[FR]: [CAT] Expand the URL bar (over tabs) when mouseover or focused, retract to default compact size when not mouseover/focus.

[WebDevBar]

Description

Expand the URL bar (over tabs) when mouseover or focused, retract to default compact size when not mouseover/focus.

Who's implementing?

• I'm willing to implement this feature myself

The problem

I love the compact mode, but the URL bar is too small to read the full page URL for most websites.

Possible solutions

Perhaps it can expand and "float" over the tabs when mouseover or focused (while editing or typing a URL.).

Additional context

This will allow for better URL visibility of the current page if for example you want to edit or select part of the URL.

[wukko]

i've experimented with this behavior in january (expansion on focus, though, not hover), but it didn't feel right at all:

Screen.Recording.2026-01-25.at.12.57.17.mov

[wukko]

have you tried the fixed width flag? it'll be the default behavior in the next release

maybe i got used to it cuz i use compact mode all day, every day; but it's fine

[Ep1cNeo]

How about an option or something to expand up to 50% of the bar? Just fixed size instead of focus/hover.

I have a similar setup in Firefox along with auto-expanding tabs, and it could be a decent option for smaller screens.

[WebDevBar]

i've experimented with this behavior in january (expansion on focus, though, not hover), but it didn't feel right at all:

Screen.Recording.2026-01-25.at.12.57.17.mov

You might find it off, but to me this looks like PERFECTION. I'd expand it a bit more too for my personal taste. Given that I use ctrl+l for typing/focusing the address-bar this is like a dream to me. Can i maybe enable this via flags? Even if no one uses it since you've already made I'd be super grateful to have this feature!

[WebDevBar]

have you tried the fixed width flag? it'll be the default behavior in the next release

maybe i got used to it cuz i use compact mode all day, every day; but it's fine

I have not, I definitely want to increase the minimum width a bit, but again as stated I'd love the "expanding" option on focus too for my personal preference. Ideal scenario for me would be. Gonna look for the fixed width flag now to at least expand the address bar a bit ^_^ thank you!!