diff --git a/__init__.py b/__init__.py
index a0779d1..be06943 100644
--- a/__init__.py
+++ b/__init__.py
@@ -411,6 +411,7 @@ class ABC3D_PT_TextManagement(bpy.types.Panel):
     bl_category = "ABC3D"
     bl_space_type = "VIEW_3D"
     bl_region_type = "UI"
+    bl_options = {"DEFAULT_CLOSED"}
 
     # TODO: perhaps this should be done in a periodic timer
     @classmethod