Opera Widgets

Important message: From Opera 12, Opera Widgets are turned off by default for new users and we are no longer developing Opera Widgets. We encourage all developers to move their solutions to the extension platform.

You can still re-install widgets, however be aware that widgets in this form will be phased out. Only those moved to the extension platform will be supported long-term.

Widgets are applications based on browser technology. There are widgets for just about any purpose: weather forecasts, games, clocks, dictionaries, media players, and much more.

Prior to Opera 10.50, widgets were intimately tied to the browser user interface. When you closed Opera, you closed your widgets. Opera Widgets is a technology that frees widgets from the browser user interface, and gives them the status of regular applications. With Opera Widgets, it is possible to open a widget without ever opening the browser. Opera must be installed, because a running widget depends on a widget engine, but otherwise the widget is on its own. To emphasize its status as a regular application, Opera makes the widget available through the applications menu, together with all your other applications.

Installing widgets

To find and install widgets, go to http://widgets.opera.com/. Choose a widget, and click on the “Install” button. The Widget Installation wizard opens, and guides you through the installation process. By default, the wizard creates entries under "Programs" in the Start Menu, on the desktop, and on the Quick Launch bar, together with other applications.

Uninstalling widgets

Removing a widget from the system is the same as removing any other application.

Context menu

You can drag and place widgets anywhere you want on your screen. Right-click for a context menu that offers additional configuration, including placement and zoom, settings, developer tools, and closing.

Learn more

• Extension platform
• Converting widgets to Opera extensions