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How Do I Hide the Hotbar on Google?

Published in Browser Customization 3 mins read

To hide the "Hotbar" on Google, which typically refers to the browser's address bar, toolbars, or bookmarks bar in Google Chrome, the most effective method is to use Full Screen mode. This will temporarily conceal most of the browser's interface, providing an unobstructed view of the webpage.

Hiding the Address Bar and Toolbars with Full Screen Mode

Full Screen mode expands the current webpage to fill your entire screen, effectively hiding the address bar, tabs, and other toolbars. This is particularly useful for focusing on content, presentations, or simply maximizing screen real estate. It's important to note that this mode is specific to the current webpage and will need to be re-enabled if you navigate to a new page or close and reopen Chrome.

For Windows Users

On Windows, toggling Full Screen mode is straightforward:

  1. Open Google Chrome: Launch your Chrome browser.
  2. Navigate to your desired webpage: Go to the website you wish to view in Full Screen.
  3. Press the F11 key: Locate the F11 key on your keyboard and press it. Your browser window will immediately expand to full screen, hiding the address bar and other interface elements.
  4. Exit Full Screen: To return to the standard browser view, simply press F11 again.

For Mac Users

Mac users can also enter Full Screen mode, though the method might vary slightly depending on your specific macOS version and keyboard settings:

  1. Open Google Chrome: Launch your Chrome browser.
  2. Navigate to your desired webpage: Go to the website you wish to view in Full Screen.
  3. Use the View Menu: Click on View in the top menu bar.
  4. Toggle Full Screen:
    • Select Enter Full Screen.
    • Alternatively, you can often use the keyboard shortcut Fn + F (or Control + Command + F on some Macs).
  5. Exit Full Screen: To exit, move your mouse to the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar and click View > Exit Full Screen, or press Fn + F again.

Hiding the Bookmarks Bar

If by "Hotbar" you are referring specifically to the bookmarks bar that appears directly below the address bar, there are simple ways to hide it without entering full screen. This method offers a more permanent solution if you prefer to keep the rest of your browser interface visible.

Steps to Hide the Bookmarks Bar:

  1. Through the Chrome Menu:
    • Open Google Chrome.
    • Click on the three-dot menu icon (Customize and control Google Chrome) in the top-right corner of the browser window.
    • Hover over Bookmarks.
    • Click on Show bookmarks bar to toggle it off. (If it has a checkmark next to it, it is currently visible; clicking will hide it).
  2. Using a Keyboard Shortcut:
    • A quick way to toggle the bookmarks bar is using a keyboard shortcut:
      • Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + B
      • Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + B
  3. Right-Clicking the Bar:
    • If the bookmarks bar is currently visible, you can simply right-click anywhere on the bookmarks bar itself.
    • From the context menu that appears, uncheck Show bookmarks bar.

Summary of Hotbar Hiding Methods

Interface Element Method Windows Shortcut Mac Shortcut Description
Address Bar Full Screen Mode F11 Fn + F / Control + Command + F Hides all browser interface elements for a focused view.
Bookmarks Bar Toggle from Menu or Shortcut Ctrl + Shift + B Cmd + Shift + B Hides or shows only the bookmarks bar.

By using these methods, you can effectively hide various elements that might be referred to as the "Hotbar" in Google Chrome, enhancing your browsing experience according to your preference.