Most Firefox extensions can be triggered by keyboard shortcuts, not just toolbar clicks. Here is how to set up and use keyboard shortcuts for extensions.
Default shortcuts
Firefox assigns some default keyboard shortcuts to extensions. The most common:
-
Ctrl+Shift+A— opens the Firefox Add-ons Manager (not specific to any extension)
Individual extensions may define their own default shortcuts. Check the extension's listing page or documentation.
Setting custom keyboard shortcuts
Firefox allows you to assign keyboard shortcuts to any extension:
- Type
about:addonsin the address bar - Click the gear icon in the top right
- Select "Manage Extension Shortcuts"
- Find the extension you want
- Click in the shortcut field and press your preferred key combination
- Save
Useful shortcuts for the extensions in this series
Tab Manager and Session Saver: Assign a shortcut (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+S) to open the session management popup directly.
Voice Notes: Assign a shortcut to open the recorder popup — useful when you want to start recording quickly during research without reaching for the mouse.
AI Writing Assistant: Assign a shortcut to trigger grammar checking on selected text.
NightOwl: Assign a shortcut to toggle dark mode on/off manually (in addition to the automatic schedule).
Shortcut conflict resolution
Firefox will warn you if your chosen shortcut conflicts with a browser default. If you try to use Ctrl+T (new tab) for an extension shortcut, Firefox will block it.
Recommended shortcut keys for extensions (usually not in use): Ctrl+Shift + a letter that is not already assigned (Ctrl+Shift+J opens the browser console — avoid that one).
Using extensions without the toolbar icon
Some users prefer a minimal toolbar. After assigning keyboard shortcuts, you can remove extension icons from the toolbar:
- Right-click any toolbar icon
- Select "Remove from Toolbar"
The extension still works — it's now only accessible via keyboard shortcut.
Extensions with keyboard shortcut support:
These are part of a series of 11 Firefox extensions I built — see the full series.
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