Samsung Galaxy devices feature Edge Panels and shortcuts as productivity tools that provide quick access to apps, system functions, and customizable actions through a side-swipe gesture. These panels appear as a vertical tab on the edge of the screen, allowing users to launch apps, create tasks, or adjust settings without navigating through menus. The system supports up to ten active panels simultaneously, with options to download additional panels from the Galaxy Store for expanded functionality ^[1].

Key features include:

• Activation and access: Enable Edge Panels in Display settings, then swipe left from the screen's edge to open ^[2][4][7]
• Customization options: Adjust panel content, handle position, transparency, and vibration feedback ^[1][2][7]
• Tasks panel: A dedicated shortcut panel for system functions like screenshots, messages, and calculator access ^[5][10]
• Third-party integration: Widget Edge Panel extension allows Tasker shortcuts for advanced automation ^[6]

Using Galaxy Edge Panels and Shortcuts

Setting Up and Customizing Edge Panels

Edge Panels require initial activation through device settings before use. On Galaxy devices running One UI, navigate to Settings > Display > Edge Panels and toggle the feature on ^[2][4][7]. Once activated, a small handle appears on the screen's edge—swipe left to open the panel. The handle's position can be adjusted to either the left or right side of the screen, with additional customization options for color, transparency, and size available in the Edge Panels settings menu ^[1][7].

Customization extends to panel content and behavior:

• Panel selection: Users can choose which panels appear by tapping the settings icon within the Edge Panel interface. Up to ten panels can be active simultaneously, including pre-installed options like Apps Edge, Smart Select, and Tasks ^[1]
• Handle adjustments: The handle's appearance and behavior can be modified, including vibration feedback intensity and width settings ^[2][7]
• New panels: Additional panels are available for download through the Galaxy Store, with some requiring payment. Examples include specialized tools for notes, weather, or calculator functions ^[4]
• Version updates: The "About Edge Panels" section in settings allows users to check for and install the latest feature updates ^[2][7]

For devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the setup process follows the same steps, with video tutorials demonstrating the swipe gesture and panel selection process ^[3]. The system automatically saves customization preferences across software updates unless manually reset.

Using Shortcuts and Task Panels

The Tasks Edge Panel serves as a centralized hub for system shortcuts, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple menus. This panel includes quick-access buttons for common functions like taking screenshots, recording screen videos, composing messages, and toggling device features ^[5][10]. On Galaxy S23 series devices, the Tasks Panel can be customized to include:

• System functions: Direct shortcuts for flashlight, calculator, and camera launch ^[10]
• Communication tools: Quick compose options for messages, emails, and social media posts
• Media controls: One-tap access to screen recording and screenshot capture
• Device settings: Toggle buttons for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other connectivity options

Adding app-specific shortcuts requires the app to be present on the home screen. The Tasks panel will only display shortcuts for home screen-added applications, which appears as a limitation for users seeking to organize all apps through Edge Panels ^[9]. For advanced users, third-party solutions like the Widget Edge Panel extension enable integration with automation apps such as Tasker, allowing custom widget placement within Edge Panels ^[6].

The Galaxy S24 customization process for app shortcuts involves:

1. Opening Edge Panels settings
2. Selecting the "Apps Edge" panel
3. Tapping the edit (pencil) icon
4. Using the minus button to remove unwanted apps or the plus button to add new ones from an available list ^[8]

For users seeking to maximize productivity, the combination of native Task panels and third-party extensions creates a flexible system for accessing both system functions and customized automation routines through a single swipe gesture.