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If you are using multiple Firefox [[Profile folder - Firefox|profiles]],  these tips may be helpful:
==General tips for multiple profiles==
==General tips for multiple profiles==
If you are using multiple Firefox [[Profile folder - Firefox|profiles]],  these tips may be helpful:
*When you have multiple Firefox profiles,  you can select the profile of your choice when starting Firefox by unchecking the [[Profile Manager]] option, "Don't ask at startup".  '''This will always start the Profile Manager when starting Firefox.'''
 
* You can use a [[Starting your Mozilla application with a specified profile|Firefox shortcut or command line argument]] to start Firefox with a specified profile without going through the Profile Manager.
* Use [http://userstyles.org/styles/9514 Color Toolbar(s) to identify profile | userstyles.org] styling to color code your Firefox browser and dialog windows to identify the profile in use.  The style is installed, used and managed with the [http://userstyles.org/ Stylish] extension available at [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/2108 addons].  
* If you check the "Don't ask at startup" Profile Manager option when selecting a profile and start Firefox,  that profile becomes the "default" profile and will be used automatically when starting Firefox (unless you use a shortcut or command line argument to start with a specified profile). 
* You can have only browser and profile together that constitute your [[Default browser]]. The term "default browser" is used to describe the URL and file associations that determine which web browser is launched when you open an Internet shortcut or HTML file or when you click a link in a mail application like Thunderbird or Outlook Express, if you have more than one web browser installed on your system.  So your additional profiles would not be your default browser.  You can make Firefox with the profile you are using the default later on, if you want.
**Note: The term "default profile"  should not be confused with "[[default browser]]".  "Default browser" is a system setting which determines which web browser is launched when you open an Internet shortcut, HTML file, or link in a mail application like {{Thunderbird}} or Outlook Express, when more than one browser is installed on your system.  The "default profile"  is the last profile selected in the  Profile Manager when starting Firefox and is  used automatically if  the "Don't ask at startup" Profile Manager option is checked.
* Keep in mind that profile names are '''case-sensitive''' so you may wish to avoid capitalizing profile names and use all lower-case.
* Even though you can have '''spaces in a profile name''' it is not a good idea.  Profile names with spaces must be enclosed in quotes when used in a command line argument or in a shortcut target.  There are instances where you need to specify a profile name but cannot enclose the profile name in quotes, such as in [http://gemal.dk/mozilla/launchy.html launchy.xml]  used by by the "[https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/81 Launchy]" extension.
* If you  specify a '''missing''' or '''incorrect profile name''' or path in a [[Starting your Mozilla application with a specified profile|Firefox shortcut or command line argument]], you may see the [[Profile Manager]] (using <code>-P "<profile name>"</code>) or a ''Firefox is already running but is not responding'' error (using <code>-profile "<path>"</code>).  Remember that the profile name is case sensitive and you must use quotes when there are spaces.  See also [[Profile in use]] and  [[Recovering a missing profile]].
* '''Avoid renaming a profile''' in the [[Profile Manager]] as it does not change the actual [[Profile folder - Firefox|profile folder]] name in the file system, even though it is changed in the [[Profiles.ini_file |profiles.ini file]], which may lead to confusion.
* In Firefox 3.6 and above, you can use '''about:support''' (directly) or through  "Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Open Containing Folder" (Windows and Linux) or "Show in Finder" (Mac OS) to open the profile folder for the profile currently in use.  Prior to Firefox 3.6  suggest installing the [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/545 Open Profile Folder] extension, at least in your default profile, to give you quick access to your Firefox profile data.
* Use [http://userstyles.org/styles/9514 Color Toolbar(s) to identify profile | userstyles.org] styling to color code your Firefox browser and dialog windows to identify the profile in use.  The style is installed, used and managed with the [http://userstyles.org/ Stylish] extension available at [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/2108 addons].   Also to help identify the profile  create a bookmark folder named to identify the profile or the Firefox version that will be using the profile so you can see it when extensions and/or styling is disabled, also eliminates the need to use an extension to show the information in the title bar.
*''(Windows)'' Create [http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/firefox/quicklaunch.htm Windows Quick Launch shortcuts]
*''(Windows)'' Create [http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/firefox/quicklaunch.htm Windows Quick Launch shortcuts]
*''(Windows)'' Use the [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/81 Launchy] extension to open current page in another profile with a customized "launchy.xml" file ([http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/firefox/code/launchy.txt sample]) with -no-remote to start each profile.  (Don't use it to launch your default profile, at least not with -no-remote).  [http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/firefox/firefox.htm#launchy] [http://userstyles.org/styles/13115]
*''(Windows)'' Use the [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/81 Launchy] extension to open current page in another profile with a customized "launchy.xml" file ([http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/firefox/code/launchy.txt sample]) with ''-no-remote'' to start each profile.  (Don't use it to launch your default profile, at least not with -no-remote).  [http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/firefox/firefox.htm#launchy] [http://userstyles.org/styles/13115].
* Keep in mind that profile names are '''case-sensitive'''.
*Use a JSON [[bookmarkbackups folder|bookmarkbackups]] file from your default profile to restore to your test profiles, if you need bookmarks, bookmarklets, or keyword shortcuts (details [[Backing up and restoring bookmarks - Firefox#Restoring bookmarks from backup|here]]).  (Note: Bookmark backups in JSON format were introduced in Firefox 3)
* Try to '''avoid renaming of a profile name''' in the [[Profile Manager]] because it does not change the actual filename, which may lead to confusion though correct in the [[Profiles.ini_file |profiles.ini file]].
* Even though you can have '''spaces in a profile name''' it is not a good idea as there are instances where you need to specify a profile name but cannot enclose the profile name in quotes such as in [http://gemal.dk/mozilla/launchy.html launchy.xml]  used by by the "[https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/81 Launchy] " extension.
*''(Windows)'' Change the shortcut icon for a Firefox version by right clicking on the startup icon, then under properties, shortcut, change icon.  Won't apply to a specific profile but will help identify the version of Firefox.
*Use a JSON bookmarkbackups file from your default profile to restore to your test profiles, if you need bookmarks, bookmarklets, or keyword shortcuts (details [[Lost bookmarks#Restoring bookmarks in Firefox 3|here]]).  (JSON files are database backups and were introduced in Firefox 3)
* Install [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/545 Open Profile Folder] extension at least in your default profile to give you quick access to your Firefox profile data. In Firefox 3.6 and later you can use "Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Open Containing Folder" to go to the profile folder.


