[Archived] Tired of clicking to get to Paint 3D’s good bits? Find out here how to permanently expand the Paint 3D sidebar ⤓ and act on 3D objects and images faster (plus a keyboard shortcut).
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How to Make the Paint 3D Sidebar Always Visible
Time needed: 1 minute
To always see the expanded sidebar (and not have to click needlessly to show its tools) in Paint 3D:
- Click the menu button in Paint 3D.
Paint 3D keyboard shortcut: You can also press Alt F.
- Select Settings from the menu that has appeared.
- Turn Off the Use compact view option under Settings.
More space for pictures: To hide the sidebar and avoid wasting space, make sure Use compact view is On, of course.
- Click Back.
If the sidebar is collapsed, click the tool in current use to expand it. You can magically select objects, for instance.
Side and center?
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How to Collapse and Expand the Paint 3D Sidebar with a Keyboard Shortcut
To quickly show and hide the full sidebar and access either the full canvas or tool options easily:
- Press M.
Not just one: Find more Paint 3D shortcuts.
You can then focus on it and navigate its tools using the keyboard alone as well:
- Press Alt B.
- Use the Tab, Shift Tab, ←, ↓, ↑, →, and Enter keys among others to navigate, change and apply options from the sidebar.
(Tested with Paint 3D 6.2105–6.24.08; first published March 2020, last updated September 2024)