How to hide or show the sidebar in Mac apps by keyboard

Hiding the sidebar gives a document or page more room on a small screen. The shortcut that works in most Mac apps, the ones that differ, and how to get it back.

Guide · Updated 22 October 2026

How do I hide the sidebar?

In most Mac apps, choose View, Hide Sidebar, or press ⌃ ⌘ S. Press it again, or choose View, Show Sidebar, to bring it back.

AppHide or show sidebar
Finder⌃ ⌘ S
Safari⇧ ⌘ L
Mail, Notes, Music and most Apple appsView, Hide Sidebar; check the shortcut beside it
Other appsLook in the View menu

If an app uses a different key, search for sidebar with ⇧ ⌘ /. See find any menu command.

How do I make the sidebar narrower instead?

Drag the line between the sidebar and the content. Drag it all the way left in many apps to collapse it.

Why did my sidebar disappear?

It was hidden, probably by the shortcut. The View menu brings it back. If the toolbar went too, see toolbar disappeared.

More room on a small screen: more screen space on a MacBook. Finder's sidebar: customise it.

Questions

What is the shortcut to hide the sidebar on a Mac?

Control Command S in most apps, including Finder. Safari uses Shift Command L.

How do I get the sidebar back on a Mac?

Choose View, Show Sidebar, or press the same shortcut again.

Can I resize the sidebar?

Yes. Drag the line between the sidebar and the content.

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