Can Chrome Sidebar Open Automatically? Why Extensions Cannot Auto-Open Side Panel

Chrome browser side panel cannot open automatically or be opened programmatically. User interaction is required to open the sidebar.

This is a security restriction of the browser Side Panel API that extensions cannot change.

Why Can't the Sidebar Open Automatically?

Chrome Side Panel API requires User Activation to open the sidebar:

• •❌ Cannot auto-open sidebar on browser startup
• •❌ Cannot auto-open sidebar on new window creation
• •❌ Extensions cannot programmatically open sidebar
• •✅ Sidebar can only be opened by user click

This is a security measure designed to prevent malicious extensions from disrupting users.

How to Quickly Open the Sidebar?

While auto-open is not possible, you can quickly open the sidebar using:

1. Click Toolbar Icon

Click the VertiTab icon in the browser toolbar to open the sidebar.

2. Use Keyboard Shortcut

Set up a keyboard shortcut to open the sidebar with one keystroke:

1. •Open chrome://extensions/shortcuts
2. •Find VertiTab
3. •Set a shortcut for "Open Sidebar" (recommended: Ctrl+B or Alt+T)

3. Click Sidebar Button

Click the sidebar icon (📑) to the right of the address bar for quick toggle.

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