Why is title bar for phpstorm hidden for some windows?

When using PhpStorm, you may have noticed that the title bar is hidden for some windows. This can be a bit confusing, especially for entry-level users. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this behavior and provide some solutions to help you navigate through it.

Understanding the Title Bar

The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top of a window that displays the title and controls of that window. It typically includes the minimize, maximize, and close buttons.

However, in PhpStorm, the title bar is hidden for some windows by default. This is a deliberate design choice made by the developers to maximize the available screen space for coding and reduce distractions. While it may seem unusual at first, it is actually a feature that many developers appreciate once they get used to it.

Which Windows Have a Hidden Title Bar?

In PhpStorm, the title bar is hidden for the following windows:

• Main Editor Window
• Tool Windows (e.g., Project, Version Control, Terminal)
• Find and Replace Dialogs
• Settings Dialog
• Commit Changes Dialog

These windows are essential for coding and project management, so it makes sense to maximize the available space for them.

How to Access the Hidden Title Bar

Even though the title bar is hidden, you can still access its functionality. Here are a few ways to do it:

Maximize/Restore the Window

If you want to maximize or restore the window, you can double-click on the top area of the window. This will toggle between maximizing and restoring the window size.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

PhpStorm provides various keyboard shortcuts to perform actions that are typically associated with the title bar. Here are some useful shortcuts:

Customizing the Title Bar

If you prefer to have the title bar always visible, PhpStorm allows you to customize the appearance and behavior of the title bar. Here's how:

Enabling the Title Bar for All Windows

To enable the title bar for all windows in PhpStorm, follow these steps:

1. Go to File > Settings (or PhpStorm > Preferences on macOS).
2. In the settings window, navigate to Appearance & Behavior > Appearance.
3. Under the Window Options section, check the box that says Show window title bar.
4. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

After enabling the title bar, you will see it for all windows in PhpStorm.

Enabling the Title Bar for Specific Windows

If you prefer to have the title bar enabled for specific windows only, you can customize it using the following steps:

1. Go to File > Settings (or PhpStorm > Preferences on macOS).
2. In the settings window, navigate to Appearance & Behavior > Appearance.
3. Under the Window Options section, click on the Configure... button next to Use custom title bar height for tool windows.
4. In the Tool Windows Title Bar dialog, select the windows for which you want to enable the title bar.
5. Click OK to save the changes.
6. Click Apply and then OK to close the settings window.

After customizing the title bar, you will see it only for the windows you selected.

Although the hidden title bar in PhpStorm may initially seem strange, it is designed to enhance your coding experience by maximizing the available screen space. By understanding how to access the hidden title bar and customizing it to your preferences, you can make the most of PhpStorm's features while maintaining a clutter-free workspace.