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FF Version 63 - When opening a new tab, how to open a url file?

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How do I open a custom URL (not a blank page, and not Firefox default)? The list of options under "New tabs" shoud match "Homepage and new windows"...to me, it's just like reloading a new FF from the gecko.

How do I open a custom URL (not a blank page, and not Firefox default)? The list of options under "New tabs" shoud match "Homepage and new windows"...to me, it's just like reloading a new FF from the gecko.

All Replies (5)

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Since Firefox 41, an add-on is needed to load a different page into a new tab. Here are some options:

For New Tab Override, you may need to visit the Add-ons page and click the Options button for the extension to select the desired page.

Modified by jscher2000 - Support Volunteer

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Thanks for the quick reply, and I've already seen these two tries in the past.

The first ADD ON does not work (it used to, but broke), hasn't worked for me in a number of releases (as well as not working for many others, seems very flaky).

The second I also had tried and the info page says "Access to local files via URL is no longer possible due to Firefox restrictions. Please consider using the “local file” option or a local web server, for example via MAMP or XAMPP."

I actually do not know what '"local file'" option means in this context...do you? That would be great if so.

Bottom line is I've investigated both of these, and neither works (at least for me). I don't understand why the developer community can't simply add this as a option WITHIN FF like it is on the launch options as mentioned.

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A local file is a file that has the file:// protocol prefix.

A WebExtension can't open a local page on startup, but some can save a copy of a local file in local storage and show this cached file instead.

If you have a home page on internet then you can upload the file to such an internet page.

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Thanks, but all of these suggestions are workarounds that i am not even sure how to try. This is very simple. The "Homepage and New Window' option allows 'Custom URLs' where I can enter a 'file://' URL to direct it to my HTML file on my harddrive. The "New Tabs" option does not have this as an allowable option. Add it!!

(It does appear than CTRL/N to create a new window does load an instance of FF as advertised and allows me to do so to use my local htlm file, but not as elegant as simply being able to click on the '+' to open a new tab that should also have this option as I'm complaining about.

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Hi AndyDS, yes, new windows always show the home page(s).

Here in support we work with the Firefox we have today and can suggest relevant features, settings changes, and workarounds. If those do not meet your needs, you can submit comments and suggestions through one or more of the following links: