Like the taskbar on Windows, the shelf in Google’s Chrome OS helps you manage your open apps and launch new ones on your Chromebook. Here’s how to customize the shelf by moving it or hiding it completely.
How to Move the Chromebook Shelf to the Top, Left, or Right
It’s easy to position the Chrome OS shelf on the left, right, or bottom edge of your screen. First, right-click the shelf or an empty part of your desktop. In the menu that pops up, select “Shelf Position.” In the sub-menu, select either “Left,” “Bottom,” or “Right” depending on your preference.
For example, if you set the shelf to appear on the left side of the screen, it will look similar to the below screenshot.
You can still use the shelf like you would if it were on the bottom of the screen—and the same goes for the right side, too. The launcher, quick settings menu, and app icons all work as you’d expect.
If you change your mind and want to change your shelf’s location again, just right-click the shelf (or the desktop) and revisit the “Shelf Position” menu.
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How to Automatically Hide the Chromebook Shelf
If you’d like to free up some screen space by hiding the Chrome OS shelf, it only takes a couple of clicks. At any time, right-click the shelf and select “Autohide shelf” in the menu that appears.
Immediately, your shelf will vanish. But it’s not gone forever—just hiding.
To get the shelf to show up again, move your mouse cursor to the edge of the screen where the shelf is usually positioned. Wait for a moment or click the left mouse button, and the shelf will reveal itself. When you move your cursor away from the shelf, it will hide again automatically. Have fun!
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