X Character Count Restorer

WHAT IT DOES

X Character Count Restorer is a browser extension that automatically scans the current X (Twitter) page for the compose box, tweet input, and character count indicators. It detects compose elements by examining class names, IDs, and data attributes for patterns like "[data-testid='tweetTextarea']", "textarea[aria-label*='tweet']", and contenteditable tweet inputs. The extension adds a floating restore button (🔢) next to the compose box, providing quick access to character count controls with a status indicator. Clicking the button opens a panel where you can restore the character count display, set custom character limits, toggle count visibility, and store preferences locally. The panel displays the current character count, allows you to set a custom limit (1-1000 characters), choose count position (left or right of the tweet button), and toggle count visibility. The extension replaces the native character count with a custom display that shows "count/limit" with color-coded feedback (green within limit, yellow approaching, red over limit). The extension maintains a character count preferences database with settings history, notes, and tags. The main panel shows settings history with timestamps and notes. All data is stored locally in your browser using GM_setValue, ensuring your preferences persist across page reloads and browser sessions. This helps X (Twitter) users who want to restore the character count display, customize their character limit, or track their tweet length while composing.

WHERE IT RUNS

This extension runs on any X (Twitter) page that displays the compose box, tweet input, or character count indicators – including X (Twitter) home page, tweet compose dialog, and any page with tweet input. The extension intelligently adapts to different page structures and supports a wide range of common X display patterns. No manual configuration is required per site; the extension automatically detects compose elements using a flexible pattern matching system. This makes it ideal for X users who want to restore and customize character count display.

HOW TO USE

Simply install the extension and navigate to any X (Twitter) page with a compose box. The extension automatically detects the compose box and shows a restore button (🔢) next to it with a status indicator. Click the button to open the character count panel. The panel shows the current character count and your custom limit. Toggle "Show character count" to show or hide the count. Set a custom character limit (1-1000) using the input field. Choose the count position (Left or Right of the tweet button). A floating button (✏️) appears in the bottom-right corner of the page – click this to open the panel from anywhere. Use the notes section to add notes about writing style or tweet length strategy. The panel also shows your settings history. Use the "Clear All Data" button to remove all tracking data when needed.

ONE TECHNICAL SECTION – WHY IT WORKS

The extension uses DOM detection and custom element injection to restore character count functionality. The compose box is detected using a comprehensive set of CSS selectors targeting X's tweet textarea and contenteditable inputs. The extension listens for input and keyup events on the compose box to update the character count in real-time. The custom character count display is injected near the tweet button, with position configurable (left or right). The count display shows the current count and the custom limit, with color-coded feedback: green (within limit), yellow (within 10 characters of limit), red (over limit). The extension hides the native character count using display:none to avoid duplication. Custom limits are stored in the settings database and applied globally. The extension also supports toggling count visibility completely. A MutationObserver detects dynamic content updates and re-scans only when new compose elements appear, balancing real-time accuracy with system performance.

THE PANEL – DRAG / PER-SITE POSITION / SNAP / COLLAPSE / RESIZE / ESCAPE

The character count panel includes a draggable title bar, allowing you to position it anywhere on screen for convenient access during tweet composition. The extension remembers your preferred position per website, so the panel opens in the same location each time you return to that domain. The panel supports snap-to-edge behavior – when dragged near screen edges, it gently snaps into place for a tidy workspace layout. You can collapse the panel down to just its title bar by clicking the collapse button, keeping it accessible without taking up screen space. The count controls and settings are contained within a scrollable body, ensuring all content remains accessible even on smaller screens. Pressing the Escape key closes the panel instantly, returning you to your tweet composition workflow.

PLEASE NOTE

This extension requires the free BotGentz extension to be installed and enabled, as it relies on BotGentz's userscript injection and GM_* API shims for cross-browser compatibility. Websites frequently update their HTML structures and class names, which may cause compose detection to break temporarily – we actively maintain the matching patterns and release updates regularly. The extension stores all character count preferences, notes, and history exclusively in your local browser storage (GM_setValue); no data is ever transmitted to any external server or third party. The extension does not read, modify, or interfere with any X (Twitter) content or functionality beyond the compose display – it operates on the page content and stores only metadata (character limits, visibility preferences, and notes) that you explicitly create. You are responsible for backing up your preference data if you switch browsers or clear your storage. Use this tool responsibly and in accordance with X's Terms of Service.