Greasemonkey posts

View PDFs and Powerpoint docs in Google Docs by default

by Jay Hathaway Oct 19th 2009

Google Docs Viewer can display Powerpoint presentations, PDFs and TIFF images right in your browser, without adding extensions or downloading the files. The problem is that you have to manually open the Doc Viewer by pasting in a URL. There's a way around that, though, thanks to a slick userscript with an unwieldy name: "PDF/PPT/TIF viewer with Google docs."

With the script installed - you'll need Greasemonkey in Firefox or Greasekit in Safari - links to PDFs, PPTs and TIFFs will automatically open in Google Docs Viewer. If you need to download or print them, no worries: you can do that from with Docs Viewer as well.

[via Lifehacker]

Tags: google docs, GoogleDocs, greasemonkey, pdf, powerpoint, ppt, script, tif, TIFF

Filed under: Design, Microblogging

Make Twitter's web interface sexier with Helvetwitter

by Jay Hathaway Sep 14th 2009

Twitter is a lot of things to a lot of people, but "pretty" isn't really the first one that comes to mind. It doesn't have to be that way, though, because you can give Twitter a clean, minimal new look with Helvetwitter. It's a script that lets you view the Twitter website in black and red, with all the type in Helvetica, and plenty of white space for all the words to breathe. This may sound somewhat familiar, because it's inspired by the' Helvetireader script for Google Reader, which made my list of the 10 best Greasemonkey scripts.

Helvetwitter isn't perfect for everyone. One if its big pluses is that it doesn't use the entire area of your browser window, so you can shrink Twitter down and drag it off to the side of your screen. On the other hand, the lack of icons can make it harder to pick out whose tweets you're reading at a glance. The lack of sidebar is both a plus and a minus: I personally don't miss it, but you might if you actually care about trending topics. You can install Helvetwitter in Greasemonkey if you use Firefox, and the site offers instructions on how to set it up on other browsers.

Tags: greasemonkey, helvetwitter, script, skin, twitter, userscripts

Filed under: Utilities, Video

YouTube Auto Buffer: how did I ever watch YouTube without it?

by Jay Hathaway Sep 12th 2009

YouTube Auto Buffer is a userscript that fixes a lot of the things that annoy me most about YouTube. It's a beefed up version of the barebones one Lee wrote about last December. Instead of autoplaying a couple seconds of video and having to stop and start because nothing's buffered, this script turns autoplay off and clips fully buffer before playing.

I don't know about you, but I was doing that manually whenever I loaded a YouTube vid anyway. On top of that, it also turns HQ/HD on by default, so you're watching the best available version of each video, and hides the in-video ads that YouTube occasionally shows.

You'll need the Greasemonkey add-on to run YouTube Auto Buffer in Firefox, and the equivalent in other browsers (for Safari, it's GreaseKit). If you don't like all three of Auto Buffer's features, you can turn any of them off in the script's preferences. They're hiding in plain sight underneath YouTube's search box -- not in the Greasemonkey menu as you might expect.

[via Lifehacker]

Tags: adblock, autoplay, greasemonkey, script, userscript, video, youtube

Filed under: Utilities, Web services, Browsers

Greasemonkey to Firefox add-on converter: why bother?

by Jay Hathaway Sep 2nd 2009

Firefox users love their extensions, and Greasemonkey is one of the coolest. The ability to run Userscripts that change the appearance of virtually any webpage is some powerful stuff.

But what if you want to install all those userscripts as separate add-ons? Well, there's a userscript-to-xpi converter that – Wait a minute.

Why the heck would you want to install your userscripts that way? Loading up Greasemonkey is a lot faster than individually converting your scripts, and it also gives you access to any preferences that might come with them. Converting them to extensions seems like it would bog down your add-ons list, on top of being a royal pain the butt.

If you still want to go through with it, for some reason, the converter is an easy web form and seems to work pretty well.

