If you've removed your apps and controls, move your mouse to the top of the screen to reveal the Quick Access Bar. This bar lets you open Quick Settings and the Builder so you can restore your sidebar, apps, and toolbars immediately.
What to do if you’ve removed everything
It's easy to feel stuck if your workspace looks empty, but Shift is designed to keep you in control. When you remove all bars and controls, Shift creates a hidden safety net called the Quick Access Bar.
Follow these steps to get your tools back:
Move your cursor to the very top of your Shift window.
Click on the Quick Access Bar when it appears.
Select the gear icon to open Quick Settings
.
Click on Build your Browser to open the Builder.
Use the Builder to drag and drop your apps, sidebars, and search bars back into your preferred spots
Master your minimal workspace
Some users prefer a clean, minimal look without any visible bars. If that's your style, you can navigate your entire digital world using keyboard shortcuts. This keeps your focus on deep work while keeping your favorite tools just a keystroke away.
Essential shortcuts for a hidden setup:
- Quick Settings:
Cmd/Ctrl , - Search bar:
Cmd/Ctrl L - Sidebar:
Cmd/Ctrl S - Check out this article for more info: Shift’s keyboard shortcuts
Keep your tools accessible
We recommend keeping the Quick Settings gear icon visible to make future changes faster. If you ever need more help, our support team is made up of real humans who are ready to assist you.
Related Articles
- Customizing your Toolbars and Controls in Shift
- All about Quick Settings
- How to access the Customize Layout Setting
- No “search” omnibox, no problem
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