ie8 fix

How to hide all browser tabs with one click

Turn your browser into a tab-hiding magician with these quick steps.

Ever wish you could hide all your tabs in Chrome or Firefox with one click?

These add-ons are great for when you're browsing the Internet at work when you're not supposed to (tsk tsk), or just trying to preserve some of your privacy when family or friends are visiting. You can set a password on the Chrome version for restoring the tabs and also set a keybind so you don't have to click the icon on your toolbar. Here's how to turn your Web browser into a tab-hiding magician:

Note: Although both add-ons have similar names, they appear to be created by different authors.

For Chrome:

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 1: Download and install the Panic Button extension from the Chrome Web Store. After clicking the Add to Chrome, you'll just need to click Install on the next pop-up window.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 2: Click the red button with the exclamation mark to hide all of your tabs. Click it again to bring them back!

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

(Optional) Step 3: Right-click on the extension button, and choose Options.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

In this area you can set a specific key for hiding the open tabs, or choose to password-protect them. Finally, you can set up a "safe page" which will load in the place of the tabs you're hiding.

For Firefox:

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 1: Download and install the Panic Button add-on from the Firefox add-on repository. Make sure to click Install on the pop-up window that appears. After the install, restart Firefox.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 2: Click the orange exclamation mark button to save your tabs and close the browser. If you don't see the button, right-click the menubar, choose Customize, and then drag the button next to your other tools.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

(Optional) Step 3: If you're not interested in closing the browser every time, you can customize the settings. Open the main menu, go to Add-ons, then click the Options button near Panic Button in the list that loads.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

PanicButtonHere you can adjust the behavior of the button (hiding or minimizing), disable the F9 key bind to hide tabs, or change the look of the icon on your toolbar.

Don't Miss

How to

Make your old iPhone run like new

Want to make your iPhone 4 run like an iPhone 5? Donald Bell has some easy tips.

Play Video

How to

Set up the ultimate home theater PC

From configuring your PC to choosing the right accessories, Sharon Vaknin shows you what you need to turn your PC into the ultimate TV companion.

Play Video

How to

Maximize your Galaxy S4's battery life

Stretch your S4's battery life with a few built-in features and lesser-known tricks that keep your phone from draining quickly. Sharon Vaknin shows you how.

Play Video

How to

Let guests DJ your party

CNET's Donald Bell shows you how to turn your iPhone into a shared jukebox that guests can access and control using a free app.

Play Video

How to

Take creative photos with the HTC One

The camera on the HTC One is capable of some pretty cool tricks. CNET's Donald Bell highlights some of this smartphone camera's slick features.

Play Video

 

Member Comments