How to Move a Tab to Another Window in Firefox

If you frequently have multiple windows open in Firefox, there may be times when it would be more effective for certain tabs to be opened in different windows. There is no need to manually reopen the tabs in the new windows and then close them out in their original window. Firefox allows users to move tabs easily from window to window as needed. This feature can be especially helpful to the student or professional who is working on a research project. Moving tabs to new windows can create an organizational system for research that increases efficiency.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mozilla Firefox

1. Reduce the size of both browser windows so both may be viewed simultaneously. Use the “Maximize/Restore Down” button in the upper right-hand corner of your browser. It looks like a square in the “maximize” setting and two overlapping squares in the “restore down” setting. Both buttons should be displaying a square when they are in the correct status.

2. Line up your windows so the toolbars of the receiving window are directly above the top edge of the window from which you are taking the tab.

3. With your left mouse key, click on the tab you wish to transfer. Hold down the mouse key while you drag the tab over to the new window.

4. Place the tab in the desired position. If you are placing it in between tabs, you will see an arrow appear that points to the space in between the tabs. Otherwise, your tab will appear immediately to the left of the tab you place it over.

5. Release the mouse button once your tab is in place. Adjust the size and position of your windows as appropriate.

Tips & Warnings

• If you move the tab to a window with no other tabs, the procedure will ‘
• "copy" the new tab. Both windows will display it. Only when there are two or more tabs in the receiving tab will it become a true transfer from one window to another.
• If you stack your windows incorrectly, the recipient window will close so you cannot make the transfer. The recipient window must be lined up at the highest position in the stack.
• Using your sizing arrows along the edges of your browser window to reduce its size will not allow you to move your tab between the two windows. You must use the “Maximize/Restore Down” button.