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increase search bar width

mike97470
mike97470
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I have always used a separate Search Bar, and I like it. Yes, I know that a Search Bar can be added or subtracted from the Tool Bar by "Options/Search/add search bar in toolbar". And you can hover over the space between the Address Bar and the Tool Bar, and change the width of one vs the other.

That's not what I want, and not how FF has worked for years.

The Search Bar can be relocated from the middle of the Toolbar to the next line underneath the Toolbar, whatever it's called, by opening a Customize Tab, and simply dragging the Search Bar. Initially it ends up at the left of the page, and then can be moved to the right by placing Flexible Spaces in front of it. I find that I have always liked it placed to the far left. I leave it to the left side because it's my belief that the cursor will be closer to the left when Search is needed. In any case there is no restriction to the horizontal position of this Search Bar. The problem is that FF somehow now in version 65.0.2/64 the Search Bar width is smaller than previously, ~1" on a 24" display. This is unacceptable, how can it be change?

I have always used a separate Search Bar, and I like it. Yes, I know that a Search Bar can be added or subtracted from the Tool Bar by "Options/Search/add search bar in toolbar". And you can hover over the space between the Address Bar and the Tool Bar, and change the width of one vs the other. That's not what I want, and not how FF has worked for years. The Search Bar can be relocated from the middle of the Toolbar to the next line underneath the Toolbar, whatever it's called, by opening a Customize Tab, and simply dragging the Search Bar. Initially it ends up at the left of the page, and then can be moved to the right by placing Flexible Spaces in front of it. I find that I have always liked it placed to the far left. I leave it to the left side because it's my belief that the cursor will be closer to the left when Search is needed. In any case there is no restriction to the horizontal position of this Search Bar. The problem is that FF somehow now in version 65.0.2/64 the Search Bar width is smaller than previously, ~1" on a 24" display. This is unacceptable, how can it be change?

All Replies (3)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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The allocation of space between the address bar and search bar is historically a little finicky. When they are immediately adjacent to one another, hovering the mouse pointer over the space between then shows a double-headed arrow and you can drag left or right to resize them relative to one another.

I don't know what is supposed to happen when you move the Search bar to the Bookmarks toolbar, especially if the Bookmarks Toolbar Items control is also there. ??

The width of the search bar is stored in a file named xulstore.json which you could remove (so Firefox restores default sizing) or try to edit. Please only remove/edit this file when Firefox is closed. Here's where you can find it:

Open your current Firefox settings (AKA Firefox profile) folder using either

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Enter

In the first table on the page, on the Profile Folder row, click the "Open Folder" button. This should launch a new window listing various files and folders in Windows Explorer.

Note: A new xulstore.json file will have the Menu Bar and Bookmarks Toolbar hidden. You can use one of these methods to show the toolbar list and select the desired bars there:

  • right-click (on Mac Ctrl+click) a blank spot on the tab bar (or the "+" button)
  • (menu bar) View > Toolbars
    On Windows, tap the Alt key to activate the menu bar temporarily.
  • in Customize mode > Toolbars button (see: Customize Firefox controls, buttons and toolbars)

To turn on the Bookmarks Toolbar, Menu Bar, or other bars, click it on the list.

mike97470
mike97470 Question owner
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Thanks for the superquick response and the great info!

I tried editing xulstore.json "search-container":{"width":"384"} changing 384 to 2304 (6 times wider?)

I didn't notice any change until I did Customize "Restore Defaults", then moving the Search Bar down. It now occupies about 1/2 of the screen width, and can be clicked into at any point to do a Search. Very convenient, thanks again.

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Thanks for reporting back. I would have thought "Restore Defaults" would override your edit, but I guess not. Interesting!