Organizing Your Bar#

ExtraBar works in three layers: Presets → Apps → Actions. How you organize depends on your workflow. Some people use multiple presets to switch between contexts. Others keep everything in one preset and organize at the app or action level.

Here are three approaches to structuring your bar.

By preset#

Create a separate preset for each context. The same app can exist in multiple presets with different actions.

Good for people who switch between distinct workflows — like a freelancer with multiple clients, or someone who separates work and personal setups.

Client 1 (Preset)
├── Figma
│   ├── Asset 1
│   └── Asset 2
└── Slack
    └── Open #client-1

Client 2 (Preset)
├── Figma
│   ├── Asset 3
│   └── Asset 4
└── Slack
    └── Open #client-2

Switch between presets with a hotkey or from the preset list.

By app#

Use one preset, but organize at the app level using folders. The same app can appear in multiple folders, each with its own actions.

Good for people who want everything accessible without switching presets.

Main Preset
├── VS Code (App)
├── Safari (App)
├── Client 1 (Folder)
│   ├── Figma → Asset 1, Asset 2
│   └── Notion → Client 1 Workspace
└── Client 2 (Folder)
    ├── Figma → Asset 3, Asset 4
    └── Notion → Client 2 Workspace

Folders group apps visually and keep actions scoped to a context.

By action#

Use one preset, one app instance, and put all your actions directly on it. Use dividers to visually separate groups within the action menu.

Good for people who prefer a flat structure and don't mind scrolling through a longer menu.

Main Preset
└── Figma
    ├── ── Client 1 ──
    ├── Asset 1
    ├── Asset 2
    ├── ── Client 2 ──
    ├── Asset 3
    └── Asset 4

You can also add Folder menu elements to nest actions into submenus instead of using only dividers. Folder widgets are separate bar items used to group apps, actions, bookmarks, and dividers.

Item tools#

Whichever structure you choose, the management view gives every item a few tools. Click the options menu (⋯) on an item, or right-click it:

• Set App Alias — Change the name shown for an app in ExtraBar and its menus without renaming the app itself. Reset restores the original name.
• Duplicate — Make a copy of an app with its menu configuration, for example to give the same app different actions in two folders.
• Move/Copy — Move or copy the item to another preset, folder widget, or app menu.
• Change Icon and Tint Icon — See Custom Icons.
• Remove from Bar — Delete the item from the preset.

Click Select to work on several items at once: Select All, then Move/Copy, Show, Hide, or Delete the selection. Hidden items stay in the preset but are not shown on the bar, which is handy for seasonal tools you do not want to rebuild later.

Which approach fits you#

• Switch contexts often? Use presets — one hotkey and your whole bar changes.
• Want everything in one place? Use folders to group apps by project or client.
• Prefer it simple? Put all actions on the app directly and use dividers to stay organized.

You can mix approaches too. There's no wrong way — pick what feels natural and adjust as your workflow evolves.