Whether you develop WordPress websites or create content using WordPress, there’s a strong commonality between both: you have to use the CMS on a daily basis. And while it’s inevitable you’ll figure out shortcuts and ways to save time with experience, it’s also true that you may very well be doing things in an inefficient way at the moment.
Browser extensions have been a tried and true way to streamline workflow across multiple industries and platforms. Because of this fact, we thought it pertinent to present a list of some of the best Firefox extensions for streamlining WordPress productivity across a variety of aspects including development, design, content creation, marketing, and general productivity.
Let’s get straight to the list.
1. Web Developer
First on our list Web Developer, a Firefox extension that adds a whole host of web developer tools directly into your web browser. There are versions of this extension available for other browsers as well, which makes it accessible to an even wider range of developers.
A few notable features of this extension include the ability to clear session cookies, display element information, show image file sizes, edit CSS, and display topographic information. It’s a well-rounded, all-in-one extension approach to putting commonly used developer tools within arm’s reach of WordPress developers.
2. Clear Cache
Another option is Clear Cache, which as you might expect, allows you to clear your browser’s cache with a single click or simply by pressing F9. This is an invaluable tool to have on hand as developers are always having to clear their website’s cache to make sure the changes they’re making look as intended.
It doesn’t get much more straightforward than this one but that doesn’t make it any less important. Think of all the times you’ve dug around in settings to clear your browser’s cache, now think of translating that time into a single button press. A worthwhile addition to any browser, if you ask us.
3. ColorZilla
Next on our list is ColorZilla, another handy Firefox extension that makes color selection a much more intuitive part of design and development. That is, you can be browsing websites and when you find a color you want to use, this extension allows you to grab it and save for later use. This extension includes an eyedropper tool, a color picker tool, and gradient generator.
Other tools included here are a color analyzer, a palette viewer, keyboard shortcut support, and a color history so you can view and access recently saved colors.
4. Font Finder
Another really helpful tool for WordPress developers is the Font Finder Firefox extension, which adds a font inspector to your browser that allows you view the CSS styles of any element you select. So, if you happen across a font you like while browsing online, all you need to do is select that spot on the page, and use the font inspector to view which font it is as well as any other CSS styles applied to it.
This can be useful when you’re putting together a design plan for your website and you’re in the gathering resources stage. Or, maybe you just happen across a font you like and want to make note of it for the future. This extension has you covered either way.
5. Find & Replace for Text Editing
When creating content within WordPress, you might find the Find & Replace for Text Editing extension a good tool to have on hand. This extension adds a search and replace tool on input fields and text fields in your browser. This makes it super easy to find precisely what you’re looking for without having to scan and scroll through a lot of content.
It works on your search history, favorites, highlights, and within any other text field. This is super useful when composing blog posts or website content as you can find and replace works, phrases, or entire sections without having to scan through a bunch of text to find what you’re looking for.
6. Ahrefs SEO Toolbar
For those who are marketing minded, the Ahrefs SEO Toolbar is a great fit. This Firefox extension is jam-packed with tools and resources for perfecting your search engine optimization strategy on-page and directly within WordPress. It includes an on-page SEO report that gives you a rundown of how your site is performing so far.
You can easily use it in conjunction with the WordPress dashboard and make use of its broken link checker, redirect tracer, as well as its country changer. You can get even more out of this extension if you have an active Ahrefs.com account, which adds on keyword metric, page, and domain features as well. If SEO interests you (and if you have a website, it should), this extension is a sure thing to add to your toolkit.
7. Impulse Blocker
If you find staying focused on a task difficult, the Impulse Blocker is another great Firefox extension to consider. All you need to do is add a list of websites that you want the extension to block and it’ll prevent you from navigating to these sites for a given period of time.
You can use this extension to put certain websites on “Pause,” or you can block them permanently — it’s up to you. This would be handy if you’re trying to draft a blog post in WordPress and yet the siren song of social media keeps pulling you away. Using Impulse Blocker to stop this distraction and temptation could help you make more productive use of your time.
8. WordPress Theme Detection
Another extension to consider checking out is WordPress Theme Detection, which tells you what WordPress theme a website is using as you’re browsing it. It connects into the ThemeDetect.com website and when you use the extension, it’ll tell you all about the theme that’s being used on the current website you’re viewing.
So, if you’re looking for theme inspiration and want to know how a developer achieved a certain look, this extension can help you get the answers you’re seeking, without having to do any digging.
9. User-Agent Switcher and Manager
Here’s another handy tool to have in your arsenal if you’re a WordPress developer. The User-Agent Switcher and Manager extension lets you change your browser’s user-agent string so that it can appear as though you’re visiting a website from a different browser or device. This is great if you want to check out what site’s you’re working on look like under different browser and device circumstances.
It’s also great if you simply want to access a mobile site from your desktop without having to jump through hoops.
10. HTML Validator
Last on our list here is the HTML Validator Firefox extension, which adds easy to view and access HTML validation directly inside Firefox. It’ll display the number of HTML page errors on screen as an icon so you can see if anything is broken at a glance. This is a super quick way to troubleshoot, and though it won’t tell you what the errors are specifically, it will tell you there’s an issue so you can start troubleshooting immediately.
This is helpful if you’re switching from draft to preview in WordPress and want to make sure everything is working before moving forward.
Increased WordPress Productivity Begins Now
WordPress is a powerful content management system, as you know. But that doesn’t mean you can’t streamline your workflow within it. That’s why using Firefox extensions is such a smart idea. They are incorporated directly into your typical browsing experience and put vital tools within reach immediately. You don’t have to go visit a third-party website when the tools are applied directly to your WordPress website. It’s time-saving and practical, which is kind of the whole point of productivity tools, don’t you think?
Hopefully these extensions will serve you well. Is there another Firefox extension that works with WordPress you use? Feel free to share it in the comments below.