Display Direct Website Links in Google Search

Martin Brinkmann
Jan 11, 2012
Updated • Dec 10, 2012
Google, Search
|
8

Sometimes I'm searching on Google to copy the search results link into another application. This is an extremely frustrating experience as links are manipulated by Google. When you copy a link in Google's search results you'll notice that the link target are displayed correctly when you hover the mouse cursor over the link, but when you copy the link to the clipboard, you will notice that Google has in fact changed that link. This leaves the option to open the site first to copy it from the browser's address bar, or to use a tool or extension that removes the data that Google adds to links in the search results.

The link to Ghacks in Google Search for instance should be https://www.ghacks.net/ and not http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=ghacks&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ghacks.net%2F&ei=MooNT_vzE5GnsgaegJXbBA&usg=AFQjCNEbVP7B0UnFl1Q9J0q_Vbl9uYoYOw which it is when you copy the link to the clipboard.

Here are two options to display direct website links in Google Search:

Google Search link fix

The Firefox add-on modifies all link targets in the Google search results and all other Google properties where this behavior can be observed, so that they point to the direct web address.

Just install the extension in the Firefox web browser, a restart is not required. If you are on Google Search currently you need to reload the page or run a new search before the extension starts replacing the links.

Firefox users can download the extension from Mozilla's official Add-ons repository for the browser.

google search links

Don't track me Google

This is a userscript that does the exact same thing the Firefox extension does. It is compatible with Firefox and Google Chrome, and maybe other web browsers as well. The userscript in addition hides the referral link so that sites you visit do not know where you came from.

Chrome users can install the userscript right away, while Firefox users need to install the Greasemonkey or Scriptish add-on first before they can do the same thing.

The userscript can be downloaded and installed over at the official Userscripts website.

Advertisement

Tutorials & Tips


Previous Post: «
Next Post: «

Comments

  1. bw said on January 2, 2014 at 11:39 am
    Reply

    thank you,the script works good on chrome

  2. Dhaval said on January 12, 2012 at 8:58 am
    Reply

    Very nice add-on & script. Thanks.

  3. Transcontinental said on January 11, 2012 at 7:40 pm
    Reply

    Just replaced ‘googlePrivacy’ userscript with this ‘Don’t track me Google’ for testing/comparing. It seems more complete.

  4. Transcontinental said on January 11, 2012 at 7:18 pm
    Reply

    Here we use two usercripts, ‘GoogleMonkeyR’ and ‘googlePrivacy’ wich combined cover about all Google nuisances, allows Google Search settings without its cookie, and enable a less narrow privacy.
    Pity that a company with such talents, with such applications, is getting hysterical with Google+, because Google+ is what is in their mind. Larry moved Schmidt like a captain turns off autopilot, he seems to have decided to turbo-boost the aircraft.
    Where are the parachutes ?!

  5. WebHybrid said on January 11, 2012 at 6:11 pm
    Reply

    Wonderful- thank you.

  6. Kaushik said on January 11, 2012 at 4:47 pm
    Reply
  7. Sandeep Jopat said on January 11, 2012 at 4:03 pm
    Reply

    good share – Thanks

Leave a Reply

Check the box to consent to your data being stored in line with the guidelines set out in our privacy policy

We love comments and welcome thoughtful and civilized discussion. Rudeness and personal attacks will not be tolerated. Please stay on-topic.
Please note that your comment may not appear immediately after you post it.