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Why can I not change the default Bookmarks menu tab destination?

  • 4 cavab
  • 3 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by DaniHatch

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First off. I love your Browser. It is all I use and I am glad it is getting faster.

Second. I am frustrated but I don't hate or dislike you for this issue.

With that out of the way...

I don't EVER want to use the Other Bookmarks folder but it is set to the default. I can't remove it. It along with all those other tabs just take up space on my bookmarks menu tab. I can't change it from default. It is an extra step when organizing my bookmarks to have to drag them out of another folder just as it is another extra step to constantly have to change the default from the Other Bookmarks folder when I create them. Just give me the option to set my default location to the menu like I used to have.

I downloaded the add-on suggested in the thread for this but it does not work. Chances are the update will fix it but I HATE USING ADD-ON'S to add in basic features that should not be add-on's in the first place.

But that is besides the point. I save bookmarks to the menu to then sort them into other folders. I used to have one right click and a left to save them followed by a click to open the menu to drag them to folders that were already on the menu and not in another tab. Now instead I have to right click, left click and change to save to the menu or folder as I make them.

This may seem shorter but I have a ton of folders and I take time to sort through many bookmarks which is much more annoying if I have to re-select the default position as I create them or drag them from Other Bookmarks pop up folder menu.

Doing so from the Other Bookmarks folder is inconvenient as it forces me to drag my mouse farther and more to accomplish the same goal. I have to keep going from the Other Bookmarks folder down to the other folder put it in then go all the way back to the folder wait for the tab and select the bookmark to repeat the process. I could just go from the menu to the folder on the menu without having to lose sight of the next bookmark I am moving or bring up another pop up tab menu so I can get it done in fewer shorter moves.

So can you give me any reason why it is mandatory I use this awkward folder rather than be able to select my own default?

I had the option and you seemingly took it away for something new that is not as convenient as you may think. 9 times out of 10 any change made to a system that removes customization options in favor of some sort of convenience actually frustrates the user more than helps as you force them to learn a new system of actions. Customization is key to many people and they work better and are usually faster using their own custom system they are comfortable with.

I don't mind the option for the Other Bookmarks being the default if it is faster for others but I have a system that is faster for my hands and mind to work with and don't need it. I use the internet for research and bookmarks are how I do that so you have slowed down my work immensely.

While I am sure I could learn to use this and I am doing so while I wait for it to change, I resent the fact that it is mandatory for me to use this when it is less efficient to me than just doing it how I did and that you took my efficiency away. Hell. Let me get rid of all the other tabs that are just disguised folders you force me to have too. Bookmarks Toolbar. Just a folder. Recently Bookmarked at least has some obtuse functionality but I could just look at my menu if my recent bookmarks went there and history if I need to restore one for some reason so it seems like a waste other than the minor level of quick recovery of a bookmark to avoid searching any other bookmark locations or folders in the rare instances where someone doesn't know where they put it. But since I sort all my bookmarks I don't ever need it. Same with recent tags as I don't ever use it at all. If the options help others fine but let me turn them off because they waste time and space for me.

For example I could just make a folder called BOOKMARKS TO SORT and could set it to default if I ever need to do so because the menu is too full of other folders. I can also create sub-folders in the folders (Which I do!) to better sort my bookmarks so they don't take up extra space. I don't need your help to fix a problem I don't have yet by forcing mandatory tools onto me when the optional tools I already have let me do the exact same thing as long as you let me select the default location.

By taking away my power to set that default location and preventing me from customizing that menu you pretty much made your browser more complicated and less efficient for me.

I plan to keep using Firefox so I want to thank you for providing me a better option for free. I understand this my not be a priority and I get that you may have other concerns.

I just hope you listen to this because I am not the only person who thinks this.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

