Vertical tabs make Chrome feel calmer and easier to use. Moving tabs to the side keeps page titles clear, reduces clutter, and helps find the right tab faster.
There are two simple ways to enable vertical tabs. Chrome Beta or Canary offers a built-in option, while extensions work smoothly in the regular browser.
Better tab organization improves daily browsing. Grouping related tabs and using search tools saves time and keeps work focused.
Having too many Chrome tabs open can slow down your device and, at the same time, overwhelm your brain. Page titles become compressed, and switching between sites takes longer than it should. Easy browsing turns into a row of tiny, confusing icons.
Vertical tabs bring order back to the browser. Instead of squeezing everything into a thin strip at the top, tabs move to a clean side panel. Each page sits in a clear vertical list, which allows titles to stay readable, providing smoother navigation.
Let’s take a look at how to activate vertical tabs in Google Chrome and the advantages this setup offers.
Modern screens are wide, and horizontal tabs waste that space. Vertical navigation elements fix the problem by using the side of the screen that is frequently inactive. With tabs stacked neatly, finding the right page becomes quick and effortless.
This layout works especially well for:
Research work
Long reading sessions
Project planning
Multitasking across tools
Once the layout changes, the browser feels calmer, more focused, and far easier to control during everyday browsing.
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Google is testing vertical tabs in its preview versions of Chrome. These versions are called Chrome Beta and Chrome Canary. They include features that are still being refined before reaching the main browser. After installing one of these versions, the feature can be activated through Chrome’s experimental settings.
Type chrome://flags/ in the address bar.
Search for Vertical Tabs.
Switch the option to Enabled.
Restart the browser.
Once Chrome reloads, right-click on the tab bar. A new option appears to move tabs to the side. Clicking it shifts every open tab into a vertical panel. The classic top layout can still be restored at any time through the same menu. Since this feature is still in testing, small changes may appear with future updates.
For everyday Chrome users, extensions are the easiest path to vertical tabs. No experimental versions needed. No system changes required. These add-ons place all open tabs into a clean sidebar. Popular options like Vertical Tabs and Vertical Tabs in Side Panel offer smooth, reliable performance. Key features usually include:
Scrollable tab lists
Quick search
Drag-and-drop sorting
Light and dark themes
Optional tab grouping
Installation takes just a few clicks from the Chrome Web Store. Once pinned, the sidebar opens instantly, improving the browser experience.
Also Read: How to Use Google Chrome Extensions for Screen Recording
Vertical tabs shine even more with a little organization.
Adjusting the sidebar width keeps the screen balanced.
Search tools help locate pages fast.
Grouping similar tabs keeps work focused.
Work projects can stay together, and travel plans can sit in one place. Research tabs stop spilling into everything else. After using this setup for a while, crowded top tabs feel messy and stressful.
Vertical tabs give Chrome a cleaner, smarter layout. Tabs stay readable, and the screen feels organized. Navigation becomes effortless when this option is enabled in Chrome’s testing versions or added via an extension. Users will notice a calmer browser and smoother workflow.
Many users consider this a better way to manage everyday browsing. Users should test the practicality of this format switch before opting for complete integration.
Are vertical tabs built into regular Chrome yet?
No, not in the stable version as of January 2026. It lives in Chrome Beta and Canary (version 145+). A stable rollout might hit in February, but Google often keeps flags optional even then.
Do I need a special version of Chrome to try vertical tabs?
Yes, download Chrome Beta or Canary from google.com/chrome. Beta's more stable for daily use; Canary updates daily but can glitch. Install alongside stable Chrome; they won't clash.
How do I enable the vertical tabs flag?
Type chrome://flags/ in the address bar. Search "Vertical Tabs." Pick Enabled from the dropdown. Hit Relaunch at the bottom. Browser restarts with the feature ready.
How do I actually switch tabs to the side after enabling?
Right-click the tab bar (above the address bar) and choose Move tabs to the side or Show side tabs. Or go to Settings and select Appearance. Press Tab to strip the position, then click on Side.
Can I easily switch back to horizontal tabs?
Absolutely. Right-click the top of the vertical sidebar and select Move tabs to the top. Or flip the Settings toggle back. No permanent changes.