Firefox: the best tricks for the command line
Windows already has an extensive command line with CMD. Firefox also has such a function. This allows you to control the web browser using various commands. We explain how to activate the feature and which commands you should definitely try.
Open the command line in Firefox
The command line is hidden behind the name "developer toolbar". It can be activated in two different ways:
- Click [Tools] and [Web Developer] in the status bar. Then select the [Developer toolbar] entry to start the command line.
- Alternatively, the key combination [Shift] + [F2] is sufficient.
The best tricks for the Firefox command line
Contrary to what the name suggests, the feature is by no means only suitable for developers. Even normal Firefox users can gain a lot from the control panel:
- "help": At the beginning you should try the basic command "help". This lists all the available commands. If you set a specific command after "help", you will receive even more detailed explanations.
- "addon list": With the command "addon list" Firefox lists all installed plugins and addons. To do this, enter the command and press the tab key. You can then choose an extension type.
- "screenshot": With the command line you can even save entire websites. However, the command requires some additional information: "screenshot test.webp -delay 10 - -fullpage" takes a screenshot named "Test.webp" after ten seconds. You can freely choose the file name and the time delay.
- "resize on": With this command you simulate a different screen resolution. As in the screenshot, the website is automatically adapted to the new settings. For example, you can check how your homepage appears on other devices.
- "restart": If the current website no longer responds, you can simply restart Firefox with the "restart" command. After that everything should work again.
- "cookie list": This command tells you which cookies the current website leaves on your computer. You can then remove the entries individually.
The tips refer to Firefox version 25.0.1. Mozilla is constantly adding new commands to its web browser. A regular look at the command line is therefore worthwhile. This practical tip shows you how to reset Firefox after a faulty update.