I vibe coded a script to use Gemini as a custom search engine in FF, just like you can with ChatGPT!

Enhancing Your Browser Experience: How to Integrate Google Gemini as a Custom Search Engine

In today’s digital landscape, productivity and customization are key to a seamless browsing experience. While many users enjoy the convenience of quick search capabilities integrated directly into their browsers, not all search engines offer effortless integration. Particularly, Google Gemini—a promising AI-powered search tool—has yet to be natively supported as a searchable engine from the browser’s address bar in popular browsers like Firefox or Zen Browser.

Addressing this gap, a developer has devised a practical solution: a custom userscript that transforms Google Gemini into a fully functional search engine accessible directly from your browser’s search bar. In this article, we’ll explore how this solution works, how to set it up, and how it can enhance your browsing workflow.

Understanding the Need for Custom Search Integration

While platforms like ChatGPT have long supported quick access via browser search bars, Google Gemini has lagged behind in offering similar ease of access. Users who want to leverage Gemini’s capabilities directly from their browsers often find themselves navigating through multiple pages or manually entering prompts, which disrupts flow and efficiency.

To bridge this functionality gap, the developer created a userscript compatible with browsers supporting such scripts, notably Firefox and Zen Browser, allowing Gemini to be added as a custom search engine.

How the Userscript Works

The core of the solution is a straightforward script that:

• Converts Gemini into a search engine by defining a search URL pattern.
• Reads the search query entered by the user in the browser’s search bar.
• Parses a prompt parameter from the URL.
• Finds the chat input box on the Gemini page.
• Automatically inserts and submits the user’s query into Gemini’s chat interface, effectively performing the search instantly.

This automation means users can type their queries into the browser’s address bar or search bar, select Gemini from their list of search engines, and receive instant responses without manual navigation.

Installation and Setup

Getting started is simple:

1. Install the Userscript:
   Download the script from Greasy Fork or GitHub:
2. Greasy Fork: Search with Gemini Script

3. GitHub: Project Repository

4. Add as a Search Engine:
   After installing, add a new search engine to your browser with the following URL