Google Chrome vertical tabs: New feature finally brings more clarity to the browser

Philipp Briel
Philipp Briel · 4 minutes read
Google Chrome

Google Chrome is receiving a long-awaited update: vertical tabs are now officially being rolled out for all users. This is Google’s response to a request that has been made by the community for years. At the same time, the reading mode is also being revised in order to display content in an even more focused way. The update should make a noticeable difference in everyday life, especially for users with many open tabs.

  • Vertical tabs can be moved to the left edge of the screen
  • Better overview with many websites open
  • Activation via right-click and simple switching
  • New reading mode reduces web pages to plain text

Google Chrome vertical tabs provide more order in everyday browsing

The introduction of Google Chrome vertical tabs brings a noticeable change to the daily use of the browser. Instead of displaying tabs horizontally at the top as usual, they can now be displayed in a side bar. It quickly becomes clear how big an advantage this is, especially when many pages are open at the same time: titles remain fully visible and are much easier to distinguish.

In the classic view, users often reach their limits as soon as many tabs accumulate. Favicons are repeated, titles are cut off and orientation is lost. The vertical display solves this problem elegantly, as there is significantly more space available for each individual tab. This results in a more efficient use of screen space, especially on large or ultra-wide monitors.

Google Chrome vertical tabs
Image: Google

Activation is deliberately kept simple. A right-click at the top of the browser is enough to activate the new view. Once the function has been activated, it remains permanently and does not have to be set up again each time the browser is started. This uncomplicated integration shows that Google wanted to make the feature as accessible as possible.

It is also interesting to look at the competition: browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox have already been offering vertical tabs for some time. With the official rollout in Chrome, the market leader is now following suit and closing a functional gap that has long been criticized.

New reading mode is a useful addition to Chrome updates

In addition to the vertical tabs, the reading mode is also getting an upgrade. The aim is to display content in an even clearer and more focused way. Websites are reduced to their pure text, while distracting elements such as advertising, videos or images are hidden. This ensures a smoother reading experience – especially for longer articles or research work.

The new display makes better use of the available screen space and looks more modern overall. Especially in combination with the vertical tabs, it creates a tidy overall look that makes it easier to concentrate on content. Anyone who frequently works with many articles open will benefit twice over from these changes.

The rollout is taking place gradually. This means that not all users will see the new functions immediately. As is usual with major Chrome updates, it may take a few weeks before the features are available worldwide. This approach is considered plausible as it helps to identify and fix potential bugs at an early stage.

Conclusion: Google Chrome vertical tabs are a long overdue upgrade

With Google Chrome vertical tabs, Google is finally delivering one of the most requested features. The new display significantly improves the overview and fits in well with modern screen formats. In combination with the revised reading mode, the result is a noticeably more efficient user experience. The update is currently being distributed worldwide and will soon be available to all users free of charge.

Source: Google