Opening the Chrome Side Panel
The Chrome Side Panel is a narrow column that opens on the right side of your browser window, separate from your main webpage. You can open it by clicking the icon that looks like three vertical dots (called the menu button) in the top-right corner of Chrome, then selecting "Show side panel" from the dropdown menu. On some computers, you can also press Ctrl + Shift + S (Windows) or Command + Shift + S (Mac) to open it instantly.
Once the side panel is open, it stays visible while you browse. You can resize it by dragging the left edge of the panel left or right to make it wider or narrower. The side panel closes when you click the X button in its top-right corner, or you can minimize it by clicking the same menu button and unchecking "Show side panel."
Key Takeaways
- Open the side panel through the Chrome menu (three dots) or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + S on Windows or Command + Shift + S on Mac.
- The side panel displays different tools depending on which tab you select at the top, such as Chrome Tips, Bookmarks, or Reading List.
- You can resize the side panel by dragging its left edge, and it remains open across all your browsing until you close it.
- Some extensions add their own tabs to the side panel, giving you quick access to tools without opening new windows or tabs.
What You Can Do in the Side Panel
The side panel contains several built-in tabs that appear at the top. The Chrome Tips tab shows helpful hints about Chrome features. The Bookmarks tab displays your saved bookmarks organized in folders, so you can access them without opening a separate bookmarks menu. The Reading List tab holds articles and pages you have saved to read later.
Each tab works independently, so you can switch between them by clicking the tab name at the top of the side panel. Your bookmarks and reading list remain the same whether you access them from the side panel or from the main Chrome menu. If you do not see a tab you expect, it may be hidden — you can show or hide tabs by right-clicking on the tab area and selecting which ones to display.
Adding Extensions to Your Side Panel
Many Chrome extensions add their own tabs to the side panel, letting you use them without opening a new window or tab. When you install an extension that supports the side panel, it automatically appears as a new tab at the top of the panel. You can click that tab to open the extension's interface.
To manage which extensions appear in your side panel, click the puzzle-piece icon (Extensions menu) in the top-right corner of Chrome, then click the extension you want to adjust. Look for an option that says "Allow in side panel" or similar wording, and toggle it on or off. Not all extensions support the side panel, so some may not have this option available.
Using the Side Panel While You Work
The side panel is designed to stay open while you work on other tasks. If you are reading an article and want to check your bookmarks at the same time, open the side panel and click the Bookmarks tab — both the article and your bookmarks remain visible. This is useful when you are researching and need to reference saved links, or when you want to keep notes or a to-do list visible while browsing.
The side panel takes up space on the right side of your screen, so webpages adjust their width to fit. On smaller screens, this may make the webpage harder to read. You can close the side panel temporarily by clicking the X, or resize it narrower if you need more room for the webpage itself.
Keyboard Shortcuts for the Side Panel
Chrome offers keyboard shortcuts to open the side panel and switch between tabs quickly. Ctrl + Shift + S (Windows) or Command + Shift + S (Mac) opens or closes the side panel. Once the panel is open, you can click directly on any tab name to switch between them, but there is no keyboard shortcut to cycle through tabs — you must click with your mouse or trackpad.
If you use the side panel often, memorizing the keyboard shortcut saves time. You can also customize keyboard shortcuts for extensions that support the side panel by going to Chrome Settings, clicking "Extensions" in the left menu, then "Keyboard shortcuts" at the bottom of the page.
Troubleshooting Side Panel Problems
If the side panel does not open when you use the keyboard shortcut or menu option, try restarting Chrome completely. Close all Chrome windows and reopen the browser, then try again. If an extension tab is not appearing in the side panel even though you installed it, check that the extension is enabled by clicking the puzzle-piece icon and confirming the extension is turned on.
If the side panel is taking up too much space and making webpages hard to read, you can resize it by dragging its left edge closer to the right side of the screen. If you prefer not to use the side panel at all, simply close it and do not reopen it — Chrome does not force it to stay open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move the side panel to the left side of my screen instead of the right?
No, Chrome does not have a built-in option to move the side panel to the left. It always appears on the right side of your browser window. If you need it on the left, you would have to use a different browser or extension that offers this feature.
Does the side panel work on mobile Chrome?
The side panel is designed for desktop Chrome only. On mobile phones and tablets, Chrome does not display a side panel. Mobile Chrome uses a different layout optimized for smaller screens.
Will opening the side panel slow down my browser?
The side panel itself does not significantly slow Chrome. However, if you have many extensions running in the side panel at once, they may use more memory. Closing extensions you do not actively use can help if you notice Chrome running slowly.
Can I save custom notes or to-do lists in the side panel?
Chrome's built-in side panel does not include a notes feature. However, you can install a notes or to-do extension from the Chrome Web Store, and many of these extensions add a tab to the side panel for quick access to your lists.
What happens to my side panel settings if I sign out of Chrome?
Your side panel preferences, bookmarks, and reading list are tied to your Chrome account. If you sign out and sign back in with the same account, your settings return. If you sign in with a different account, you see that account's bookmarks and reading list instead.