The glossary shared here is meant to give you some fundamental definitions of terms and icons you'll come across while using Shift.
Core Concepts
Term
Definition
App
A web-based tool (e.g. Slack, Asana, Gmail) that you access within Shift.
Featured App
Shift’s free, built-in-house apps that you can add to your Shift setup.
App Instance
A specific copy of an app added to Shift. For example, two Slack accounts = two Slack instances.
Custom App
An app added to Shift via a custom URL, rather than through the default app library. To learn more about Custom Apps check out this article: How to create Custom apps
Partition
A distinct browsing session (like Chrome profiles). Each email and app in Shift runs in its own partition, enabling multiple logins.
License
A paid entitlement required to access Shift’s premium features. One license per paid user.
Navigation & Layout
Term or Icon
Definition
Sidebar
A vertical navigation panel
Spaces
Focused areas where you group related apps and tabs for different workflows or projects.
Default/ Primary Space
Your first Space added to Shift.
Secondary Space
Any Space added beyond your Default Space. You can have unlimited Secondary Spaces.
Space Switcher
The area where you add your Spaces and quickly switch between them.
Customized Layout
Located in Settings. This is the setting where you can fully customize your Shift layout or change the Template.
Show/Hide Left Sidebar
A button that opens/collapses the sidebar to provide a cleaner, more focused workspace.
Top Bar
The header area in Shift where open tabs and navigation icons appear.
Custom Bar
A bar you can customize with apps, controls, or tabs.
Spaces and Apps Bar
A section that displays the apps and spaces.
Home
Returns you to your default start page.
Customization & Appearance
Term or Icon
Definition
Themes
Visual styles (Light, Dark, or System mode) that you can set independently for each Space.
Templates
Predefined Shift browser window layouts created by Shift for easy setup.
Separator
A visual divider used to organize bookmarks or interface items.
Spacer
A blank space used to visually separate items in your layout.
Grid
A layout view that organizes apps or bookmarks in a structured grid format.
Apps & Notifications
Term
Definition
App Shortcuts
Links to apps in one Space that can be reused or mirrored in another Space. App shortcuts provide you access to the same account across multiple Spaces.
App Unread Badge
A circular indicator showing the number of unread notifications in a specific app instance. Configurable via right-click.
Space Unread Badge
An unread count on a Space icon, reflecting unread email, app notifications, or both—based on your settings.
Badge
A circular icon with a number showing unread notifications—can appear on both apps and Spaces.
Anchor App
It is one app inside a Space that you set as the “main” app for that Space.
Search & Productivity Features
Term or Phrase
Definition
Search Bar
A field that lets you search across emails, apps, and bookmarks from one place.
Mode
Refers to user interface preferences or account settings that customize how Shift operates.
Privacy, Access & Data
Term
Definition
Passwords
Shortcut to Shift's built-in password manager where you can view, import, and manage saved passwords.
Sync
Keeps your settings, Spaces, and apps consistent across devices when signed into your Shift account.
Security
Refers to Shift's approach to protecting your local data and privacy (see Privacy Policy).
OAuth
A security standard that grants local app access to your Google/Microsoft services without storing your credentials.
Settings & Support
Term/ Icon
Definition
Quick Settings
The main configuration area, accessed via the gear icon. Customize your setup, account, extensions, and more.
Add Apps
A button that opens the app library, where you can browse and add apps to your setup.
Downloads
A shortcut to view files you've downloaded through Shift.
Help / Support
Opens Shift’s Help Center where you can find articles or contact the support team by submitting a request form.
Tabs & Navigation Controls
Term or icon
Definition
Tab
A standard web tab, like in a browser. Opens websites, emails, or app pages.
Back / Forward / Reload / /
Standard browser controls to move between pages or refresh content in a tab.
Print
Opens your system's print dialog for the current tab or document.
Release Channels
Term
Definition
Stable Channel
The default Shift version used by most users—only receives fully tested updates.
Shift for Teams
A paid Shift plan for teams. Setup and support available via the Getting Started flow or contacting Support.
Sustainability
Term or Phrase
Definition
Carbon Meter
Shift’s carbon offset tracker. Shows your individual and the community’s environmental impact from using Shift.