Open Links in Other Browsers from Firefox - Guide
Enhancing Browser Testing with the "Open With" Firefox Extension
As a long-time Firefox user, I frequently encounter situations requiring a link to be opened in an alternative browser. This is particularly useful for cross-browser compatibility testing or when specific websites necessitate a different browser, such as Internet Explorer.
Previously, achieving this involved either manually navigating to the desired URL in another browser or utilizing tools like Browsershots. However, a streamlined solution now exists in the form of a Firefox extension called Open With.
Installing the Extension
The Open With extension can be found here. Installation is straightforward; simply click the Add to Firefox button.
It’s important to note that this installation must be performed directly within Firefox, as it won’t function correctly in other browsers. After installation and a Firefox restart, the extension is ready for use.
Utilizing the Context Menu
Once installed, the extension adds an icon for each installed browser to your context menu.
The extension automatically detects the browsers present on your system. For example, with Internet Explorer and Firefox both installed, right-clicking a hyperlink reveals the new options in the context menu:
Selecting "Open link with Internet Explorer" will immediately launch the page within that browser.
This functionality proves invaluable for tasks like addressing compatibility issues or accessing websites that require Internet Explorer, such as certain Microsoft services. It simplifies the testing process significantly, surpassing the capabilities of alternatives like Corel IE Tab.
Configuring Extension Options
The extension’s options can be accessed through Tools -> Options -> Manage Add Ons -> then clicking options under Open With. This leads to the following configuration screen:
You can customize the display options, choosing between buttons or menu items. However, the true power lies within the "Manual Entries" tab.
Addressing Potential Issues and Customization
Some users have reported compatibility problems with the extension following browser updates. If you encounter such issues, support can be found here.
This section allows you to manually specify the browser executable and launch parameters, including switches, for greater control.
To modify the launch command for a specific browser, simply highlight it and click edit command.
Conclusion
The Open With extension provides a convenient and efficient method for opening links in alternative browsers directly from Firefox. Do you utilize other applications to facilitate cross-browser testing? Share your recommendations in the comments below!