To hide the bookmarks bar in Google Chrome, press Ctrl + Shift + B on Windows or ChromeOS, or Command + Shift + B on a Mac. Press the same shortcut again to bring it back. You can also click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, go to Bookmarks and lists, and click Show bookmarks bar to turn off the check mark.
Hiding the bar doesn’t delete any bookmarks. Here are all the ways to hide or show it, and how to reach your bookmarks while it’s hidden.
Method 1: Use the keyboard shortcut
- Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS: Ctrl + Shift + B
- Mac: Command + Shift + B
Method 2: Use the Chrome menu
- Click the three-dot More menu in the top-right corner of Chrome.
- Hover over Bookmarks and lists (called Bookmarks in older versions).
- Click Show bookmarks bar to remove the check mark.
Method 3: Use Chrome settings
- Click the three-dot menu and choose Settings.
- Click Appearance in the left menu.
- Turn off Show bookmarks bar.
Method 4: Right-click the bar
Right-click an empty spot on the bookmarks bar and uncheck Show bookmarks bar.
How to open bookmarks when the bar is hidden
- Chrome menu: Click the three-dot menu > Bookmarks and lists. Your bookmarks are listed below the options.
- Side panel: Click the side panel icon, or choose Bookmarks and lists > Show all bookmarks to view them next to the page.
- Bookmark manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + O (Command + Option + B on a Mac).
- Address bar: Start typing the name of a bookmarked site, and it appears in the suggestions.
Tips for a tidier bookmarks bar
If you like having the bar but it’s cluttered, try these instead of hiding it:
- Show icons only: Right-click a bookmark, choose Edit, and delete the name. Only the site’s icon stays on the bar.
- Use folders: Right-click the bar, choose Add folder, and drag bookmarks into it.
- Hide the Apps shortcut or other bookmarks: Right-click the bar and uncheck Show apps shortcut or Show all bookmarks, if shown.
Bookmarks bar on phones and tablets
Chrome for Android and iPhone doesn’t have a bookmarks bar. On an iPad or Android tablet, Chrome shows bookmarks from the menu or the Bookmarks tab instead.
Frequently asked questions
Does hiding the bookmarks bar delete my bookmarks?
No. It only hides the bar. All your bookmarks stay saved.
Why did my bookmarks bar disappear?
You may have pressed Ctrl + Shift + B by accident, or you’re in full screen mode (press F11 to exit). Press the shortcut again to bring it back.
Can I hide the bookmarks bar on only some pages?
No. The setting applies to all tabs and windows in your Chrome profile.
Does this work in Microsoft Edge?
Edge uses the same shortcut to toggle its favorites bar: Ctrl + Shift + B.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.