Minimalist Friends List

How to create a more minimalist friends list that still works in offline mode

Introduction

NOTE: This guide is outdated. Since the Steam UI overhaul the web-based friends list is essentially the same as the one available in the desktop client.

Hadn't seen this posted before. Here is a way to use the steam web chat to create a more minimalist friends list for the desktop that also has the advantage of still showing your friends even when you're in offline mode. The disadvantage is that it won't show the Steam Groups tab.

Comparison Images

Standard friends list:





Friends list using this method:

How-To

1. Launch chrome and go to https://steamcommunity.com/chat/
   
   
2. Log in, and then in the Chrome menu, go to More Tools -> Add to Desktop.
   
   
   
   
3. Make sure the "Open in New Window" option is checked, give the window a more meaningful title like "Steam Chat" or "Friends."
   
   
   
   
4. You'll have a new icon on your desktop for this now. Launch it and shrink the window all the way down to the size of a friend's list. The UI scales very well and chat will fit within the smaller window instead of showing up beside the friend list.
   
   
5. Install the Minimal Scrollbar[chrome.google.com] chrome extension so you won't have an ugly scrollbar.
   
   
6. Bonus points, remove the title bar using your favorite macro engine. I use QuicMacros which is

   SetWinStyle win 0xC40000 2

   or in AutoHotKey it's probably more like

   WinSet, Style, 0xC40000

   
   
7. If you want to remove avatars, you should be able to do this using the eyedropper and/or filters in uBlock Origin[chrome.google.com] on the webpage, they will be reflected in the friends list the next time you restart it.

[Danethor]

This is an excellent guide! Hooray!