Paintbits

my Top 10 Firefox Addons

Firefox is one of the most used browsers nowadays. Firefox has been a great browser since release, but each new version builds upon the previous one, improving, speed increases, it to what has probably become the most feature complete existing browser. Even so, if you can’t find in Firefox what you need to improve your WebSurfing, Mozilla offers you a large database of small Addons where you will find for sure what you’re looking for… Most probably anything you might need for Firefox, exists… You just need to search for it.

Firefox Addons

Like I said before there is probably nothing you can’t find for Firefox in their Addons, so I decided to make a small list with my Top 10 Firefox Addons. Hopefully it will serve as a reference to you and who knows if one of them weren’t that addon you were looking for…

10. Colorzilla

How many times have you had to open your image editing program just to know the hex code of that color on your homepage? Well, there is no more need for that, Colorzilla will do that for you.

Colorzilla Colorpicker Firefox Bar Icon.

9. DownThemAll

DownThemAll is an Improved Download Manager with great filter capabilities. Contrary to Firefox (2) default Download Manager, DTA supports File Pause/Resume, File Filtering and File Batch Download… being this one the most important capability of this addon. A webpage with 69 PDF’s? No Problem, with DownThemAll it takes only a couple of Clicks.

Several Files Downloaded effortless with Downthemall.

8. FireFTP

If you need to update your website constantly or like to store some files in a remote server like me, you probably use some sort of FTP program. If that’s the and you also use Firefox (if not.. you SHOULD! :devil: ), FireFTP is the addon for you. It’s your typical FTP program inside Firefox. No need for another installation, easy updates… and of course, it’s free.

Easy Remote File Access with Firefox FireFTP Addon.

7. PDF Download

Yes… PDF Download, because each time you try to open a PDF it’s saved to your computer… or when you try to save it, it opens in the browser… This relieves the pain a bit.

PDF Files management made easy.

6. Gmail Manager

If you are like that use Gmail Manager compulsively, you will need Gmail Manager to always be updated on your email inbox.

Gmail Manager Indicator on the Firefox Statusbar.

5. Dictionaries and Language Packs

The rules say you should write with mistakes… I try, I swear I try, but writing in a foreign language is harder then writing in your mother language. That’s why a Dictionary is so useful. Search for your language and add one now.

Dictonaries and Language Packs help you write without mistakes… at least they try!

4. Web Developer

If you are always trying to find out how that webpage was designed, what elements it has, how many DIVs the author used, how the CSS code looks like… Web Developer is the addon for you.

Deconstructing webpages was never easier!

Rumbs… now the Top3!!

3. Adblock Plus

If you don’t like visit a webpage and be presented with lots of Ads, Adblock Plus is the solution you were looking for, it’s easy to configure… and above all, it Works!

Block those pesky advertisements and boring images!

2. Google Browser Sync

Google Browser Sync is the perfect tool if you like me use Firefox on more then one computer and like to have everything synchronized!

More then one computer? No problema! Sync… Sync it!

Note: If you’re running Firefox 3, Google has discontinued the developing of this addon, so … you have to find another solution. Use Foxmarks (see bellow) or see this post about Mozilla Weave.

1. PicLens (CoolIris)

My number 1 Firefox Addon is PicLens. PicLens is fantastic, you have to try it to understand. Browsing Google Search Images was never easier… PickLens presents you with a slick slideshow interface that will instantly appear with your images so you can browse trough them like you were in a real gallery. See for yourself, try it out. See PicLens Website for more Information.

PicLens is also available for Flickr, Photobucket, DeviantArt, Picasa, YouTube, etc… Or you can even install it on your WordPress Blog with the WP-PicLens addon.

Browsing Images was never so fun with PicLens.

More and More…

Don’t stop here, these are only MY favourite addons, tell me yours in the comments, recommend other users your Addons, recommend Firefox, tell your friends why they should use it… Search for more useful addons within Firefox Most Popular Addons Page. I have some more useful addons in the list below that might also be of use to you.

I use a lot of addons… 1 + 2.

More Addons

• FlashGot – Integrate your external Download Manager into Firefox.
• NoScript – Allow JavaScript, Java and other executable content to run only from sites you trust.
• Greasemonkey – Allows you to customize Firefox with several scripts.
• Foxmarks Bookmark Synchronizer – Another Bookmark synchronizer. Good alternative to Google Browser Sync.
• FireBug – Development tools at your fingertips while you browse.
• StumbleUpon – StumbleUpon discovers web sites based on your interests, learns what you like and brings you more.
• TwitterFox – Notifies you of your friends’ statuses of Twitter.
• BugMeNot – Bypass compulsory web registration with the context menu via www.bugmenot.com.
• Video DownloadHelper – The easy way to download Web videos from hundreds of YouTube-like sites.
• Linkification – Converts text links into genuine, clickable links…

Note: Keep in mind that some of these addons might not work in the Beta Version of Firefox (Firefox 3), but since most of these are very popular they will be updated to work with FF3 sooner or later.