In our series of blog posts on varied resources and applications for our community, we had written about Firefox plugins for designers. This time we are writing about a few useful Firefox extensions for writers.

We are listing here some useful Firefox extensions that feature dictionaries, search tools and general reference extensions that can save your time and keep you focused on your important assignments.

Split browser
This quick and easy -to- use extension opens multiple windows within each tab where each new window is like a mini browser, complete with its own address bar and navigation controls. It allows you to split the content area of your browser window into two, three or four panels, enabling you to instantly copy and pasting between pages. This helps in comparing multiple web pages, view calendar and other useful information.

Dictionary Tooltip
It is one of the essential Firefox extensions for all the writers. Dictionary Tooltip displays the definition of words in a small tooltip on the same page. It supports multiple dictionary websites along with translation websites like German to English, Japanese to English, Spanish to English etc. This also helps you in improving your vocabulary as it stores all the words you viewed locally for future reference.

Notify
Get notified whenever your favorite site make any changes. You can use this tool to be notified anytime the content on the selected site updated, which you visit frequently for information. You can open pages at a chosen time and it also display page's last modified date in the status bar.

Image Toolbar
This Firefox extension for writers gives you a complete and instant access to photo editing options like saving and copying from a simple toolbar. This add-on allows you to manage pictures for your website, blog, news story etc. Whenever the mouse is hovered above an image you will see options like save, print, copy, info and folder.

Signature
This essential Firefox extension helps you insert a custom text into your posts and emails so that you can customize them even further
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ScrapBook
This Firefox extension enables you to save and manage web pages, snippets, websites etc. Its key features are lightness, speed, accuracy and multi-language support. It allows you to edit the collected web pages and organize them just like bookmarks. You can also search the required pages within your collection.

OpenDownload
This helpful extension lets you automatically open any file you download with its default program. It saves time and money as you don't need different programs to open downloaded files as it connects you to the open source program that will let you view it.

ReminderFox
This extension displays and manages lists of date-based reminders and to-do's. You can remember important deadlines and to- do items with this extension. ReminderFox makes sure you remember all of your important dates via easy-to-use lists, alerts, and alarm notifications.

NowPublic
It is a useful extension for journalists and writers as it allows them to capture and highlight any interesting news on the web. With just one simple click you can connect with worldwide network of eyewitness reporters, add images from extensive archive of photos and check video submitted by contributors from all over the world, and instantly have it published to your blogs.

Text Area Word Counter
This extension by Firefox lets you count total number of words and characters in a web page text area. It is a good add on for bloggers who want to word count their posts.

Hope these extensions will help in enhancing writing skills and productivity of freelance writers. We welcome you comments and suggestions on the same.