[via gHacks]

Tags: add-ons, extensions, firefox, greasemonkey, scripts, userscripts, xpi

Filed under: Features, Google, Browsers

10 handy Userscripts for Google Chrome

by Lee Mathews Sep 2nd 2009

So it's finally a year old, and many of you have been playing with Google Chrome as a secondary browser for quite some time now. Heck, quite a few of you are probably using it as your primary browser by now - which may explain your interest in this post.

Just because Chrome doesn't boast the huge assortment of add-ons that Firefox does doesn't mean it's not extensible. With Userscripts alone, there is plenty of functionality you can add to Google's browser. Here are ten scripts I find handy!

AdSweep can be had as a Chrome extension, but since they're pretty well just packaged Userscripts you might as well just use the script version. It does an excellent job vacuuming up excessive adverts without mangling page layouts too badly.

AutoPagerize is a classic Greasemonkey script, if such a thing exists. When reading multi-page articles, AutoPagerize will automatically load the next page's content inline. I find it useful on lengthy-but-split-up reviews like the ones on Tom's Hardware Guide.

Better GMail has also made the jump from Firefox and Greasemonkey to Chrome. Since it's a collection of individual scripts, you can drop in only those you want to activate. Components include mouseover row highlighting, folders4gmail, and various page element hiding scripts.

BlockFlash2 (pictured above) is just what you've been looking for if you're missing FlashBlock for Firefox. While it's not as full-featured, it gets the job done. Flash elements won't autoload after dropping in BF2 - they'll be replaced with a blank placeholder and appear only when you give the go ahead. You can whitelist sites, though you'll have to do it manually by editing the .js file.

Tags: google chrome, GoogleChrome, greasemonkey, userscripts, webkit

Filed under: Security, Web services

Greasemonkey script decodes an impressive list of TinyURLs

by Jay Hathaway Jun 14th 2009

It's trendy to use the latest and greatest URL shortening services in IMs and Twitter postings, but clicking on a TinyURL is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get. To avoid any nasty surprises, affiliate links, or other deceptive uses of TinyURLs, you can install a Greasemonkey script called TinyURL Decoder.

Although the name of the script contains "TinyURL," that's not the only service it works with. It can decode dozens of different flavors of shortened links. I'm impressed with the huge number of services this plugin includes, from the very popular (the aforementioned TinyURL) to the obscure (PeaUrl). Installing it should leave you well-situated to know where these sometimes-sketchy links are taking you.

Tags: firefox, greasemonkey, tinyurl, tinyurl-decoder, url-shortener, userscripts

Filed under: Internet, Browsers

NoAddict for Greasemonkey helps curb browsing addictions

by Lee Mathews May 11th 2009

There are some sites that you know you spend too much time on - not DownloadSquad, of course. And certainly not the Time Wasters tag page.

Other places like Facebook, Twitter, and dental hygenist web sites can turn into real time sinks if you're not paying attention. If you need a little outside assistance in breaking free, get your hands on the NoAddict userscript for Greasemonkey.

Adding domains is simple - just clicking in to Greasemonkey's manage scripts window modify the script's source using your favorite text editor. The code is straightforward: // @include https://website.toadd.com/*.

Yes, with a little self control you can accomplish this without the need for any software at all, but sometimes a little shove in the right direction is necessary.

Tags: addiction, greasemonkey, userscripts

Filed under: Mozilla, Open Source, Browsers

Lee's three must-have Firefox addons

by Lee Mathews May 6th 2009

My browsing habits have changed quite a bit since I first switched to Firefox. I used to think I needed custommize it with a large compliment of addons. Now, not so much.

Plenty of the chores I used to leave up to addons can be done with Firefox itself. Search bookmarks, userchrome hacks, and about:config offer plenty of tweaks without adding any bloat to the browser.

However, there are still a handful of key addons that I just can't do without. Here are my top three - sound off with yours in the comments!

1. Weave - If you're running a compatible Firefox version, Weave is an amazing tool. Being able to keep my bookmarks, history, and tabs in sync between work and home really boosts my browsing efficiency. I don't use Weaeve for password syncing - that job goes to addon #2.

