📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses Ed's challenges with managing the sidebar in the Floorp browser, including difficulties with keyboard shortcuts due to a stroke. Initially, Ed considered manual workarounds like full-screen mode and CSS tweaks but found them unsuitable due to accessibility issues. Eventually, he discovered a built-in toggle for the sidebar in settings and chose to revert to Firefox after experiencing a bug that required a hard shutdown. Throughout, the tone is supportive, with ChatGPT providing tailored accessibility advice and alternative solutions to accommodate Ed's condition.
Hermitkrab

Hermitkrab

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I'm enjoying my new Floorp browser, but I have a question regarding the side bar. I can find no way to hide it, and being able to open it with a mouse-over, like some other browsers do. I'd like to be able to hide it, in order to gain more screen real-estate, until I actually need it.
Do any of you folks know what I can do? If not, I'll just live with it; but thanks, if you have a solution. Ed
 

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WindowsForum AI
Hi Ed,
I'm glad you're enjoying your new Floorp browser! As of my understanding, the Floorp browser doesn't have a built-in option to hide the side bar or open it with a mouse-over. However, there are a couple of workarounds you can try to gain more screen real estate when you don't need the side bar.
  • Full-Screen Mode:
    One option is to use the browser in full-screen mode. Most modern web browsers have a full-screen mode that hides all toolbars and sidebars, giving you maximum screen space for browsing. You can activate full-screen mode by pressing the F11 key on your keyboard. When you need to access the side bar, simply move your mouse to the top of the screen to reveal the browser's menus and exit the full-screen mode...
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WindowsForum AI

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#2
Hi Ed,
I'm glad you're enjoying your new Floorp browser! As of my understanding, the Floorp browser doesn't have a built-in option to hide the side bar or open it with a mouse-over. However, there are a couple of workarounds you can try to gain more screen real estate when you don't need the side bar.
  • Full-Screen Mode:
    One option is to use the browser in full-screen mode. Most modern web browsers have a full-screen mode that hides all toolbars and sidebars, giving you maximum screen space for browsing. You can activate full-screen mode by pressing the F11 key on your keyboard. When you need to access the side bar, simply move your mouse to the top of the screen to reveal the browser's menus and exit the full-screen mode.
  • Custom CSS/Extensions:
    Another option is to use custom CSS or browser extensions to hide or modify the appearance of the side bar. This method requires some technical knowledge and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are comfortable with CSS, you can try injecting custom CSS code to hide the side bar. If you're not familiar with CSS, you can search for browser extensions or add-ons that provide customization options for hiding or modifying the side bar. These extensions can vary depending on the browser you're using.
    Keep in mind that these workarounds may not be as seamless as having a built-in feature in the browser, but they can help maximize your screen real estate when you don't need the side bar.
    I hope these suggestions help! Let me know if you have any further questions.
 

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Hermitkrab

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WindowsForum AI said:
Hi Ed,

I'm glad you're enjoying your new Floorp browser! As of my understanding, the Floorp browser doesn't have a built-in option to hide the side bar or open it with a mouse-over. However, there are a couple of workarounds you can try to gain more screen real estate when you don't need the side bar.

1. Full-Screen Mode:
One option is to use the browser in full-screen mode. Most modern web browsers have a full-screen mode that hides all toolbars and sidebars, giving you maximum screen space for browsing. You can activate full-screen mode by pressing the F11 key on your keyboard. When you need to access the side bar, simply move your mouse to the top of the screen to reveal the browser's menus and exit the full-screen mode.

2. Custom CSS/Extensions:
Another option is to use custom CSS or browser extensions to hide or modify the appearance of the side bar. This method requires some technical knowledge and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are comfortable with CSS, you can try injecting custom CSS code to hide the side bar. If you're not familiar with CSS, you can search for browser extensions or add-ons that provide customization options for hiding or modifying the side bar. These extensions can vary depending on the browser you're using.

Keep in mind that these workarounds may not be as seamless as having a built-in feature in the browser, but they can help maximize your screen real estate when you don't need the side bar.

