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How to Activate the Bookmarks Bar in Chrome

Learn how to activate, show, or restore the bookmarks bar in Google Chrome using a keyboard shortcut, Chrome settings, or the browser menu.

  • Chrome
  • Bookmarks
  • Browser Tips
  • Google Chrome

If you searched for “chrome activate bookmarks bar”, you probably want to show the bookmarks bar at the top of Google Chrome.

The fastest way is simple:

Press Ctrl + Shift + B on Windows or Linux.
Press Command + Shift + B on Mac.

This shortcut shows or hides the Chrome bookmarks bar instantly. Google lists this as the official shortcut for showing or hiding the bookmarks bar in Chrome.

Table of contents

What Is the Chrome Bookmarks Bar?

The bookmarks bar is the small bar under the address bar where you can keep your favorite websites.

For example, you can place links like:

  • Gmail
  • YouTube
  • Google Drive
  • Work tools
  • Frequently visited websites

This makes it faster to open important pages without typing the address every time.

Method 1: Activate the Bookmarks Bar with a Keyboard Shortcut

This is the easiest method.

On Windows or Linux

Press:

Ctrl + Shift + B

On Mac

Press:

Command + Shift + B

If the bookmarks bar is hidden, this shortcut will show it.
If the bookmarks bar is already visible, the same shortcut will hide it.

So if nothing seems to happen, press the shortcut once more.

Method 2: Turn On the Bookmarks Bar from Chrome Settings

You can also activate the bookmarks bar from Chrome settings.

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Go to Appearance.
  5. Turn on Show bookmarks bar.

After this, the bookmarks bar should appear under the address bar.

Method 3: Show the Bookmarks Bar from the Chrome Menu

Another way is through the Chrome menu.

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
  3. Go to Bookmarks and lists.
  4. Click Show bookmarks bar.

Depending on your Chrome version, the wording may appear slightly differently, but the setting is usually under the bookmarks menu or the appearance settings.

Why Is My Chrome Bookmarks Bar Missing?

Your bookmarks bar may be missing because it was accidentally hidden.

This often happens when:

  • You pressed Ctrl + Shift + B by mistake.
  • Chrome updated and changed a visual setting.
  • You are using a different Chrome profile.
  • You are in a new browser setup.
  • The bookmarks bar is only shown on the New Tab page.

Try the shortcut first:

Ctrl + Shift + B

On Mac:

Command + Shift + B

This usually fixes the issue immediately.

How to Add a Website to the Bookmarks Bar

After you activate the bookmarks bar, you can add websites to it.

  1. Open the website you want to save.
  2. Click the star icon on the right side of the address bar.
  3. Choose Bookmarks bar as the folder.
  4. Click Done.

Now the website should appear directly on your bookmarks bar.

How to Move Bookmarks on the Bar

You can organize your bookmarks by dragging them.

Just click and hold a bookmark, then move it left or right.

You can also right click a bookmark to:

  • Edit it
  • Delete it
  • Rename it
  • Open it in a new tab

How to Make More Space on the Bookmarks Bar

If your bookmarks bar looks crowded, you can make more room by shortening bookmark names.

For example:

Instead of:

Google Drive

You can rename it to:

Drive

You can even remove the name completely and keep only the website icon.

To do that:

  1. Right click the bookmark.
  2. Click Edit.
  3. Shorten or remove the name.
  4. Click Save.

This is useful if you want a clean bookmarks bar with only icons.

Chrome Bookmarks Bar Shortcut Summary

DeviceShortcut
WindowsCtrl + Shift + B
LinuxCtrl + Shift + B
MacCommand + Shift + B

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I activate the bookmarks bar in Chrome?

Press Ctrl + Shift + B on Windows or Linux. On Mac, press Command + Shift + B.

Why did my bookmarks bar disappear in Chrome?

It was probably hidden accidentally. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + B or turn on Show bookmarks bar from Chrome settings.

Does Chrome have a bookmarks bar?

Yes. Chrome has a bookmarks bar that appears under the address bar. You can use it to quickly open saved websites.

How do I always show the bookmarks bar in Chrome?

Go to Chrome Settings, open Appearance, then enable Show bookmarks bar.

How do I hide the bookmarks bar again?

Use the same shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + B on Windows or Linux, or Command + Shift + B on Mac.

Final Answer

To activate the bookmarks bar in Chrome, press:

Ctrl + Shift + B

If you are using a Mac, press:

Command + Shift + B

You can also enable it manually from Settings > Appearance > Show bookmarks bar.

Once enabled, the bookmarks bar will appear under Chrome’s address bar, making it easier to access your favorite websites quickly.

Source

Google Chrome Help confirms that Ctrl + Shift + B on Windows and Command + Shift + B on Mac show or hide the bookmarks bar.