In Final Fantasy XIV (FF14) 2026 patches, managing your hotbars is crucial for clean UI and efficient gameplay. Hiding unused hotbar slots declutters your screen, improves focus during raids, and enhances performance on high-res setups. This step-by-step guide covers native settings, addons, and advanced tweaks for all jobs.
Whether you're a newbie or Dawntrail veteran, these methods work across PC, PS5, and controller setups. Follow along to customize your HUD like a pro.
Enable Native Hotbar Hiding
Use built-in System Config for quick results.
- Step 1: Open Character Configuration (Esc > System > HUD Layout).
- Step 2: Go to Hotbar tab.
- Step 3: Toggle 'Hide Empty Slots' for each bar.
- Step 4: Drag empty bars off-screen or resize to zero.
- Step 5: Save as HUD Layout 1-8 for jobs
Using Addons for Advanced Control
FTools and Hotbar Plus extend functionality in 2026.
- Step 1: Install via Dalamud (trusted repo).
- Step 2: In FTools, enable Auto-Hide on unused actions.
- Step 3: Set opacity fade for idle slots.
- Step 4: Bind macros to toggle visibility mid-fight
Controller-Specific Hiding
PS5/Xbox users get cross-hotbar tweaks.
PS5/Xbox users get cross-hotbar tweaks.
PS5/Xbox users get cross-hotbar tweaks.
- Step 1: System > Cross Hotbar Settings.
- Step 2: Enable 'Compact CXHB'.
- Step 3: Hide NXKB for unused slots.
- Step 4: Customize per role (tank/healer)
Job-Specific Optimizations
Tailor for SAM, WHM, etc.
- SAM: Collapse GCD bar to 8 slots.
- WHM: Hide oGCDs until Lily active.
- PLD: Fade mitigation slots post-use
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Fix glitches and performance dips.
- Reset HUD if bars reappear.
- Disable overlapping UI elements.
- Update to latest 2026 patch notes
Performance Boosts Post-Hiding
Cleaner UI means smoother 120FPS raids.
- Reduce draw distance on hidden bars.
- Pair with VFX hide plugins.