First off. I love your Browser. It is all I use and I am glad it is getting faster. Second. I am frustrated but I don't hate or dislike you for this issue. With that out of the way... I don't EVER want to use the Other Bookmarks folder but it is set to the default. I can't remove it. It along with all those other tabs just take up space on my bookmarks menu tab. I can't change it from default. It is an extra step when organizing my bookmarks to have to drag them out of another folder just as it is another extra step to constantly have to change the default from the Other Bookmarks folder when I create them. Just give me the option to set my default location to the menu like I used to have. I downloaded the add-on suggested in the thread for this but it does not work. Chances are the update will fix it but I HATE USING ADD-ON'S to add in basic features that should not be add-on's in the first place. But that is besides the point. I save bookmarks to the menu to then sort them into other folders. I used to have one right click and a left to save them followed by a click to open the menu to drag them to folders that were already on the menu and not in another tab. Now instead I have to right click, left click and change to save to the menu or folder as I make them. This may seem shorter but I have a ton of folders and I take time to sort through many bookmarks which is much more annoying if I have to re-select the default position as I create them or drag them from Other Bookmarks pop up folder menu. Doing so from the Other Bookmarks folder is inconvenient as it forces me to drag my mouse farther and more to accomplish the same goal. I have to keep going from the Other Bookmarks folder down to the other folder put it in then go all the way back to the folder wait for the tab and select the bookmark to repeat the process. I could just go from the menu to the folder on the menu without having to lose sight of the next bookmark I am moving or bring up another pop up tab menu so I can get it done in fewer shorter moves. So can you give me any reason why it is mandatory I use this awkward folder rather than be able to select my own default? I had the option and you seemingly took it away for something new that is not as convenient as you may think. 9 times out of 10 any change made to a system that removes customization options in favor of some sort of convenience actually frustrates the user more than helps as you force them to learn a new system of actions. Customization is key to many people and they work better and are usually faster using their own custom system they are comfortable with. I don't mind the option for the Other Bookmarks being the default if it is faster for others but I have a system that is faster for my hands and mind to work with and don't need it. I use the internet for research and bookmarks are how I do that so you have slowed down my work immensely. While I am sure I could learn to use this and I am doing so while I wait for it to change, I resent the fact that it is mandatory for me to use this when it is less efficient to me than just doing it how I did and that you took my efficiency away. Hell. Let me get rid of all the other tabs that are just disguised folders you force me to have too. Bookmarks Toolbar. Just a folder. Recently Bookmarked at least has some obtuse functionality but I could just look at my menu if my recent bookmarks went there and history if I need to restore one for some reason so it seems like a waste other than the minor level of quick recovery of a bookmark to avoid searching any other bookmark locations or folders in the rare instances where someone doesn't know where they put it. But since I sort all my bookmarks I don't ever need it. Same with recent tags as I don't ever use it at all. If the options help others fine but let me turn them off because they waste time and space for me. For example I could just make a folder called BOOKMARKS TO SORT and could set it to default if I ever need to do so because the menu is too full of other folders. I can also create sub-folders in the folders (Which I do!) to better sort my bookmarks so they don't take up extra space. I don't need your help to fix a problem I don't have yet by forcing mandatory tools onto me when the optional tools I already have let me do the exact same thing as long as you let me select the default location. By taking away my power to set that default location and preventing me from customizing that menu you pretty much made your browser more complicated and less efficient for me. I plan to keep using Firefox so I want to thank you for providing me a better option for free. I understand this my not be a priority and I get that you may have other concerns. I just hope you listen to this because I am not the only person who thinks this. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

All Replies (4)

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Is this the extension that you installed? Default Bookmark Folder https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/default-bookmark-folder/

You need to open Options for that extension in about:addons to configure it for your preferences. Select where new bookmarks will be added: is where you set the folder your want the quick bookmark icon and shortcut set to save the bookmark. That extension does work, I have it installed in Firefox 58 Quantum.

What don't like it that it added the extra "quick bookmark button" and that is something to get used to using. I will probably revert to my tired and true drag'n'drop method and avoid Firefox trying to make me conform to their changes with every new, changed major version. Like Firefox 3.0, 4.0 (silly blue Firefox button), 29.0 (Australis), and now 57.0 (Quantum).


As far as why Mozilla decided to have the Other Bookmarks folder to be the default - I'm not a mind reader as to why they made that change, but it fits in the the other stupid features for Bookmarks in Quantum, like "Recent Highlights" in View bookmarks, saved history, and more.

And personally I never used the "Star" button as it has been for long time now to save a new bookmark. Besides using the {Ctrl + D} keyboard command on occasion, I routinely just 'drag' the tab to save a new bookmark to the Bookmarks Toolbar, or to the Bookmarks menubar drop-down, or into the Bookmarks Sidebar - right into the position in my bookmarks folder hierarchy where I want it placed. Using {Ctrl + D} hasn't changed much until now with Quantum and the drag'n'drop method hadn't been changed in like ever. That has worked the same (and still does) since before Firefox was renamed to Firefox in 2003.

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Thank you for your reply.

Yes, that is the Add-On I downloaded.

As for going to options to configure it I did that. It still does not work. I changed it and am staring at it having remained changed since I last opened Firefox and I still have to change the default setting when I save a bookmark or it goes to Other Bookmarks. I have checked the boxes, I pushed Alt+Shift+D, I don't know why it isn't working.

Now that I write this it started working and that star icon finally appeared as I tested it again... So... Okay... That was seemingly random... Though it does seem a few sites still try to go into the Other Bookmarks folder. Wonder why it didn't register the Add-On the first four times I refreshed the browser? And yes that button is going to be annoying to use.

I agree that a lot of their past decisions have been odd. I can only guess they are doing this to adapt to a trending idea of convenience. Perhaps to make it more in line with the mobile version or to significantly change the way the code is to prevent certain exploits. Could be a variety of reasons but I imagine it is meant to be an improvement.

I personally never liked the drag and drop method myself though I did use it as well from time to time. As for the hotkeys I use them sometimes, but my memory for using them is not the best and I still favor the mouse personally. I just have enough dexterity that it ends up being quicker and more convenient for me.

By the way. I am not clicking the "it was helpful" box because I want the Mozilla people to look at it. You were helpful if for nothing more than proving this is an issue for more than just me and thank you again for trying to help me with the Add-On.

Modified by DaniHatch

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Some websites may prohibit injecting JavaScript on their pages via a CSP policy and on such pages the extension might not work.

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Thank you for the explanation.

I honestly should have thought about that myself as to why it didn't work on all the pages. But my memory is not what it used to be. I can understand why it doesn't work because of the vulnerabilities and headaches that even trying to cater to such extra JavaScript's brings to both the client and site and not wanting to deal with it. Much easier just to disallow third party scripts than to optimize for every one of them and put yourself at risk doing it.