==Using new profiles in secondary Firefox installations ==
In addition to the major points have already been mentioned above:
* Use the [[Profile Manager]] to create a new profile for each secondary Firefox installation, such as a Beta build or another version of Firefox.  To prevent accidental launching of that profile with another Firefox installation, uncheck the "Don't ask at startup" option in the Profile Manager.       
* Start the secondary Firefox installation with a [[Shortcut to a specific profile|Firefox shortcut]] or [[Command line arguments|command line argument]] that points to the profile you want to use with that Firefox installation.  See [[Starting your Mozilla application with a specified profile]] for more information.
* When you first start a secondary installation of Firefox (e.g., a Beta or other test build) with a newly-created profile, always reply "Do not make Firefox your default browser" if you want to keep your primary installation of Firefox as the [[default browser]].
*''(Windows)'' Create a new shortcut icon for a specific Firefox version by right clicking on the startup icon, then under properties, shortcut, change icon.  Won't apply to a specific profile but will help identify the version of Firefox. 


==Installing additional betas or secondary profiles==
===Installing a pre-release version of Firefox===
Major points have already been mentioned above.  Always reply "do not make Firefox your default browser" as these are test profiles or Betas, you can always change later. 
Beta versions will install the Firefox application into their own directories but, on Windows, always use custom install anyway (see [[Installing Firefox on Windows]] for details), as you would need to do if testing another released version of Firefox.  
===Installing a secondary test profile===
Installing a test profile for an already installed  version of Firefox.  (refer to See also section for "Creating a new Firefox profile on Windows")
* Use the Profile Manager to install a new profile.  If you start Firefox with a missing/unknown profile name you will get the Profile Manager and you can ask to install a new profile, and will have to give the new profile name (case-sensitive).
* Do not make Firefox your default browser (this is a different profile than you normally use).
 
