Mozilla has rolled out a redesigned version of Firefox for both desktop and mobile. The update gives the browser a tidier layout, makes tab groups, vertical tabs and split view quicker to reach, and restores compact mode. It can be downloaded now on Linux, Mac, Windows, Android and iOS.
Here’s a look at what has changed, where the differences are most obvious, and which platforms support the new version.
What the Firefox redesign changes
Visually, the browser now uses rounded elements, refreshed colors and a cleaner layout. According to Mozilla, these changes make Firefox easier to navigate.
The bigger improvements, though, are in how you handle tabs and pages. With the redesign, you can get to these features faster:
- Tab groups, which let you keep related tabs together
- Vertical tabs, which show your tabs down the side of the window rather than along the top
- Split view, which puts two pages side by side
Use compact mode to get more screen space
This release brings compact mode back. Mozilla calls it one of the features users missed the most.
Compact mode makes the Firefox interface as small as possible so that more of the web page fits on your screen. It’s a good choice if you work on a small laptop display or just want less browser chrome around the page.
Change the look with themes and wallpapers
New themes and wallpapers are part of the update, so you can give Firefox a look that sets it apart from other browsers.
Mozilla says its developers are looking into more ways to personalize the browser, including changing the shape of the interface. That option isn’t included in this release.
Find private browsing and the built-in VPN more easily
Mozilla says the redesign puts Firefox’s privacy tools in more prominent places so they’re easier to find. These include:
- Private browsing, which works much like Chrome’s Incognito mode
- The built-in VPN (virtual private network, a service that sends your traffic through an encrypted connection)
Get the redesigned Firefox
You can download the redesigned Firefox today on the following platforms:
- Linux
- Mac
- Windows
- Android
- iOS
The changes are most noticeable on desktop. The differences on phones are smaller, but Firefox should now look and behave more consistently across all your devices.
Mozilla adds that new features will be delivered through background updates, so they feel like a natural part of the browser rather than something added on top.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Firefox redesign available on phones?
Yes. Along with Linux, Mac and Windows, it’s available on Android and iOS, although desktop users will see the biggest changes.
Did Firefox bring back compact mode?
Yes. The redesign restores compact mode, which shrinks the interface as far as possible so more of the web page is visible.
Does Firefox have a built-in VPN?
Yes. The redesign makes both the built-in VPN and private browsing easier to find.
Can I change the shape of the Firefox interface?
Not yet. Mozilla says its developers are exploring more personalization options, such as interface shape, but this release only adds new themes and wallpapers.
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