Safari tab layout bug

Hello billyxz,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. It sounds like you’re not seeing your search field when changing your Safari tab layout to Compact. We’re happy to help.

What you’re experiencing is expected behavior. When using the Compact layout, the active tab becomes the Smart Search field. If you open a new tap using “+” in the screenshot provided, the search field will appear there.

You can read more here: Change Tabs preferences in Safari on Mac - Apple Support

We hope that helps.

Take care!

billyxz,

Thanks for coming back. To clarify, if you open a new tab, do you not get the search field?

If so, try testing in safe mode to see if the issue persists: Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

If the above doesn't help, contact Apple Support.

Best Regards.