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Staring at all the tabs in Edge DevTools can be confusing. You might know what you want to fix, but not which panel will help.
This blog makes it easier for web developers to work inside the tools.
You’ll learn to inspect HTML, fix layout issues, catch JavaScript errors, and check network activity. Also, you’ll find tips to speed up your workflow and customize the setup to fit your style.
Keep reading if you're working in Edge Developer Tools and want a smoother debugging process.
To open Microsoft Edge Developer Tools, press F12 or Ctrl + Shift + I on your keyboard. Alternatively, right-click any part of a webpage and select Inspect.
Inspect and edit HTML/CSS
Debug JavaScript
Monitor network traffic
Simulate devices
Audit performance and memory usage
Microsoft Edge gives you powerful access to developer tools built directly into the browser. Whether you're optimizing layout with the elements tab or analyzing network traffic via the network tool, you'll find that these tools provide all the necessary diagnostics.
The DevTools window typically opens docked to the right of the browser window. However, you can switch it to a separate window using the dock settings at the top right corner.
| Tool Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Elements Tool | View and edit HTML & CSS in real-time |
| Console Tool | View errors, warnings, and run JS commands |
| Sources Tool | Debug JavaScript and view file breakpoints |
| Network Panel | Track HTTP requests and analyze load times |
| Application Tool | Inspect local storage, cookies, and sessions |
| Performance Tool | Profile runtime performance and frame rates |
Use the three dots in the top right corner to access the more tools menu, where many other tools reside.
The elements panel displays the structure of the current webpage, allowing you to:
Inspect HTML elements
View and edit styles
See event listeners
Toggle element states (hover, focus)
You can use the context menu inside the elements tab to copy selectors, delete nodes, or jump to computed styles.
This tool surfaces console messages, errors, and logs. Use it to:
Run inline JavaScript
Access the current page’s DOM
Inspect variables and debug outputs
With the sources tool, you can:
Browse all loaded source files
Set breakpoints
Step through JavaScript execution
The network panel helps track network requests, latency, and request headers. It’s invaluable for debugging APIs and loading assets.
Use case: Want to debug failed image loads? Filter by type inside the network tool.
Press Ctrl + Shift + P to run command inside the command menu. This gives instant access to actions like:
Disable JavaScript
Toggle device mode
Run performance audits
The more tools menu contains specialized panels like:
Rendering
Animations
Issues
Coverage
These tools expose metrics hidden from standard panels but enabled when needed.
To adjust your setup:
Go to the top right corner \> Settings
Choose from devtools settings like:
◦ Theme
◦ Zoom level
◦ Enable source maps
You can customize DevTools to open to a specific panel or adjust the layout orientation.
Open the sources tool
Locate the bug-prone file
Set a breakpoint
Reload the page
Use the console tool to inspect variables
For network-related issues:
Open the network panel
Filter for failed network requests
Inspect payload, headers, and response
When dealing with layout issues:
Use the elements tool
Check CSS rules
Tweak and edit styles live
Use the performance tool to record runtime metrics:
Frame rate
Function call timings
Long tasks
The memory usage tab helps you monitor heap snapshots and allocation timelines. For memory leaks, take heap snapshots and compare them over time.
Welcome Tool shows recently used panels and tips. A great onboarding feature for new users.
Use live preview in the elements panel to test layout changes before committing.
Press Ctrl + P to jump between source files
Enable network conditions to simulate 3G/4G bandwidth
Edit cookies directly inside the application tool
Microsoft Edge Developer Tools bring developers a powerful, accessible way to inspect, debug, and optimize their webpages. From managing JavaScript breakpoints to monitoring network requests, the variety of tools provided covers every angle.
If you're building a web app, maintaining legacy code, or crafting responsive web pages , taking full control of Edge Developer Tools is necessary. Keep experimenting with the more tools, and don't forget the value of the command menu for quick actions. Every panel offers a path to better code, smoother performance, and deeper understanding.
Ready to select, inspect, adjust a CSS rule, or tweak a JavaScript file? Open DevTools and start mastering your browser.
