If you own an older model MacBook Pro (between 2016 and 2022), it likely features the Touch Bar—a dynamic, OLED touch screen that replaced the traditional row of physical function keys. By default, the Touch Bar changes its buttons depending on which application you are currently using, offering predictive text in Messages or scrubbers in Final Cut Pro.
However, if you find the default layout frustrating, or if you want quick access to specific system controls like brightness, volume, or a dedicated lock screen button, you can completely customize what the Touch Bar displays.
In this guide, you will learn how to customize the Touch Bar buttons on macOS to perfectly suit your workflow.
How to Access Touch Bar Settings
Apple allows you to modify the “Control Strip,” which is the collapsed set of four buttons permanently located on the far right side of the Touch Bar, as well as the expanded view.
- Click the Apple Logo in the top-left corner of your Mac’s menu bar.
- Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions of macOS).
- Scroll down the left sidebar and click on Keyboard.
- On the right side of the window, locate the Touch Bar Settings button and click it.
- Look for the setting labeled Touch Bar shows. Here you can choose whether the Touch Bar shows “App Controls” (dynamic buttons), “Expanded Control Strip” (static system functions), or “Quick Actions.”
- Click the Customize Control Strip… button.
How to Add, Remove, and Rearrange Buttons
When you click customize, your Mac screen will blur, and a panel of available buttons will appear on your main display. Meanwhile, the buttons on your physical Touch Bar will begin to jiggle.
Adding New Buttons
To add a new function to your Touch Bar, simply use your mouse or trackpad to click a button on your screen (such as “Screenshot,” “Do Not Disturb,” or “Screen Lock”). While holding the mouse button down, drag the icon completely off the bottom edge of your screen. You will see the button magically jump out of the screen and down onto the physical Touch Bar on your keyboard.
Removing Unwanted Buttons
If there is a button on the Touch Bar that you never use (such as Siri), you can remove it. Move your mouse cursor down off the bottom of the screen so it hovers over the Touch Bar. The button on the Touch Bar will highlight. Click and hold the button, then drag it upward onto the main screen and let go to delete it from the bar.
Rearranging Layout
If you simply want to reorder the buttons, use your finger directly on the physical Touch Bar to tap, hold, and drag the buttons left or right until they are in your preferred order.
Once you are happy with your new layout, click the Done button on the main screen to save your changes.