What is the side toolbar?
The Side toolbar is the place where all the useful tools of BlueStacks are listed. These tools enhance your overall gaming experience by giving you quick access to important features.
Please click on the section you want to read about:
What's new on the latest version of BlueStacks?
- We have added a new button to the side toolbar, 'Install apk'. With this, now you can install your favorite games on BlueStacks in a matter of seconds using .apk files saved on your computer.
- You ca now rearrange/reorder icons on the side toolbar.
- Now, you can take screenshots even on the BlueStacks home screen.
- Hover your cursor on an icon on the side toolbar to see tips and shortcut keys for using that button.
What can I do with the side toolbar?
Every button on the side toolbar opens a specific tool, each with its own function. Here's the full list of superpowers that the side toolbar brings to your fingertips:
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Toggle fullscreen: You can use this button to enter and exit the full-screen mode while playing a game. |
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Manage volume: This button lets you increase, decrease or mute the volume of the game you're playing. |
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Lock/Unlock cursor: This button allows you to lock your cursor within the gameplay window. You can press the Escape key (Esc) to disable this function. |
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Game controls: With this, you can view the Game controls menu that allows you to view/edit game controls with a variety of other options. |
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Install apk: This button lets you install any game on your BlueStacks using .apk files saved on your computer. |
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Macro recorder: You can use this button to record a macro and improve your gameplay. Follow the link above to learn how to record macros. |
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Take screenshot: This button lets you take screenshots of your BlueStacks home screen or in-game action. |
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Record screen: You can use this to record your gameplay in any game while playing on BlueStacks. |
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Open media folder: You can use this button to gain access to all the recorded gameplay videos and screenshots saved on your computer. |
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Game Guide: This button opens the game guide, where all the controls for your game are listed. This article will tell you more about the Game Guide. |
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Settings: You can use this button to access the Settings menu. Refer to this article to learn all about the different features within the settings menu. |
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Back: You can use this button to step back in a game while navigating through the in-game menus or exit out of the game if you're on its home screen. |
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More tools: You can use this button to gain access to even more tools, which are usually hidden while you're playing. When you click on it, the buttons in the table below become visible. |
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UTC Converter: This lets you convert UTC to local time and set reminders for upcoming events in Rise of Kingdoms and State of Survival. |
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Shake: This button shakes your BlueStacks player in the games that require it. |
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Multi-instance manager: This button opens the Multi-instance manager, which lets you create new instances for BlueStacks. |
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Rotate: This button rotates an application on BlueStacks from landscape mode to portrait and vice-versa. |
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Set location: You can use this button to change your location on any apps that require it. |
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Eco mode: This button lets you use the Eco mode, which helps you help reduce resource consumption on your computer. |
For an older version of BlueStacks
If you're still using an older version of BlueStacks, please refer to this guide about the Side Toolbar on older BlueStacks versions.
Thank you for choosing BlueStacks. We hope you enjoy using it. If you have any further questions, please contact us at support@bluestacks.com. Happy Gaming!
Last updated on September 28, 2020.