Google Chrome has rolled out several new features for its desktop browser, including vertical tabs, an updated full-page reading mode, a split-view multitasking option, and enhanced PDF capabilities such as annotation and direct saving to Google Drive.
These updates aim to provide users with more customizable browsing experiences and integrated productivity tools.
Browsing Experience Enhancements
Vertical Tabs
Google Chrome now offers vertical tabs, which display open tabs in a sidebar on the left side of the browser window. This feature provides an alternative to the traditional horizontal tab strip and is designed to allow users to view complete page titles, particularly when many tabs are open. It also aims to improve the organization of Tab Groups.
Users can activate vertical tabs by right-clicking on any Chrome window and selecting "Show Tabs Vertically." Once enabled, the vertical layout remains the default until manually changed. The interface can be minimized to display only favicons, which is intended to aid in multitasking. The system supports an unlimited number of tabs, restricted by user hardware limitations, and functions identically to horizontal tabs.
The integration of vertical tabs follows the feature's popularization by other browsers, such as Arc, and marks a reversal of Google's previous stance, which included an earlier beta experiment over a decade ago that did not advance beyond the testing phase. The rollout of vertical tabs began on the date of announcement.
Full-Page Reading Mode
An updated full-page reading mode has been implemented to provide an immersive and distraction-free viewing experience. This mode removes on-screen clutter, such as advertisements and subscription prompts, and focuses on text content. It replaces the previous side panel default for reading mode.
Users can access this mode by right-clicking on a webpage and selecting "Open in reading mode," or by tapping the "Reading Mode" option in the address bar. Customization options, including text-to-speech functionality, are available from the top-right corner of the reading interface. This feature also began rolling out on the date of announcement.
Productivity and Document Management Tools
Split View
A new Split View feature allows users to display two web pages side-by-side within the same browser window. This functionality is designed to reduce the need for constant tab switching and facilitate multitasking.
Users can activate Split View by right-clicking a URL and selecting "Open Link in Split View," or by dragging a tab to the left or right edge of the browser window, which automatically positions the tabs. The interface presents two panes below the Omnibox, with the URL updating based on the active pane. A dedicated Split View icon to the left of the address bar provides options to separate, close, or reverse the view. The width of the panes is adjustable. This feature is broadly accessible with Chrome version 145.
PDF Annotations
Chrome's integrated PDF Viewer now includes annotation capabilities, enabling users to highlight text and add notes directly within PDF documents from the browser. This feature aims to eliminate the requirement to download PDFs and use external applications for minor edits or quick notes.
Annotations can be enabled by selecting the squiggle icon in the top toolbar. Options for adjusting annotation size and color are available. This feature is broadly accessible with Chrome version 145.
Save to Google Drive
An option to save PDF files directly to Google Drive has been added to the top bar of Chrome's PDF Viewer. Users can select the destination account, and files are automatically placed in a "Saved from Chrome" folder within their Google Drive account. This feature is broadly accessible with Chrome version 145.
Broader Context
These updates for Google Chrome desktop are being released progressively, with the vertical tabs and new reading mode rolling out starting today, and Split View, PDF annotations, and Save to Google Drive broadly accessible with Chrome version 145. The introduction of these features occurs amidst a competitive browser landscape and follows previous Chrome updates that included Gemini AI integration and autofill enhancements.