9 Greasemonkey Scripts For More Productive Google Search
The Evolution of Google Search and Customization Options
Initially, the simplicity of the Google search interface was a key factor in its popularity. While Google has refined its design over time, it has largely maintained a relatively uncluttered layout.
Despite these efforts, a universally appealing search results page remains elusive, as individual needs and preferences vary considerably.
Fortunately, users can leverage Greasemonkey scripts to tailor Google’s interface to their specific requirements. Note: It is advisable to select only those scripts that offer the most benefit to your workflow, rather than installing them all.
1. SearchJump: Expanding Your Search Engine Options
SearchJump is a Greasemonkey script designed to add a sidebar that facilitates redirection to the same search query on various other search engines.
Enhanced productivity is achieved through quicker switching between search platforms like Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and Ask.
A comparable script offering similar functionality is “Try This Search On.”
2. Google Anonymizer: Protecting Your Privacy
The Google Anonymizer script (or alternatives like “Disable Google Search Result Redirect”) functions to eliminate tracking elements from Google results pages.
Enhanced productivity is realized by enabling faster copying of destination URLs directly from the search results page.
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3. Google Speed Dial: Streamlined Navigation
Google Speed Dial introduces keyboard shortcuts for navigating Google search results.
Enhanced productivity is gained by using the number keys to jump directly to specific results – press ‘1’ for the first result, ‘2’ for the second, and so on. ‘0’ navigates to the tenth result (limited to the top 10 results).
4. Keyboard Shortcuts for Results Page Navigation
“Keyboard Shortcuts for Google Search” allows for efficient navigation of Google search results pages using keyboard commands.
Enhanced productivity is achieved through faster page navigation and streamlined search query editing:
- n - Proceed to the next page
- p - Return to the previous page
- e - Select the query for editing
- a - Add terms to the search query
5. Minimizing Ad Clutter
The “Push Google Search Ads Right” script aims to reduce visual distractions.
Enhanced productivity is fostered by minimizing distractions from Google advertisements appearing above search results, thereby reducing scrolling.
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Alternatively, all Google sponsored links can be removed entirely.
6. Two-Column Google Results
“Google Two Columns” is a Greasemonkey script that presents search results in a two-column layout.
Enhanced productivity is realized by displaying more information at a glance, reducing the need for extensive scrolling.
7. Google Bump: Comprehensive Multi-Search
Google Bump offers multi-search capabilities and a customized inline player.
Enhanced productivity is provided through:
- The ability to search multiple engines and terms simultaneously, opening all results in new tabs.
- The integration of image and video search results on the same page as general search, complete with inline previews.
8. Google MonkeyR: Enhanced Result Recognition
GoogleMonkeyR adds page previews and favicons to search results.
Enhanced productivity is achieved by facilitating faster recognition of familiar pages within Google search results.
Additional customizable options include:
- Disabling Google tracking
- Displaying results in multiple columns
- Removing “sponsored” links
- Opening links in new tabs
- Auto-loading more results
- Numbered results
9. Google Search Sidebar: Consolidated Information
Google Search Sidebar adds a sidebar displaying search results from Dictionary.com, Wikipedia, Flickr, and YouTube.
Enhanced productivity is gained by providing more information at a glance, reducing the time spent searching the web and conducting research.
What other Greasemonkey scripts do you utilize to improve your Google search productivity?