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I'm trying to download MP3 files to my Mac, but instead of downloading, they just open a new window in Firefox.

  • 2 iimpendulo
  • 1 inayo le ngxaki
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  • Impendulo yokugqibela ngu Lynne

I have the latest version of Firefox, and my Mac laptop is running Mojave 10.14.6. I'm taking an online class, which has audio files available. When I select "download" on their website, Firefox opens a new window and immediately begins playing the file. I've been able to use the files like this, but I really want to keep them, and I can't figure out how to get an actual downloaded MP3 file that I can store and later add to iTunes (or whatever comes next).

I have the latest version of Firefox, and my Mac laptop is running Mojave 10.14.6. I'm taking an online class, which has audio files available. When I select "download" on their website, Firefox opens a new window and immediately begins playing the file. I've been able to use the files like this, but I really want to keep them, and I can't figure out how to get an actual downloaded MP3 file that I can store and later add to iTunes (or whatever comes next).

Isisombulu esikhethiweyo

Thanks very much for this! I was able to use the second option, so I'll go ahead and use that for all the files, and then switch back. The first option, which seems better, won't work because I only have a "download now" button to click and no sign of a document/file.

Thank you and thank you!

Lynne

Funda le mpendulo kwimeko leyo 👍 0

All Replies (2)

Hi Lynne, by default, Firefox will use the "stand alone" media player to play an MP3 if you click a direct link to it. Here are two possible workarounds:

(1) Save Link As

If you have a direct link to the MP3, and not a button or scripted link, you can use the link context menu: right-click (or with one button, Ctrl+click) the link and use the "Save Link As..." command.

(2) Disable the Stand Alone Media Player

If you disable the stand alone media player, then when you click a link that would open a media file, you should get the download dialog instead. This isn't a perfect solution if there are times you want to load an MP3 or video into its own tab for viewing in Firefox, but it is easy to turn off and on when neeeded. Here's how:

(A) In a new tab, type or paste about:config in the address bar and press Enter/Return. Click the button accepting the risk.

(B) In the search box above the list, type or paste ALONE and pause while the list is filtered

(C) Double-click the media.play-stand-alone preference to switch the value from true to false

Do either of those work for now?

Isisombululo esiKhethiweyo

Thanks very much for this! I was able to use the second option, so I'll go ahead and use that for all the files, and then switch back. The first option, which seems better, won't work because I only have a "download now" button to click and no sign of a document/file.

Thank you and thank you!

Lynne