Google Chrome is testing a big change to tabs
Google Chrome, the world’s leading web browser, is set to introduce a highly anticipated feature that has been embraced by users of other browsers for years—vertical tabs. Currently available in the Chrome Canary experimental build for developers, this feature allows users to arrange their tabs vertically in a sidebar on the left side of the browser. By right-clicking on the traditional horizontal tab bar, users can select the “Show tabs on side” option, marking a significant shift in how users can manage their browsing experience. This update is particularly exciting for those who regularly juggle multiple tabs, as it offers a more organized and efficient way to navigate through them.
Vertical tabs have long been a staple in browsers such as Vivaldi, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, leaving Chrome users feeling somewhat left out. The new vertical tab interface promises to enhance usability by allowing users to search for tabs, group them, create new ones, and easily switch between vertical and horizontal layouts. Additionally, the sidebar can be collapsed to declutter the screen, providing a streamlined browsing experience. While this feature is still in the beta phase and may undergo further refinements before its official release, it is already generating buzz among avid Chrome users who are eager to enhance their tab management capabilities.
This move by Google reflects a growing trend in web browsing, where user experience and organization are becoming increasingly important. As more people rely on their browsers for multitasking and productivity, features like vertical tabs can significantly improve workflow. Although the exact timeline for the public release of this feature remains uncertain, its introduction signals Chrome’s commitment to evolving alongside user needs and preferences. For those who are adventurous, alternative methods for managing tabs are also available, but for many, the arrival of vertical tabs in Chrome is a welcome development that promises to make browsing more intuitive and enjoyable.
Google’s
flagship web browser is getting a new feature that people already love in other browsers — vertical tabs.
The new tab feature is available now as part of the
Chrome Canary
experimental build for developers, per
Windows Report
. In the developer beta, when you right-click on the tab bar that normally sits horizontally underneath the URL entry field in Chrome, you’ll now see an option that reads, “Show tabs on side.” This allows you to arrange your tabs vertically. If you do, the tabs will appear in a sidebar on the left side of the browser.
As with any developer beta, the feature will likely get some tweaks before it’s released to users. And there’s no way of telling when that might happen.
Vertical tabs are a feature that has been available in other browsers, such as Vivaldi, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, for several years now. Chrome users have been living behind the times.
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It sounds like the vertical tab interface gives you most of the features you’d want out of it. You can search tabs, arrange them into groups, create new ones, and switch back and forth between vertical and horizontal tabs at will. You can also collapse the sidebar to clean up your screen. While this is just a cosmetic change to a feature that Chrome has had since its inception, it’s sure to be welcome news among avid tab collectors nonetheless.
That said,
there’s another option
for managing tabs, if you’re brave enough.
