Have you ever wished you could customize the way websites look or behave?
You want to remove annoying popups, add download buttons to media sites, or automate repetitive tasks online.
Then read on...
What Is Violentmonkey And Tampermonkey
That’s exactly what userscript managers like Violentmonkey and Tampermonkey allow you to do.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what is Violentmonkey and Tampermonkey:
How they work, and how you can use them to supercharge your web browsing experience — no coding skills required!
What Are Userscript Managers?
Userscript managers are browser extensions that allow you to run small pieces of JavaScript, known as userscripts, on specific websites.
These scripts can change how websites look, behave, or interact with you.
Think of it like installing “mini plugins” for websites.
Instead of changing your entire browser, userscripts work only on the websites you specify.
They can do things like:
- Hide annoying elements (cookie banners, popups, ads)
- Automatically redirect to specific pages
- Add buttons or new features to websites
- Automate repetitive clicks or form filling
- To remove or alter paywall behavior
To run these scripts, you need a userscript manager like Violentmonkey or Tampermonkey.
What Is Violentmonkey?
Violentmonkey is a free and open-source userscript manager available for Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers.
It’s known for its speed, simplicity, and transparency.
Some features of Violentmonkey include:
- Support for most popular userscript APIs
- Script synchronization with cloud storage (e.g., Dropbox, OneDrive)
- Automatic script updates
- Script editor with syntax highlighting
Because it's open-source, many developers prefer Violentmonkey for its transparency and lack of tracking.
What Is Tampermonkey?
Tampermonkey is another powerful userscript manager, and arguably the most popular one. It offers a polished user interface, enhanced script management tools, and wide browser compatibility.
Some key features of Tampermonkey include:
- Easy installation and management of userscripts
- Dashboard to organize, edit, and update scripts
- Detailed logs and script execution tracking
- Available on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera
Tampermonkey is proprietary software, which means it's not open-source, but it’s feature-rich and user-friendly.
How Do Userscript Managers Work?
When you install Violentmonkey or Tampermonkey, they create a sandbox in your browser where custom scripts can run safely.
Each script contains metadata that tells the manager when and where to execute it. For example:
// ==UserScript==
// @name Hide Cookie Banner
// @match *://*.example.com/*
// @grant none
// ==/UserScript==
document.querySelector('.cookie-banner')?.remove();
This script removes a cookie banner from any page on example.com. It will only run when you visit pages that match the @match pattern.
How To Install Violentmonkey or Tampermonkey
Step 1: Choose Your Browser
Both extensions work on major browsers. Choose the one that fits your setup:
- Chrome/Brave/Edge: You can use either Violentmonkey or Tampermonkey from the Chrome Web Store.
- Firefox: Both are available via Mozilla Add-ons.
Step 2: Install the Extension
To install Violentmonkey:
- Go to: https://violentmonkey.github.io/get-it/
- Click the install link for your browser
- Follow the prompt to add the extension
To install Tampermonkey:
- Go to: https://www.tampermonkey.net/
- Select your browser and follow the install steps
Once installed, you’ll see a monkey icon in your browser toolbar.
How to Install a Userscript
Installing a userscript is easy once your userscript manager is active.
Step 1: Find A Script
Popular sites to browse and download userscripts:
- GreasyFork – The most trusted and active repository
- OpenUserJS – Another community-driven site
Search for a script that matches your need (e.g., “YouTube dark mode”, “auto scroll”, etc.)
Step 2: Install the Script
Click on the install button.
Your userscript manager will automatically detect the script and show you a preview.
Click “Install” or “Confirm” to activate it.
Step 3: Manage Scripts
Click the monkey icon in your toolbar to view all installed scripts.
You can enable/disable them, change their settings, or delete them anytime.
Are Userscripts Safe?
Yes and no. Userscripts can be powerful, but with great power comes responsibility.
Since they can read and change website content, you should:
- Only install scripts from trusted sources (like GreasyFork)
- Review the code if you can — it’s all JavaScript
- Be cautious with scripts that request permissions like
@grant GM_xmlhttpRequestor access to multiple domains
Both Violentmonkey and Tampermonkey also allow you to disable scripts or limit their domain access.
Quick Tips For Beginners Using Userscripts
- Start small: Try simple scripts that do one thing, like removing ads or changing a website’s color scheme.
- Use trusted sources: Download userscripts only from popular sites like Greasy Fork or OpenUserJS to stay safe.
- Read script descriptions: Check what a script does and user reviews before installing to avoid unwanted behavior.
- Enable and disable easily: Your userscript manager lets you turn scripts on or off anytime without uninstalling them.
- Keep your userscripts updated: Many script authors update their scripts regularly — make sure you have the latest version for best performance.
Violentmonkey vs. Tampermonkey: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Violentmonkey | Tampermonkey |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Yes ✅ | No ❌ |
| Cloud Sync | Yes (via Dropbox, OneDrive) | Yes (Google Drive, others) |
| User Interface | Minimalist | Polished and feature-rich |
| Browser Support | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera |
Choose Violentmonkey if you want a lightweight, open-source option with no tracking.
Choose Tampermonkey if you prefer a user-friendly interface and more advanced tools.
Conclusion: Violent & Tampermonkey
Now you know what is Violentmonkey and Tampermonkey,
And how these userscript managers can unlock powerful customization features in your browser.
Whether you want to hide elements, speed up your workflow, simply clean up messy websites, or even bypass paywalls, userscripts are a flexible and easy way to do it.
Ready to take control of your browser? Start by installing Violentmonkey or Tampermonkey and explore the world of userscripts today.