Customize the Sidebar - Hide and Show

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The Sidebar can be configured to be hidden from Finder windows.  If you decide to remove the Sidebar from view, you'll be left with a very basic Finder mode.  The process is very simple and is done with two simple clicks.  By default the Sidebar is visible.
In Mac OS X Leopard

Hide the Sidebar
To hide the Sidebar from view click on the oval-shaped droplet button on the upper right corner of the Finder window (see the red arrow).  An alternate method would be to click on the Finder Menu, then click on View, then select Hide Toolbar.  The Finder will then adjust into what is known as the Simple Finder.

sidebar_hide_01.png
sidebar_hide_02.pngShow the Sidebar
In the event that it has been hidden all you need to do is the reverse of what is listed in Hide the Sidebar above.  Click on the droplet button or use the Finder Menu


In Mac OS X Tiger


Hide the Sidebar
To hide the Sidebar from view just double click on the divider.  When you do this the Finder will automatically adjust and claim the space that was previously taken by the Sidebar.

Show the Sidebar

By default the Sidebar is visible.  In the event that it has been hidden all you need to do is double click on the extreme left area of the Finder window.  As is the case with hiding, the Finder will automatically adjust and resize to allow the Sidebar to reclaim the space it previously occupied.

Updates

  • May 28, 2009 - content revision, image updates
Created: 6:35 PM on Dec 27, 2006
By: switchtoamac