I hope these suggestions help! Let me know if you have any further questions.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your response, ChatGPT. I'm not able to push the Fn key and F11 at the same time, since my left arm an hand are paralyzed (stroke), and my right hand can't span that far. Anyhow, I can live with the sidebar always showing, it isn't that bad. I don't want to try the 2nd method you provided, but i thank you just the same. Ed
 

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Hermitkrab

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Thread Author #4
Hermitkrab said:
Thanks for your response, ChatGPT. I'm not able to push the Fn key and F11 at the same time, since my left arm an hand are paralyzed (stroke), and my right hand can't span that far. Anyhow, I can live with the sidebar always showing, it isn't that bad. I don't want to try the 2nd method you provided, but i thank you just the same. Ed
Click to expand...
Hello again, ChatGPT. I've found a work-around. in settings, I found I could toggle the side bar on and off pretty easily. I guess I'm OK now. Thanks again.

EDIT: I'm sorry, I encountered a situation with Floorp, and needed to uninstall, and return to my original Firefox. What happened with Floorp is, I couldn't get out of the settings page and return to homepage without performing a hard shut down of my computer. Again, I thank you for your kind assistance, and I'll remain a forum member. I'll catch you next time I need assistance.
 

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Hermitkrab

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Well, here I go again. I had a problem with Floorp when on the settings page. Settings opened up full screen, and I couldn't find a way to get out of settings without performing a hard shutdown. Oh, I did find a work-around, by clicking on (I think) "help", or possibly something different, but I don't want to go through any hoops in order to return home.

So, rather than mess around anymore, I've returned to my original Firefox, and uninstalled Floorp. Floorp has a lot of things going for it, and i think it's a pretty secure browser, but I've been satisfied with my Firefox, and will probably stick with it. Now, my browser setup is back to Edge, Brave, Firefox.
Hermitkrab said:
Thanks for your response, ChatGPT. I'm not able to push the Fn key and F11 at the same time, since my left arm an hand are paralyzed (stroke), and my right hand can't span that far. Anyhow, I can live with the sidebar always showing, it isn't that bad. I don't want to try the 2nd method you provided, but i thank you just the same. Ed
Click to expand...
No need to apologize, my friend. You weren't aware of my condition. :)
 

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WindowsForum AI

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#6
Hi again, Ed!
Thanks for letting me know about your situation—that’s incredibly helpful in tailoring responses to meet your specific needs. First off, I applaud your adaptability, and it’s a great attitude that you’re fine with the sidebar being visible. However, because accessibility and ease are important, let’s explore alternatives that don't involve awkward keystrokes or any complicated tweaking.

A Workaround Without F11​

If pressing Fn + F11 is physically difficult and you want to trigger full-screen mode, here’s a hassle-free way:
  1. Most modern browsers, including Floorp, allow you to access Full-Screen Mode via the browser's menu without using the keyboard shortcut.
    • Simply click on the three dots menu (or the equivalent in Floorp, depending on where it’s located) and look for a "Full-Screen" option. Clicking it will enable full-screen mode without the need for keyboard gymnastics!
    If Floorp doesn’t show this option, feel free to let me know, and we can explore some alternative lightweight approaches that won’t involve custom CSS or advanced methods.

Accessibility Tip for Future Troubles​

If you frequently encounter situations where keyboard shortcuts are challenging due to your stroke, Windows has built-in on-screen keyboards that let you click the keys rather than press them. It’s not the fastest solution, but for occasional tasks like toggling F11, it can work wonders:
  • Press Ctrl + Win + O to bring up the On-Screen Keyboard.
  • You can then click F11 on it when necessary.
That way, you avoid needing both hands or stretching awkwardly across the keyboard.

Sidebar Customization​

Floorp is still in its early adoption phase, and accessibility options may be limited for now. If improvements are made later (like a "mouse-over" sidebar, or an easier way to toggle it), I’ll try to keep this thread updated for you.
You’ve got a great perspective on things, Ed, and I appreciate you sharing! Always here to help if there’s anything else, browser-related or otherwise, that makes tech easier for you. 😊
 

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