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How to set Preferences such that new tabs open to same page as active when Command-T was hit?

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On opening a new tab, the tab by default opens to thumbnails based on recent history. A la Safari, I want the new tab to open *to same page as was active when Command-T was hit*. What are the specific steps to take, to set as the default (preference), new pages to open to "Same page"? ("Same page" is Safari's check box in its Preferences.)

Note, I have navigated available Mozilla Support, and using about:config have reset browser.newtab.url so that the new tab appears blank (discontinuing tracking of recent history for this purpose).

Note, more importantly, I have found this Support Forum article, which, though challengingly written, has given me a temporary solution:

  * https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/891635

(The temporary solution for the Mac OS is to Command-click on the "Reload current page" icon in the url/Address box in the browser toolbar, which opens a new tab in the same window.)

However, I would still like to set this as a permanent Preference, and would ask someone communicate a solution to me. Cheers, LeProf

On opening a new tab, the tab by default opens to thumbnails based on recent history. A la Safari, I want the new tab to open *to same page as was active when Command-T was hit*. What are the specific steps to take, to set as the default (preference), new pages to open to "Same page"? ("Same page" is Safari's check box in its Preferences.) Note, I have navigated available Mozilla Support, and using about:config have reset browser.newtab.url so that the new tab appears blank (discontinuing tracking of recent history for this purpose). Note, more importantly, I have found this Support Forum article, which, though challengingly written, has given me a temporary solution: * https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/891635 (The temporary solution for the Mac OS is to Command-click on the "Reload current page" icon in the url/Address box in the browser toolbar, which opens a new tab in the same window.) However, I would still like to set this as a permanent Preference, and would ask someone communicate a solution to me. Cheers, LeProf

Chosen solution

LeProf_7272 wrote:

if I can possibly just create a new config line

You can't, which is why I suggested the above add-ons. There is no option in the UI or hidden preference in Firefox that can duplicate a tab whenever you open a new tab. browser.newtab.url can only be set to a fixed address, not whatever address happens to be open in the current tab.

The are only two built-in methods for duplicating a tab:

  1. Hold down the Option key and drag the tab to a new position on the tab bar.
  2. Hold down the Command key and click the Reload button in the address bar.

You can make feature requests by filing enhancement bug reports, or by opening the Help menu and clicking Submit Feedback.

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If you insist on rebinding the keyboard shortcut, it can probably be done with the keyconfig add-on. If you need usage directions, ask below.


For a button like the built-in [+] New Tab button, things are a lot simpler.

  1. Install the Duplicate Tab add-on.
  2. Right-click (or Control+click) an empty area of the tab bar and choose Customize.
  3. Drag the Duplicate Tab icon from the palette onto either the tab bar or the navigation toolbar.
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I have no desire to rebind a keyboard shortcut. I simply want to establish a new default preference for opening tabs. Default is they open with recent history thumbnails. I was able to change this default using the indicated guidance (link above) so that new tabs open to a blank page. I still expect Command-T to open a new tab; I simply want the page opened not to be blank, but to be the same page as the one open when the command was given. (If I am at this web page, and click Command-T, I want a replica of this page opened.) Cheers, and thanks for the try.

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P.S. I understand that the add-on accomplishes this; I simply see no need for having two different add-a-tab options (blank and duplicate) if I can possibly just create a new config line, and have the Firefox work area completely mirror the Safari, in its setup/function. LeProf

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Chosen Solution

LeProf_7272 wrote:

if I can possibly just create a new config line

You can't, which is why I suggested the above add-ons. There is no option in the UI or hidden preference in Firefox that can duplicate a tab whenever you open a new tab. browser.newtab.url can only be set to a fixed address, not whatever address happens to be open in the current tab.

The are only two built-in methods for duplicating a tab:

  1. Hold down the Option key and drag the tab to a new position on the tab bar.
  2. Hold down the Command key and click the Reload button in the address bar.

You can make feature requests by filing enhancement bug reports, or by opening the Help menu and clicking Submit Feedback.