5 Shortcuts to Maximize Firefox Browsing Speed

If you are like me, you probably love Firefox already. With tons of add-ons, speed, and a user-friendly interface, there are lots to like. However, do you ever find yourself fumbling around with the mouse wishing that you could navigate more efficiently? The following tutorial will teach you some common keyboard shortcuts to turn you into a power user!

1. Alt+D - Quickly Go to the URL Bar

Instead of fumbling around with the mouse, try this clever way. Pressing "Alt" and "D" at the same time will place the cursor to the insertion point on your URL bar. After, simply type in the URL of the website you would like to visit. With the new Firefox 3.0, you can also type in keywords instead of a full URL. Firefox will automatically search Google for your entered keywords!

2. CTRL+Enter - Automatically inputs "www." and ".com"

When the cursor is in the URL bar, type in only the name of the URL, then press "CTRL" and "Enter" to save time. Firefox will automatically place the "http://" prefix, "www." and the ".com" portion of the URL! For example, if you type in "Google" in the URL bar, then press CTRL+Enter, Firefox will automatically go to http://www.google.com.

3. CTRL + Spinning the mouse wheel - manipulates font size on page

Is the screen's font to large or small for you? Don't worry, by simply spinning the mouse wheel while holding the control button, the font will automatically change. Each tick of the mouse wheel will incrementally change the size.

4. CTRL+T - Opens a New Tab

This is a favorite for Firefox power users. This will enable you to open a new tab within your Firefox window for each of your favorite websites. So you can check your Gmail or yahoo accounts, local weather, read a blog, and see how the local baseball game went, all at the same time! Use this not only for easier browsing, but also to use less memory. Each tab will essentially perform the same functions of a new window, and will only cost you a fraction of memory space.

5. SHIFT+Click a Link - Launches a New Tab going to the link

Suppose you are doing some research, and you wish to maintain your current location while browsing a new topic. Press "SHIFT" while you are clicking on the desired link. This will open a new page in a new tab, thus maintaining your previous location.

Now you should be able to browse like a pro! If you enjoyed this tutorial, you may also like my guide on maximizing Firefox browsing speed through manipulating the about:config file. Check it out!