> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.birdtab.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick Access

> Search the web, visit your top sites, and access Google apps — all from the new tab.

Quick Access adds a productivity layer to your new tab page. It's enabled by default and can be turned off in **Settings → Quick Access Features** for a fully minimal view.

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  <source src="https://mintcdn.com/birdtab/mMS_-hy5jDGR5gcB/videos/quick-access-power-user.mp4?fit=max&auto=format&n=mMS_-hy5jDGR5gcB&q=85&s=1f83775dcd82742288b5c355f2bde18a" type="video/mp4" data-path="videos/quick-access-power-user.mp4" />
</video>

## Components

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Search">
    A search bar appears in the Quick Access panel. Type a query and press **Enter** to search. Press **Escape** to clear the field.

    ### Search engines

    Choose your preferred engine in **Settings → Search Engine**:

    | Option          | Behaviour                             |
    | --------------- | ------------------------------------- |
    | Browser Default | Uses Chrome's built-in search setting |
    | Google          | Searches google.com                   |
    | DuckDuckGo      | Searches duckduckgo.com               |
    | ChatGPT         | Opens ChatGPT with your query         |
    | Perplexity AI   | Opens Perplexity with your query      |
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Top Sites">
    Shortcuts to your most frequently visited sites, drawn from Chrome's top sites API. These update automatically as your browsing habits change.

    <Info>
      Top Sites require the `topSites` permission. If you haven't granted this, the section won't appear. You can also toggle Top Sites off in Settings independently of the permission.
    </Info>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Google Apps">
    An optional grid of Google app icons below the search bar. Toggle it on or off in Settings.

    Available apps include: Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Photos, Maps, YouTube, and more.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Clock & Timer">
    The Quick Access panel hosts the [Clock & Timer](/pro/clock-timer) display when enabled. Shows the current time or a countdown timer.

    <Info>Clock & Timer is a [BirdTab Pro](/pro/clock-timer) feature.</Info>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Disabling Quick Access

Toggle off **Quick Access Features** in Settings to hide everything — search box, top sites, Google apps, and clock/timer — leaving only the bird and its controls visible.

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How do I change my search engine?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and pick from the list. The change takes effect immediately — your next search will use the new engine.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I search with Google?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and select **Google**. Queries from the BirdTab search bar will open `google.com` with your search terms.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I search with DuckDuckGo?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and select **DuckDuckGo**. Your queries will open `duckduckgo.com` — keeping your searches private, with no tracking or ad profiling.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I search with ChatGPT?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and select **ChatGPT**. Queries will open `chatgpt.com` with your question pre-filled so you can get an AI-generated answer directly.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I search with Perplexity AI?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and select **Perplexity AI**. Your query will open `perplexity.ai`, which gives you AI-sourced answers with citations.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I use my browser's default search engine?">
    Open **Settings → Search Engine** and select **Browser Default**. BirdTab will defer to whatever search engine you have set in Chrome's own settings (usually found at `chrome://settings/search`). This is the default option.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>