User profile for user: msander4d
msander4d Author
User level: Level 1
13 points

How to revert Safari sidebar to a simple list on macOS Sequoia 15.5?

Safari sidebar used to appear as a simple list. Now each bookmark in the sidebar has a little picture, the URL, and a short description. Instead of seeing all of my sidebar bookmarks at one time, I now have to scroll through a long list. Any search for answers suggests this appearance has something to do with "tab" settings. Changing the tab settings does nothing to the sidebar view. Running Mac OS Sequoia 15.5. Looking for a way to change the sidebar back to a simple classic list but can't seem to figure it out.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Safari changed its sidebar!

Posted on Sep 16, 2025 3:39 PM

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User profile for user: 6x6
6x6
User level: Level 6
19,245 points

Posted on Oct 15, 2025 8:55 AM

Hello all,


In macOS Sequoia, for Safari 26, it is possible to revert to the old bookmarks view by using commands in the Terminal application.


  • Quit Safari.
  • Open Terminal (in the Applications > Utilities folder.)
  • Execute the following 2 commands:
defaults write com.apple.safari SidebarBookmarksCompactViewModePreference -bool YES
defaults write com.apple.safari SidebarBookmarksHierarchyViewPreference -bool YES
  • Quit Terminal.
  • Open Safari.


Adapted from: https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/1nouefb/sequoia_157_removed_safaris_bookmarks_folder_tree/

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How to revert Safari sidebar to a simple list on macOS Sequoia 15.5?

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