The usual way to install Firefox add-ons is by browsing the Firefox add-ons website and clicking on the ‘Install’ button for the specific add-on that you chose. But there is also another way to install Firefox add-ons. Its by using the Firefox extension file (XPI file). XPI files are compressed installation archives that contain the main components installed with Firefox and Mozilla Web browser’s add-ons.
Steps to install a Add-on using the Firefox Extension (XPI) file:
- In Firefox Add-on site, browse to the Add-ons web page that you want to install in your Firefox browser.
- Now instead of clicking on the “Accept and Install” button, right click and select “Save target as“. This will enable you to download the XPI file for that selected Add-on. Just save the XPI file somewhere in your system.
- Now, you can drag and drop this XPI file over any open Firefox window, which will invoke the Add-on installation window.
This way of installing Firefox addons is particularly useful when your FF can’t have a direct internet access. For example, you may have your FF installed in an internet access restricted network, but still want to have the add-ons installed in your browser. In such scenarios, you can download the XPI files for all your most-wanted Ad-ons and then you can drag and drop them over your no-internet-access Firefox browser.
