Google Chrome Launches Vertical Tabs

GOOGLE CHROME • WHAT'S NEW

Chrome Launches Vertical Tabs

Google Chrome is getting several useful productivity features that can make everyday browsing easier. These include Vertical Tabs, Split View, PDF annotation and signing, and smarter Google Wallet autofill.

In this simple guide, we explain what each Chrome feature does, where it can be useful, and how you can try it.

View Chrome What's New Explore Features

Open in Chrome: chrome://whats-new/

NEW CHROME FEATURES

What is new in Chrome?

Here are four useful Chrome features explained in simple language.

01 TAB MANAGEMENT

Vertical Tabs: View Your Tabs on the Side

Normally, Chrome shows tabs horizontally at the top of the browser. With Vertical Tabs, your tabs can appear in a list on the left side.

This is especially useful when you keep many tabs open because you can see more of the page title instead of only seeing very small tab icons.

Simple example:
Suppose you are doing research and have 20 tabs open for Google Scholar, journal articles, library catalogues and notes. Vertical Tabs can make it much easier to identify and manage them.

How to use Vertical Tabs

1. Right-click on the Chrome tab area.
2. Select Show tabs vertically.
3. Your tabs will move to the left side of the browser.

Best for: Research, office work, browsing with many tabs and multitasking.

02 MULTITASKING

Split View: View Two Pages in One Tab

Chrome's Split View allows two web pages to appear side-by-side inside the same browser tab.

This can reduce constant switching between different tabs and make comparison and multitasking easier.

Simple example:
You can keep a Google Meet on the left side and open your notes on the right side at the same time.

How to use Split View

1. Drag another tab to the left or right edge of the browser window.
2. You may also right-click a link.
3. Select Open Link in Split View.
4. Chrome will show both pages side-by-side.

Best for: Comparing websites, online classes, meetings, writing and research.

03 PDF PRODUCTIVITY

Sign and Annotate PDF Files Directly in Chrome

Chrome's built-in PDF viewer can now provide useful annotation tools for working with PDF documents.

Users can draw on PDFs, highlight important information and add handwritten signatures without always needing another PDF application.

Simple example:
Open an application form in Chrome, highlight an important line, add your signature and save the updated PDF.

How to use PDF annotations

1. Open a PDF file in Chrome.
2. Click the annotation or drawing option.
3. Select a pen or highlighter.
4. Draw your note, highlight text or add a signature.
5. Save the PDF.

Best for: Forms, document review, highlighting, notes and signatures.

04 SMART AUTOFILL

Autofill Loyalty Cards, Flight Details and Vehicle Information

Chrome is expanding its autofill features by using information connected with Google Wallet.

It can help users fill more types of information in supported web forms, including loyalty card numbers, flight details and vehicle information.

Simple example:
When filling an airline check-in form, Chrome may suggest your saved confirmation information instead of making you search for it manually.

🎫 Loyalty Cards Quickly fill supported loyalty or membership details.

✈ Flight Details Use stored flight or confirmation information more quickly.

🚗 Vehicle Information Speed up supported online forms requiring vehicle details.

Best for: Repeated online forms, travel forms and faster autofill.

QUICK START

How to Check Chrome's Latest Features

Chrome has a built-in page where users can see newly introduced features and learn how to use them.

Step 1: Update Chrome
Open Chrome Menu → Help → About Google Chrome.

Step 2: Open the What's New Page
Type chrome://whats-new/ in the Chrome address bar.

Step 3: Explore New Features
Read the latest feature cards and try the options available in your browser.

Note: Some Chrome features may be released gradually, so availability can depend on your Chrome version, device, account or rollout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an extension for these Chrome features?

No. These are built-in Chrome features. You should keep Chrome updated to receive the latest supported features.

Why is Vertical Tabs not showing on my Chrome?

Chrome features are sometimes rolled out gradually. Your browser version or device may receive the feature later.

Can Vertical Tabs be changed back to normal tabs?

Yes. You can use the tab settings or right-click the tab area and switch back to horizontal tabs when the option is available.

Where can I read official Chrome feature announcements?

You can use the built-in Chrome What's New page or Google's official Chrome What's New archive.

OFFICIAL CHROME SOURCE

Explore More Chrome Updates

Google maintains an official archive containing current and previous Chrome feature announcements.

Open Chrome What's New Archive

Disclaimer: This is an independent educational article. Google Chrome and Google are trademarks of Google LLC.