How do I enable the vertical tabs layout in the Chrome Beta browser?

Can I move my Google Chrome tabs to the side like Microsoft Edge?

Adopting a vertical tab layout significantly alters your browsing workflow. For professionals managing high volumes of open pages, shifting tabs from the top horizontal bar to the left sidebar utilizes modern widescreen monitors more effectively.

This layout reduces the horizontal clutter that often obscures page titles. However, Google Chrome currently classifies this as an experimental feature. You must proceed with caution, as experimental features can affect browser stability.

Prerequisites and Stability Warnings

This functionality is not yet standard in the stable version of Google Chrome. To access it, you must utilize Chrome Beta. This build allows users to test upcoming features but may contain bugs. Ensure you back up critical data before switching your primary workflow to a Beta environment.

Step-by-Step Configuration Guide

Follow these precise steps to activate the vertical tab interface.

Step 1: Install the Correct Environment

Download and install Chrome Beta from the official Google channel. This version operates separately from your standard Chrome installation.

Step 2: Access Experimental Features

Launch Chrome Beta. Navigate to the address bar and enter the following command:

chrome://flags

Step 3: Locate the Vertical Tabs Flag

The internal search bar controls the list of experiments. Type “Vertical Tabs” into the search field. If the specific flag #vertical-tabs does not appear, look for “Side Panel” or “Tab Strip,” as Google frequently renames these experimental containers.

Step 4: Enable and Restart

Select the dropdown menu next to the relevant flag. Change the status from Default to Enabled. A prompt will appear at the bottom of the window. Click Relaunch to apply the system changes.

Step 5: Configure Browser Settings

Once the browser restarts, you must manually adjust the interface settings:

1. Navigate to Settings (or type chrome://settings/appearance).
2. Locate the Appearance section.
3. Find Tab Strip Position.
4. Switch the setting from Top to Side.

Your tabs will immediately migrate to the left panel.

Navigating the New Interface

Understanding the layout logic is crucial for maintaining efficiency.

• New Tab Creation: The “New Tab” button resides at the top of the vertical strip or adjacent to the Tab Group icon at the bottom, depending on the specific version build.
• Menu Expansion: A toggle arrow at the top right of the sidebar allows you to expand or collapse the menu. Expanding the menu reveals the full titles of your open webpages.
• Search Functionality: The Tab Search feature remains accessible, allowing you to locate specific pages within the stack quickly.

Operational Drawbacks and Usability Notes

While this layout saves vertical screen space, specific usability issues exist in the current Beta build.

The Collapsed State Limitation

The most significant friction point occurs when the sidebar is collapsed. In this state, the interface displays only favicons (site icons). Users report difficulty switching between tabs in this mode. Clicking a favicon often closes the tab rather than selecting it. To switch tabs reliably, you must keep the sidebar expanded. This requirement negates some of the screen space benefits intended by the design.

Reversing the Configuration

If this workflow disrupts your productivity, reverting to the standard layout is simple.

1. Return to chrome://settings/appearance.
2. Change Tab Strip Position back to Top.
3. Alternatively, return to chrome://flags, disable the experiment, and relaunch the browser.