===Installing a Beta Version or other versions for testing===
Beta versions will install the Firefox application into their own directories but suggest always use custom install anyway, as you would need to do if testing another version of Firefox.  
* You will want to create a new profile to be used only with your Beta or other version of Firefox.   
* You will want to create a new profile to be used only with your Beta or other version of Firefox.   
* Create the profile with the Profile Manager using the version of Firefox you intend to use with the profile.
* Create the profile with the Profile Manager using the version of Firefox you intend to use with the profile.
* Do not make Firefox your default browser when using this new profile.
* Do not make Firefox your default browser when using this new profile.
* Don't allow installation to start Firefox for you, as you need to create the profile, and need to modify the desktop shortcut to include the profile name and the addition of  -no-remote to the start-up shortcut, along with renaming the shortcut and possibly a change of icon.
* Modify shortcut to include both name of profile and  -no-remote  as it will not be your default browser/profile
* Start up Firefox with the new shortcut to create the new profile, you will have to name the new profile, Firefox will just recognize that it doesn't have the profile you asked for (profiles are case sensitive)  but don't let Firefox start as it may not pick up -no-remote
* Open the new Firefox and/or profile with your new shortcut.
Release Candidates are normally installed as a replacement for your existing Firefox application and, by default,  will be installed into the default Firefox [[installation directory]] location.


===Installing a Release Candidate===
See '''[[Testing pre-release versions]]''' for more information.
Release Candidates are normally installed as a replacement for your existing Firefox application, they will by default install into the default application files, and will use your default profileBe careful, if you want different application directories, or profileSee [[Testing pre-release versions]].
 
===Windows Task Manager===
Additional columns can be added within the Processes tab of the Windows Task Manager (WTM) by right-clicking on a column header.  When working with multiple versions of Firefox at the same time, you will need to know which process to terminate if there is a problem.  By including the "'''Command Line'''" column you will see the actual command line that was invoked to start each processTypical problem would be a stuck application not showing on the Windows status bar but still in the WTM Processes tabTrying to start/restart Firefox in such cases will show a dialog box with the message, ''[[Firefox is already running but is not responding]]. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart the system.''


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Command line arguments]]
* [[Creating a new Firefox profile on Windows]]  
* [[Profile Manager]]
* [[Profile in use]]
* [[Creating a new Firefox profile on Windows]]
* [[Transferring data to a new profile - Firefox]]
* [[Transferring data to a new profile - Firefox]]
* [[Shortcut to a specific profile]]
* [[Starting your Mozilla application with a specified profile]]
* [[Opening a new instance of your Mozilla application with another profile]] (using -no-remote)
* [[Opening a new instance of your Mozilla application with another profile]] (using -no-remote)
* [[Command line arguments]]
* [[Shortcut to a specific profile]]   (Windows)
* [[Bypassing the Profile Manager]]


[[Category:Profiles]]
[[Category:Profiles]]

Latest revision as of 13:18, 21 May 2012

If you are using multiple Firefox profiles, these tips may be helpful:

