6 Useful about:config Tweaks for Firefox 8+

Unlocking Firefox's Hidden Potential: A Guide to about:config

Do you utilize Firefox as your primary web browser? If not, consider launching it and exploring the extensive customization options available. Firefox is known for its adaptability, particularly through the numerous extensions and add-ons readily accessible online.

However, are you aware of the about:config feature? This allows for even deeper browser customization by directly modifying individual settings.

Accessing Advanced Firefox Settings

Mozilla integrated about:config into Firefox applications some time ago. This functionality grants users the ability to manually adjust every internal setting within Firefox.

This includes settings that are not normally accessible through the standard Options menu.

Accessing these advanced program settings is straightforward. Simply navigate to the address bar in Firefox and enter about:config.

Then, begin typing the name of the setting you wish to modify, and it will be displayed on your screen.

Important Considerations & Disclaimer

It’s crucial to understand that altering settings within about:config carries a risk. Incorrect modifications can potentially destabilize or break your Firefox installation.

Caution is advised when experimenting with these parameters.

Please note that MakeUseOf assumes no responsibility for any damage incurred to your browser or computer as a result of exploring the following tweaks.

Proceed with careful consideration and at your own risk.

browser.ctrlTab.previews

The standard function of Ctrl + Tab in Firefox is to cycle directly between open tabs, immediately loading each page as it's selected.

However, altering this setting allows for a different experience. Setting browser.ctrlTab.previews to true activates a thumbnail preview row.

How it Works

When enabled, pressing Ctrl + Tab will display a visual overview of your open tabs. You can then navigate through these thumbnails to select your desired tab.

By default, this feature is disabled, with the setting configured to false. This means the browser switches tabs instantly without showing previews.

This modification provides a more visual way to manage and switch between multiple open tabs within the Firefox browser.

browser.taskbar.previews.max

When using Firefox on Windows 7, hovering over the application’s taskbar icon displays a thumbnail preview of each open tab. This feature can become cumbersome if numerous tabs are currently loaded.

The browser.taskbar.previews.max preference controls the maximum number of tab thumbnails shown in this preview window.

Adjusting the Preview Count

Setting this value to 1 will limit the preview to a single thumbnail, reducing potential clutter. Alternatively, you can specify a different integer value to suit your browsing habits.

The default configuration for this setting is 20, meaning up to twenty tab previews will be displayed.

Modifying this preference allows users to optimize the taskbar preview functionality for improved usability and a less intrusive experience.

browser.tabs.closeButtons

Are you bothered by the presence of a close tab button ("X") on each and every tab within your Firefox browser? This setting allows for customization to suit your preferences.

Assigning a value of 0 to this preference will restrict the display of the close button to only the currently selected tab.

Alternatively, setting the value to 2 will completely hide the close button from all tabs.

Customization Options

• 0: Close button appears only on the active tab.
• 2: Close button is hidden on all tabs.
• 3: Close buttons are removed from individual tabs, consolidating them into a single button at the end of the tab bar.

The default configuration for this setting is 1, which displays the close button on every tab.

Adjusting this setting provides greater control over the visual appearance and functionality of your Firefox tabs.

browser.tabs.closeWindowWithLastTab

By default, a newly installed Firefox browser will close completely when its final tab is closed. This behavior isn't preferred by all users. Fortunately, this functionality can be easily modified.

To prevent the browser from closing, simply adjust this setting to false. This will allow the browser window to remain open even when no tabs are currently active.

Understanding the Default Behavior

Initially, the browser.tabs.closeWindowWithLastTab preference is set to true. This means that once the last tab is closed, Firefox will terminate the browser process.

How to Modify the Setting

Changing the value to false ensures the browser stays open. You can then open new tabs as needed without repeatedly launching a new browser instance.

This adjustment provides greater control over the browser's behavior. It's a simple customization that can significantly improve the user experience for those who prefer to keep a browser window open for quick access.

browser.urlbar.trimURLs

A subtle adjustment, this preference offers control over URL display. Some users find it undesirable when the http:// prefix is automatically omitted from the address bar.

To prevent Firefox from truncating the protocol, modify this setting to false. The default configuration for this preference is currently set to true.

Understanding the Setting

The browser.urlbar.trimURLs preference dictates whether or not the protocol (like http:// or https://) is displayed in the URL bar.

How to Modify

• Changing the value to false ensures the full URL, including the protocol, is always visible.
• Leaving the setting at its default of true allows Firefox to shorten the URL for a cleaner appearance.

This is a user-specific preference, meaning the change will only affect your individual Firefox profile.

While seemingly minor, controlling this aspect of the URL bar can improve clarity and reduce potential confusion for some users.

browser.allTabs.previews

Located at the bottom of the open tabs list, a dedicated button enables the display of all currently active tabs. Modifying this setting to true alters the tab list’s presentation.

Instead of a traditional list, tabs are visualized as a grid of thumbnails. This provides a quick visual overview of all open tabs.