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BrandonBB
BrandonBB
Known Participant
Mar 27, 2026 7:41 PM UTC
Answered

Shortcut Contextual Taskl Bar

Is there a way to hide and unhide the Contextual Tool Bar with a simple keyboard shortcut? I need to always quickly open and close the tool bar.

leo.r
leo.rCorrect answer
Community Expert
Mar 28, 2026 3:47 AM UTC

Yes, go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts and assign the desired shortcut:

 

 

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5 replies

Carlos Tocchetto
Carlos Tocchetto
Participant
Oct 13, 2026 12:33 AM UTC

It is ridiculous that we can’t add a shortcut for the annoying Contextual Task Bar in illustrator 

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leo.r
Community Expert
leo.rCommunity Expert
Community Expert
Oct 13, 2026 1:43 AM UTC

It is ridiculous that we can’t add a shortcut for the annoying Contextual Task Bar in illustrator 


Indeed, I don’t see this bar listed in Illustrator keyboard shortcuts. Regardless, you can always use a third-party macro utility to assign a shortcut to any menu.

Also, this is the InDesign forum. Illustrator is here:
https://community.adobe.com/illustrator-650

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Trevor.Dennis
Community Expert
Trevor.DennisCommunity Expert
Community Expert
Mar 28, 2026 7:19 AM UTC

I use F3.

 

Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts > Application Menus

Scroll down to Window and then all the way to the bottom to Contextual Task Bar

Use whatever shortcut works for you.  I like the Function keys because they are a one key solution for a frequently used function.  I use F5, F6, and F7 to set workspaces.  F12 create Smart Object, Shift F12 New Smart Object via Copy.  You get the idea.  It can seriously streamline your workflow.

 

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    leo.r
    Community Expert
    leo.rCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Mar 28, 2026 3:47 AM UTC

    Yes, go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts and assign the desired shortcut:

     

     

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      Claire H.
      Community Manager
      Claire H.Community Manager
      Community Manager
      Mar 27, 2026 9:26 PM UTC

      Hi ​@BrandonBB,  To manage the visibility of the Contextual Task Bar in your application, follow these steps:

      1. Unhide the Contextual Task Bar:

        • Go to the menu and select Window.
        • Click on Contextual Task Bar to show it if it is currently hidden.

      2. Hide the Contextual Task Bar:

        • Again, go to the menu and select Window.
        • Click on Contextual Task Bar to hide it if it is currently visible.

      Unfortunately, there is no keyboard shortcut specifically mentioned for quickly hiding and unhiding the Contextual Task Bar. You will need to use the menu options. I hope this helps! ^CH

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