud
Deployment Options
| Mode | Storage | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| File URL | localStorage | Single browser, simplest setup |
| Local Server | JSON files | Multi-browser sync on same machine |
| Cloud Sync | JSON + cloud | Sync across all devices |
Tech Stack
Intentionally minimal:
- Frontend: Vanilla JavaScript (no React, no Vue, no build tools)
- Backend: Optional Node.js or Python server (~11KB each)
- Storage: localStorage or JSON files
- Sync: Native cloud provider APIs
Browser Support
| Browser | Setup |
|---|---|
| Safari | Native file URL support |
| Arc | Built-in custom new tab |
| Chrome/Brave/Edge | Requires extension for custom new tab |
| Firefox | Requires local server |
Why No Framework?
Sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. By avoiding build tools and frameworks:
- Page loads instantly (no JS bundle to parse)
- Works offline forever (no CDN dependencies)
- Easy to customize (just edit HTML/CSS)
- Will likely work in 10 years (no deprecated dependencies)
Related Articles
- Reclaiming the New Tab Page: Why I built a self-hosted browser dashboard