Firefox has Revolutionized Search Functionality – Everyone Should Take Note!

Even though I've leaned towards browsers like Chrome and Opera for everyday use, Firefox remains a formidable player in the web browsing space.

The reason for my continued admiration for Firefox is simple: it consistently introduces outstanding and innovative features. Their latest improvement in search capabilities is no exception.

Enhancing Search Flexibility

I typically switch between search engines based on need—DuckDuckGo when I'm focused on privacy, Amazon for shopping sprees, and sometimes AI-centric engines like Perplexity.

Thus, having a range of predefined search engines is essential.

While most browsers allow setting up different search engines, some even let you trigger a particular engine by typing a specific keyword in the address bar. However, Firefox recently simplified the process.

With the latest update, configuring search engines is hassle-free. You can instantly select the tool for your search without the need for prior setup.

This addition arrived quietly, yet it's a feature that could shape future browser updates industry-wide. With so many available search engines—each catering to different needs—making it easy for users to switch engines without setting them up individually is highly advantageous.

Getting Started with Firefox’s New Search Tool

Let’s walk through how to use this fantastic new feature on Firefox's 145.0.1 version, particularly on Pop!_OS Linux, and it’s been verified on MacOS too.

Opening Firefox

Begin by launching Firefox. Once it's open, switch to a new tab using the shortcuts Ctrl+T or Cmd+T.

Selecting Your Preferred Search Engine

Next to the address bar, a new dropdown will appear, likely showing a Google icon. Clicking it reveals all available search engines. Choose from this list your preferred engine.

All previously added search engines will be visible in this list.

Conduct Your Search

After your selection, input your query and enjoy the streamlined results.

It really is that simple.

Locating Preferred but Absent Search Engines

Should your desired search engine not be listed, access Search Settings from the bottom of the dropdown menu. In the new window, go to Search Shortcuts and add your required search engine.

This process allows for the inclusion of numerous search engines.

The key is knowing the URL to input. For more obscure search engines, some quick research to obtain the URL might be necessary.

A keyword can also be assigned for address bar searches.

For instance, for the Brave search engine, you would use the URL: https://search.brave.com/search?q=%s

Once the engine is added, it appears readily in the dropdown.