Stop Firebug autofocusing DOM changes

Simple steps for stopping Firebug from automatically highlighting DOM changes made via Javascript.

Update: This issue has been filed as a bug report and has been fixed as of Firebug 1.6a9 (see here for bug report)

I recently had a problem with the latest version of Firebug whereby when inspecting the DOM via the HTML tab, the view would automatically refocus and highlight an element that had been updated via a piece of Javascript

Is Firebug "buggy"?

This was very annoying. For a long while I wasn't sure how to fix the issue and so I tweeted about it.

The best response came from none other than Paul Irish, who responded explaining that I should have a drop down list on the Firebug HTML tab. This would have the option to disable DOM Highlighting.

Having checked and rechecked however, I was sure I didn't have this dropdown.

The Solution

As with all things computer related the classic "uninstall/reinstall" combo did the trick. I simply removed the addon and reinstalled it using Firebug's built in AddOn manager.

This updated the faulty install of Firebug and revealed the hidden HTML tab dropdown.

I then went in and unchecked "Highlight Changes". This fixed the highlighting issue.

Ongoing Problems

Soon after fixing the issue however the HTML tab dropdown disappeared again. The auto focus problem didn't return but the dropdown had mysteriously disappeared.

If anyone has an explanation for this behaviour (am I doing something wrong?) or a better solution please let me know.

Grow your business

Find out how Deep Blue Sky can grow your business.

  1. Digital benchmark
  2. Digital roadmap
  3. Digital engineering

Write a comment.