2. LastPass - I need secure, synchronized access to my passwords on two machines running Firefox and my iPod Touch. LastPass does that for me, thanks to their great Firefox addon and bookmarklet - which gives you access to your vault from just about any javascript capable browser. LastPass added a form filler a while back, and that, too, works via a bookmarklet.

3. Greasemonkey - There are just too many userscripts I enjoy using to leave out Greasemonkey. From customizing my GMail and YouTube layouts to auto-paging lengthy articles, I can't imagine Firefox without the little monkey on my status bar.

Tags: firefox-addons, greasemonkey, lastpass, weave

Filed under: Design, E-mail

Shrink your Gmail layout with Gmail Compactor

by Jay Hathaway Apr 30th 2009

It seems like Gmail users are always hungry for new ways to tweak Gmail's appearance. One trick that will save some space in your sidebar is the Gmail Compactor script. If you have Greasemonkey or a similar userscript engine installed, just download Gmail Compactor to turn the text links in your sidebar into space-saving icons.

The icons aren't the only space-saving feature of Gmail compactor, though. It alos shrinks Gmail's built-in search bar down into the sidebar, and eliminates the Gmail logo. It's up to you whether you think this look feels less cluttered. It does offer the same functions in a smaller space, but the icons also feel a bit a crowded to me compared to the text links, and they take some getting used to.

[via Lifehacker]

Tags: email, gmail, gmail-compactor, greasemonkey, layout, userscript

Filed under: Internet, Social Software, Browsers

Hate Diggbar? Kill it with a userscript

by Lee Mathews Apr 8th 2009

There have been more than a few gripes about Digg's new iFrame toolbar. They're stealing content. It interferes with SEO. They're selling ads on other people's content.

If you share those gripes and would like to permanently bury the bar, there are already two userscripts available to do just that. Both DiggBar Killer and Anti Diggbar get the job done. While neither actually blocks the bar completely, both scripts will quickly redirect you to the unshortened, original URL of the item you want to view.

They'll get the job done for now, but it's probably safe to assume that some disgruntled coder is already working on a way to bypass the shortened Digg links completely and send you on your way completely Diggbar-free.

If you're a Digg member, you can also turn off the bar when opening links by changing a setting on your viewing preferences (pictured above).

Tags: digg, diggbar, greasemonkey, userscripts

Filed under: Internet, Text, Blogging, Social Software, web 2.0, Lists

Eight great Userscripts for Twitter users

by Lee Mathews Mar 13th 2009

Not using a desktop Twitter client? Maybe you're quite happy to use the Twitter site to post updates and monitor those you follow. Just because you do doesn't mean you don't have access to more powerful interface options than the bare minimum Twitter provides.

Grab some Userscripts, and use your browser give your Twiter / Home some handy new features! I've gathered eight of my favorites - feel free to share yours in the comments!

Troy's Twitter Script - provides several additional functions, like short URL expansion, inline media viewing, and nested replies. Also adds a search box (for those of us who can't use the real deal just yet), retweet link, and an @mentions link to see who's been talking about you.

Tags: greasemonkey, twitter, userscripts

Filed under: Internet, Google, Beta, Browsers, Mobile, Android

OilCan may bring Userscripts to the Android browser

by Lee Mathews Mar 11th 2009

Userscripts can be incredibly useful. I've got several (like some of Jay's suggestions) installed in Firefox and can't imagine surfing without them.

Got an Android handset and wish you could utilize your favorite scripts in its browser? You might not have to wait much longer. Developer (and Google staff employee) Jeffrey Sharkey is hard at work on OilCan, which promises to do just that.

For now, you'll have to be satisfied with Sharkey's short Vimeo demonstration as OilCan is still in the proof-of-concept stage. It would be a fantastic addition to Android's browser should it be "eventually released" as a binary for the platform as Starkey states on his web site.

Thanks, Todd (@ronin691)!

