Scratchpad - Firefox Extension

A simple, synced scratchpad extension for Firefox that lets you quickly jot down notes that automatically sync across all your Firefox devices.

Features

• Clean Interface: Full-screen textarea for distraction-free note-taking
• Auto-Save: Your notes are automatically saved as you type
• Cross-Device Sync: Notes sync across all your Firefox devices using Firefox Sync
• Simple & Fast: No login required, no configuration needed - just install and start typing

Installation

For Development/Personal Use

1. Open Firefox and navigate to about:debugging#/runtime/this-firefox

2. Click "Load Temporary Add-on"

3. Navigate to the scratchpad folder and select the manifest.json file

4. The extension will be loaded and the Scratchpad icon will appear in your toolbar

Making it Permanent

For development purposes, temporary add-ons are removed when Firefox restarts. To make it permanent:

Option 1: Use Firefox Developer Edition or Nightly

• Load the extension as a temporary add-on (it will persist across restarts in these versions)

Option 2: Sign and install

• Create an account at addons.mozilla.org
• Submit your extension for signing (you can mark it as "unlisted" for personal use)
• Once signed, install the .xpi file

Usage

1. Click the Scratchpad icon in your Firefox toolbar
2. A new tab will open with a blank textarea
3. Start typing - your content will automatically save
4. Open Scratchpad on any other Firefox device signed into the same Firefox Account to see your synced notes

How Sync Works

The extension uses Firefox's storage.sync API, which:

• Automatically syncs data across devices signed into the same Firefox Account
• Works just like bookmark sync - no additional setup required
• Updates in real-time when changes are detected from other devices

Technical Details

• Manifest Version: 2 (Firefox standard)
• Permissions: storage (for sync functionality)
• Storage API: browser.storage.sync
• Auto-save Delay: 500ms after typing stops

Files

• manifest.json - Extension configuration
• background.js - Handles opening scratchpad tabs
• scratchpad.html - Main scratchpad interface
• scratchpad.css - Styling
• scratchpad.js - Save/load functionality with sync
• icons/ - Extension icons

Privacy

• All data is stored locally and synced through your Firefox Account
• No external servers or third-party services are used
• No tracking or analytics

License

Free to use and modify for personal use.