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Tabs let you keep multiple documents open and switch between them quickly. This article explains how tabs work on macOS and iPad.
Tabs are available on macOS and iPad. They’re not available on iOS (iPhone) or Web app, as browsers provide their own tab system.

Tabs on macOS

Each tab represents an open document or view. Tabs can be shown at the top of the window or in the sidebar. Tab layouts showing top bar and sidebar options

Choosing Tab Layout

1
Move your pointer to the tab bar at the top of the window.
2
Right-click on the tab bar (on a tab or empty area).
3
Choose one of the following layouts:
  • Show at Top of Window – Tabs appear in the top bar
    • Always Visible – Tab bar stays on screen
    • Auto Hide – Tab bar hides until you hover near the top
  • Show in Sidebar – Tabs appear above navigation

Tab Preview

Hold your pointer over any tab for a moment to see a preview window. This lets you check tab content without switching to it.

Customizing the Sidebar

When tabs are shown in the sidebar, you can simplify the sidebar to keep tabs easy to see.
1
Click the layout button at the top left of the window.
2
Choose Customize.
3
Turn sections on or off to show only the folders and views you use most often.
A focused sidebar makes it easier to spot and manage your open tabs, especially with many documents.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Create and Close

  • New tab: ⌘ (Command) + T
  • Close current tab: ⌘ (Command) + W
  • Reopen last closed tab: ⌘ (Command) + ⇧ (Shift) + T

Switch Between Tabs

  • Switch to tab 1-9: ⌘ (Command) + (1-9)
  • Next tab:
    • ⌃ (Control) + ⇥ (Tab)
    • ⌘ (Command) + ⇧ (Shift) + ]
  • Previous tab:
    • ⌃ (Control) + ⇧ (Shift) + ⇥ (Tab)
    • ⌘ (Command) + ⇧ (Shift) + [
These shortcuts work in both top bar and sidebar layouts.

Tabs on iPad

On iPad, tabs always appear in the sidebar above your main navigation. Each open document is listed as a tab. Tap a tab to switch between documents. You can adjust which sections appear in the sidebar from the iPad layout options, keeping the tab list easy to scan.