This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Hierdie gesprek is in die argief. Vra asseblief 'n nuwe vraag as jy hulp nodig het.

How to make [address bar search/new-URL] + [alt-return] open new tab in BACKGROUND?

s.alexander.reed
s.alexander.reed
more options

Hi all!

When I alt-click, I always want a new tab to appear, but in the background—never forcing me to navigate away from my current window. (I'm a Mac user, and use the Command key as my alt.) I've successfully toggled settings in about:config to make this happen in 90% of cases. But...

When I type into the address bar and hit alt-return, Firefox always forces the new tab into the foreground (whether a search result or a typed URL). How do I change this setting to background?

Thanks!

Hi all! When I alt-click, '''I always want a new tab to appear, but in the background'''—never forcing me to navigate away from my current window. (I'm a Mac user, and use the Command key as my alt.) I've successfully toggled settings in about:config to make this happen in 90% of cases. But... '''When I type into the address bar and hit alt-return, Firefox always forces the new tab into the foreground''' (whether a search result or a typed URL). '''How do I change this setting to background?''' Thanks!

All Replies (1)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

I don't think Firefox has a preference for that scenario (you probably are familiar with the preferences for regular links, popup links diverted to a tab, bookmarks, and the optional classic short search bar).

Mozilla has a new "Ideas" site at https://connect.mozilla.org/. I think if you have time, it would be a good idea to post there to get into the current feedback stream. (Post under the "Ideas" section rather than the "Discussion" section.)