Google Chrome is finally adding vertical tabs, a feature many modern browsers have already embraced. After years of sticking with the traditional tab layout, Google is now giving users the option to move tabs to the side of the browser window. This makes it easier to read full-page titles and manage large numbers of open tabs without everything feeling cramped.
Once enabled, vertical tabs remain the default until the user switches back. You can turn the feature on by right-clicking in the browser window and selecting “Show Tabs Vertically.”
There is no fixed limit on how many tabs you can open, aside from what your device can handle. The feature works just like regular tabs, so users can still create tab groups or open multiple Chrome windows with separate sets of tabs.
The move shows how competition from newer browsers has started to influence Chrome’s direction. Browsers like Arc have gained attention for offering better ways to manage tabs, especially for users who keep dozens of pages open at once.
These power users often struggle with crowded tab bars, particularly when multiple tabs from the same site look identical. Vertical tabs help solve that by making labels easier to read and organize.
Google has explored this idea before. It tested vertical tabs years ago, but the feature never moved beyond early experiments. This time, the rollout is more serious. Some users had already accessed it through hidden flags in recent Chrome builds, but now it is becoming widely available.
Alongside this update, Chrome is also improving its Reading Mode. The refreshed version offers a cleaner, distraction-free layout that focuses on text. It removes clutter like ads and pop-ups, which have become common on many websites, especially news platforms. This new version is expected to become the default reading experience.
Chrome has been rolling out several updates recently, including Gemini AI integration, better autofill, and a Split View feature. Vertical tabs are also being released gradually across all markets.
With these changes, Chrome is trying to improve everyday browsing while keeping up with newer rivals that have been pushing more flexible and user-friendly designs.
