Firefox has built-in features most users never discover. Before reaching for extensions, here is what Firefox offers out of the box.
1. Enhanced Tracking Protection (already on)
Firefox blocks known trackers by default. For stronger blocking: about:preferences#privacy → Strict mode.
2. Picture-in-Picture video
Right-click any HTML5 video → "Watch in Picture-in-Picture." A floating window you can resize and move anywhere on screen. Works on YouTube, Netflix, and most streaming sites.
3. Reader Mode
A book icon appears in the address bar on article pages. Click it for a clean, distraction-free reading view with adjustable font and background.
4. Firefox Multi-Account Containers
Built-in feature (requires the Container extension from Mozilla). Creates isolated browser sessions per container — work, personal, banking — each with their own cookies. Run two Google accounts simultaneously without logout/login cycles.
5. Screenshots
Right-click on any page → "Take Screenshot." Capture a full-page screenshot or a selected region. No extension needed.
6. Pocket integration
Firefox has Pocket built in. Click the Pocket icon to save any article for later reading in Pocket's app or on other devices.
7. PDF viewer
Firefox opens PDFs natively. It includes annotation, highlighting, and printing without needing a separate PDF viewer.
8. Address bar calculations
Type a math expression in the address bar: 235 * 1.08 → Firefox shows the result before you press Enter. Quick arithmetic without leaving the address bar.
9. Firefox Sync
Create a free Firefox account to sync bookmarks, passwords, tabs, and history across devices. Works between desktop and mobile Firefox without a third-party service.
10. about:config customization
Type about:config to access hundreds of hidden settings. Common customizations: disable Firefox's default new tab suggestions, adjust tab behavior, enable new features before they roll out.
When extensions add value
For functions beyond these built-in features — custom new tab tools, voice recording, session management, automatic dark mode — the 11 Firefox extensions I built cover common productivity workflows.
For specific extension recommendations: full series.
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