Google is rolling out two major updates for desktop Chrome: vertical tabs and an impressive reading mode.

Vertical tabs are an alternative to the horizontal tab bar that has been present since Chrome was launched. You can see a list of open tabs on the left side of the screen. This allows you to "read page titles accurately even when your tab count reaches double digits," and it makes organizing Tab Groups easier this way.

Additionally, you can reduce vertical tabs to just a favicon column. Google states that this "layout is perfect for multitasking, saves time, and prevents you from losing tabs."

To access it, right-click on the top of any Chrome window and select the "Show Tabs Vertically" option. Navigating back and forth is quite easy.

Meanwhile, the impressive reading mode offers a full-page interface instead of just a sidebar. This will "eliminate visual distractions and transform a cluttered webpage into an engaging, text-focused reading experience."

You can select the "Open in Reading Mode" option by right-clicking on any page or tapping the "Reading Mode" option in the address bar. From the top right corner, you can start text-to-speech and customize the view.

These two Chrome features are available starting today.

More About Chrome:

  • Chrome for Android is getting Material 3 Expression Settings
  • You can now add a bookmarks bar to Chrome for Android tablets and foldable devices
  • The first international expansion of Gemini is happening in Chrome