> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.anytype.io/anytype-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.anytype.io/anytype-docs/basics/sidebar/sidebar-widgets.md).

# Widgets

Widgets act as real-time lenses into your Channel, allowing you to interact with your content directly from the Sidebar. Not just acting as static bookmarks, your Pinned and Favorite Objects can be transformed into live, interactive feeds. Here are a few ways you can utilize them:

* **An Upcoming Calendar**: Track meetings, deadlines, and time-sensitive events at a glance.
* **A Project Task List**: View and check off to-dos dynamically without leaving your current page.
* **A Visual Gallery**: Display recent photos, design assets, or inspiration boards in a rich grid layout.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/mknFLRhjawYwPaACKpx9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

## How it works

All Pins and Favorites in the Sidebar can be set as a Widget or Link:

* Link — simple shortcut that quickly gets you to the Object.
* Widget — interactive feed that displays information right in your Sidebar.

These can be set on an [individual level](#layout-options) or [channel-wide](#channel-sidebar-view).

## Create Widgets

1. Open the Object you want to be a Widget. You can either:
   1. **Pin to Channel**: click on the 'three dots' menu (you must be a Space Owner)
   2. **Add to Favorites**: click on the 'star' icon (only shows for you).
2. Right-click on the Object in the Sidebar.
3. In view, select 'Same as Object'.
4. Click on the icon to reveal the Widget.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/bRxIKuI6b87c2powX5A7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The options available on the Widget are based on the [Views](/anytype-docs/organize/views.md) you have set up. By adjusting the Views, you also adjust what is displayed in the Widget.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**If you're unable to create Widgets**, please check the [Widget Settings](#widget-settings) section for more details.
{% endhint %}

## Using Widgets

### Interact

Every Widget layout has unique ways in which you can interact with the Objects. For example:

* **Calendar** — click on a day will reveal Objects and enable you to create a new one.
* **Kanban** — click on a group to reveal the section and add a new Object.
* **Tasks** — click on the checkbox of an [Action Object](/anytype-docs/creation/objects/formats.md#page-layouts) to mark it as complete.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/v9Mvf6nnAh08sn7PoC78" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Show and Hide

To keep your Sidebar tidy, you can expand and collapse your widgets with toggles. Hover over the Widget's icon to reveal the dropdown icon.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/bMCbI3INgOXDZPv3mJtv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Reorder

To change the order of the Widgets, click and drag the title to your desired location.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/OUY87hmzq5A9kezwNT92" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Layout Options

The Widget layout options available depend on the Object and Views you have set up. You can choose between distinct layouts to match your visual preferences. Right-click a Widget's title area to reveal a menu with options.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/LxLRZF0tAE5tFnTeE8TD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* **Same as Object**: Ideal for pinned Queries or Collections, displaying live embedded views directly in your sidebar. The [view options](/anytype-docs/organize/sets.md#views) available in the Widget are set at the Object level.
* **Compact**: Shows linked Objects neatly nested under each main item.
* **Detailed**: Similar to the Compact view, but exposes more metadata and detail for each item.
* **Link**: The most minimalist option—displays just the Object's title and its icon.
* **Hierarchical Structure**: For Pages, you can create a folder-like structure in your Sidebar. All link blocks on the page are represented in the Widget. [See here for detailed instructions](/anytype-docs/organize/collections.md#sidebar-widget).

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/FkaRH9R77a9y8JuGaZOO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Number of Objects

To conserve space, each widget has a limit to how many Objects are displayed. If your Objects or Links are not displaying, you can change this setting by:

1. Right-click the Widget title and navigate to 'Number of Objects'.
2. Choose from the options. The default is 6.

***

## Widget Settings

### Channel Sidebar View

Depending on the scope of your Space and how you prefer to navigate, you can change your overall sidebar density in your [Channel Settings](/anytype-docs/settings/space-settings.md). Widgets is the default, but you can use **Links** view when you want maximum density.

| **Display Mode**  | **Description**                                                                               | **Best For**                                                                       |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Widgets (Default) | Rich previews complete with icons, descriptions, and inline content.                          | Daily dashboards and highly active spaces.                                         |
| Links             | A compact, streamlined list of plain text links that trades visual richness for data density. | Spaces or Channels with hundreds of pinned Objects where rich previews feel heavy. |

Navigate to Channel Preferences > Sidebar View to toggle between two distinct display modes. You can switch back and forth between these modes at any time as your workflow evolves.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/PyqiSRu16pScx3m3mtWI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Pins as Widgets

Only Owners are allowed to use the **Pin to Channel** function to create Widgets in the Shared Pins section. This is because Pins are visible to all members of the space. If you are not an Owner of a space or want your own personal Widgets, use the [Favorites feature](/anytype-docs/basics/sidebar/pins-and-favorites.md#my-favorites) instead.

### Favorites as Widgets

If your favorites are only displaying as links, you may need to change the setting to 'Widgets'. You can do this by clicking on the 'three dots' button when hovering over the 'My Favorites' section in the Sidebar. If you still cannot see the Widget, it may be because it is collapsed — hover over the icon to reveal the dropdown arrow and click to reveal.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/5uV7cS7SNnpJZvBNsvxH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

## Tips

{% hint style="info" %}
**Start simple with just one widget.** Don't overcomplicate your sidebar right away. Start with one widget, maybe a task list or a calendar.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Build a daily dashboard.** Pair a Calendar widget alongside a Tasks query widget filtered for "Due Today." This gives you an immediate look at your day the second you launch the app.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Switch to Links mode for archive Channels:** A Channel where you mostly read rather than create can benefit from the denser Links view — you see more at once.
{% endhint %}


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