Special search characters in Firefox

In Firefox, I use the InstantFox add-on to combine address bar and search bar into one item – like in Google Chrome.

But even without this add-on, Firefox allows you to restrict your search by adding a character in front of the search terms, like so:

firefox-search.jpg

Notice the * in front of the search term bugs. This restricts the search to bookmarks.

Here’s a list of the most important restrictions:

Character Restriction
* Bookmarks
^ History
% Open Tabs
+ Tags (in bookmarks)
# Search in titles only
@ Search in URLs only

All these shortcuts can be edited in about:config under browser.urlbar.

Removing “Bookmarks” button from Firefox bookmarks toolbar

Ever since I updated from Firefox 3.6 to 4.0 (and now 5.0) I had an additional item called “Bookmarks” in my Bookmarks toolbar. For me, it was (and is) unnecessary because I have all my bookmarks on my toolbar (and none of them in the actual Bookmarks menu). So, I was looking for a way to get rid of this button. I did some searching on the Internet but found nothing. So, I just tried to ignore this button.

Bookmarks button on the bookmarks toolbar in Firefox

Today, however, I stumbled over a way to remove this button. Just right-click on an empty space on the toolbar containing the address bar (not on the bookmarks toolbar). A menu will pop up and there you choose Customize.

Customizing Firefox' toolbar

This will allow you to add and/or remove toolbar buttons to Firefox’ main toolbar. Strangely, a new “Bookmarks” button will appear – usually on the right side.

Bookmarks button appeared in Firefox' main toolbar

This is the “Bookmarks” button that is displayed in your Bookmarks toolbar. Remove it (drag it away from the toolbar), close the “Customize” dialog, and the “Bookmarks” button will be gone.

Note: There are actually two bookmark buttons available in Firefox. One with a pulldown arrow to its right and one without. Only the one with the pulldown arrow will be moved to the bookmarks toolbar.