Tags: android, greasemonkey, userscripts

Filed under: Developer, Utilities, Features, Productivity, Browsers, Lists

10 Greasemonkey scripts you shouldn't browse without

by Jay Hathaway Feb 22nd 2009

One of the main draws for Firefox is how customizable it is, both in appearance and functionality. We've shown you some of our favorite Firefox themes, but if you're looking for more than a cosmetic change in your browsing experience, you should get to know Greasemonkey.

In case you're not already familiar: Greasemonkey is a Firefox add-on that allows you to apply powerful user-created scripts to the sites you visit. Scripts do everything from drastically changing the layout of a site to adding new menus or doing common tasks automatically. Greasemonkey can change a font that annoys you, or it can change the way you use your browser.

Firefox isn't the only browser that can take advantage of userscripts. For Webkit-based browsers like Safari, check out GreaseKit. Opera is capable of running many userscripts through its own User JavaScript feature. Some of the scripts mentioned in this post might only work in Firefox, though.

Here are ten of my favorite scripts. If you're using some good ones that you don't see here, sound off in the comments.

1. Google Account Multi-login:

If you have more than one Google account, grab this script to replace the "log out" link on most Google services with a menu that lets you quickly switch from one of your accounts to another. A nice time saver for Gmail junkies.

2. Helvetireader:

I love the way Helvetireader cleans up Google Reader. Download it if you're interested in viewing Google Reader in a simple red and white layout, all in Helvetica. It gets everything that's not essential to reading your feeds out of the way.

3. Download YouTube Video as Mp4:

Does just what it says. Causes a download link to appear right under the embed codes to the right of the video on any YouTube page. This definitely beats pasting the URL into one of those YouTube Downloader websites.

Tags: browser, firefox, greasemonkey, javascript, userscripts

Filed under: Design, Freeware, Browsers

Userscript makes Wikipedia pages look more encyclopedic

by Lee Mathews Feb 17th 2009

Wikipedia is a great resource, but the layout is a bit much if you're only there to do a little reading and learn some things that might, in reality, be actual facts. As is the case with most big-name sites, a userscript is available that cleans up the cluttered default layout and makes Wikipedia items look more like pages from a printed encyclopdeia.

Load an article, then install Simplepedia and reload. Gone are the logo, tabs, navigation sidebar, edit links, and just about everything else that isn't actual information related to your topic. The end result is a much tidier page layout that is free of unwanted distractions - except words like "hammer pants" in the article I captured.

To see how the result compares to the original article, just click the image. Contrary to what Hammer might tell you, you can, in fact, touch it.

Tags: greasemonkey, userscripts, wikipedia

Filed under: Internet, Search, Browsers

Try This Search On simplifies sending your query to other sites

by Lee Mathews Jan 21st 2009

I'm a big fan of small, simple timesavers - like Try This Search On. When you perform a search on a supported site, a suggestion box will appear above your status bar. It provides links to resubmit your query on one of the other engines.

The script will also adapt links depending on where you're searching. Look something up on IsoHunt, for example, and you'll be given quick links to Demonoid, PirateBay, Seedpeer, Mininova, and other torrent-only sites. You're not locked in to the category, though. A simple click on the swap link will display the full list.

Try This Search On handles a huge number of sites including Google, Yahoo, BBC, CNN, Flickr, YouTube, Amazon, IMDB, and many more. Being a hopeless techy, I particularly enjoy that ThinkGeek and Tiger Direct are included.

Tags: greasemonkey, search, userscripts

Graveyard Shift - zombie-busting Time Waster

With Halloween fast approaching, it's a great time to get in some practice defending your territory against zombies. In Graveyard Shift, you take aim at zombies and other creepy-crawlies, blasting them into splatters of cartoony green guts. It's a casual first-person shooter, and it's very easy to get the hang of - use the mouse to aim, click to fire. Graveyard Shift has at least 15 levels, and it might even have some secret stages I haven't unlocked yet. They key to getting good at Graveyard Shift is learning to use ...

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