General tips for multiple profiles

  • When you have multiple Firefox profiles, you can select the profile of your choice when starting Firefox by unchecking the Profile Manager option, "Don't ask at startup". This will always start the Profile Manager when starting Firefox.
  • You can use a Firefox shortcut or command line argument to start Firefox with a specified profile without going through the Profile Manager.
  • If you check the "Don't ask at startup" Profile Manager option when selecting a profile and start Firefox, that profile becomes the "default" profile and will be used automatically when starting Firefox (unless you use a shortcut or command line argument to start with a specified profile).
    • Note: The term "default profile" should not be confused with "default browser". "Default browser" is a system setting which determines which web browser is launched when you open an Internet shortcut, HTML file, or link in a mail application like Thunderbird or Outlook Express, when more than one browser is installed on your system. The "default profile" is the last profile selected in the Profile Manager when starting Firefox and is used automatically if the "Don't ask at startup" Profile Manager option is checked.
  • Keep in mind that profile names are case-sensitive so you may wish to avoid capitalizing profile names and use all lower-case.
  • Even though you can have spaces in a profile name it is not a good idea. Profile names with spaces must be enclosed in quotes when used in a command line argument or in a shortcut target. There are instances where you need to specify a profile name but cannot enclose the profile name in quotes, such as in launchy.xml used by by the "Launchy" extension.
  • If you specify a missing or incorrect profile name or path in a Firefox shortcut or command line argument, you may see the Profile Manager (using -P "<profile name>") or a Firefox is already running but is not responding error (using -profile "<path>"). Remember that the profile name is case sensitive and you must use quotes when there are spaces. See also Profile in use and Recovering a missing profile.
  • Avoid renaming a profile in the Profile Manager as it does not change the actual profile folder name in the file system, even though it is changed in the profiles.ini file, which may lead to confusion.
  • In Firefox 3.6 and above, you can use about:support (directly) or through "Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Open Containing Folder" (Windows and Linux) or "Show in Finder" (Mac OS) to open the profile folder for the profile currently in use. Prior to Firefox 3.6 suggest installing the Open Profile Folder extension, at least in your default profile, to give you quick access to your Firefox profile data.
  • Use Color Toolbar(s) to identify profile | userstyles.org styling to color code your Firefox browser and dialog windows to identify the profile in use. The style is installed, used and managed with the Stylish extension available at addons. Also to help identify the profile create a bookmark folder named to identify the profile or the Firefox version that will be using the profile so you can see it when extensions and/or styling is disabled, also eliminates the need to use an extension to show the information in the title bar.
  • (Windows) Create Windows Quick Launch shortcuts
  • (Windows) Use the Launchy extension to open current page in another profile with a customized "launchy.xml" file (sample) with -no-remote to start each profile. (Don't use it to launch your default profile, at least not with -no-remote). [1] [2].
  • Use a JSON bookmarkbackups file from your default profile to restore to your test profiles, if you need bookmarks, bookmarklets, or keyword shortcuts (details here). (Note: Bookmark backups in JSON format were introduced in Firefox 3)

Using new profiles in secondary Firefox installations

In addition to the major points have already been mentioned above:

  • Use the Profile Manager to create a new profile for each secondary Firefox installation, such as a Beta build or another version of Firefox. To prevent accidental launching of that profile with another Firefox installation, uncheck the "Don't ask at startup" option in the Profile Manager.
  • Start the secondary Firefox installation with a Firefox shortcut or command line argument that points to the profile you want to use with that Firefox installation. See Starting your Mozilla application with a specified profile for more information.
  • When you first start a secondary installation of Firefox (e.g., a Beta or other test build) with a newly-created profile, always reply "Do not make Firefox your default browser" if you want to keep your primary installation of Firefox as the default browser.
  • (Windows) Create a new shortcut icon for a specific Firefox version by right clicking on the startup icon, then under properties, shortcut, change icon. Won't apply to a specific profile but will help identify the version of Firefox.

Installing a pre-release version of Firefox

Beta versions will install the Firefox application into their own directories but, on Windows, always use custom install anyway (see Installing Firefox on Windows for details), as you would need to do if testing another released version of Firefox.

  • You will want to create a new profile to be used only with your Beta or other version of Firefox.
  • Create the profile with the Profile Manager using the version of Firefox you intend to use with the profile.
  • Do not make Firefox your default browser when using this new profile.
  • Don't allow installation to start Firefox for you, as you need to create the profile, and need to modify the desktop shortcut to include the profile name and the addition of -no-remote to the start-up shortcut, along with renaming the shortcut and possibly a change of icon.
  • Modify shortcut to include both name of profile and -no-remote as it will not be your default browser/profile
  • Start up Firefox with the new shortcut to create the new profile, you will have to name the new profile, Firefox will just recognize that it doesn't have the profile you asked for (profiles are case sensitive) but don't let Firefox start as it may not pick up -no-remote
  • Open the new Firefox and/or profile with your new shortcut.

Release Candidates are normally installed as a replacement for your existing Firefox application and, by default, will be installed into the default Firefox installation directory location.

See Testing pre-release versions for more information.

Windows Task Manager

Additional columns can be added within the Processes tab of the Windows Task Manager (WTM) by right-clicking on a column header. When working with multiple versions of Firefox at the same time, you will need to know which process to terminate if there is a problem. By including the "Command Line" column you will see the actual command line that was invoked to start each process. Typical problem would be a stuck application not showing on the Windows status bar but still in the WTM Processes tab. Trying to start/restart Firefox in such cases will show a dialog box with the message, Firefox is already running but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart the system.

See also