How To Enable Vertical Side Tabs in Google Chrome Browser [2026 Guide]

If you've ever found yourself juggling multiple tabs at once, then you know how quickly things can get cluttered and confusing. Setting up vertical side tabs allows for a cleaner and more organized viewing option in Google Chrome.

Enable Vertical Side Tabs in Google Chrome Browser [2026 Guide]

Install a vertical tabs extension

1. Open the Chrome Web Store. This is your go-to destination for all kinds of extensions that can be added to enhance your browser's functionality.
2. In the search bar, type vertical tabs or vertical tabs inside panel. These extensions are specifically designed to help you shift your tab layout from the traditional horizontal view at the top to a more visually clean vertical list.
3. After you find an extension that suits your needs, install it. Click Add to Chrome, then confirm by clicking Add extension. This ensures that the extension is downloaded and applied to your browser, ready for use at your convenience.

Pin the extension (optional)

1. Click the puzzle piece icon located next to your address bar. This will pull up a list of all your installed extensions.
2. Scroll through the list until you find the vertical tabs extension you just installed. Then click on the pin icon next to it. Pinning the extension means it will remain visible on your toolbar, making it quicker and easier to access whenever you want to switch to vertical tab viewing.

Activate and customize your vertical tabs

1. Click on the extension icon you pinned to your toolbar. Doing this will open up a sleek vertical tab list on the side of your screen.
2. The sidebar will display all your open tabs in a neat stack, making it much easier to navigate between them.
3. Most extensions offer options to customize which side the tabs appear on - left or right. To adjust this setting, right click on the extension icon in your toolbar, or open its settings page to explore additional customization options.

Final Thoughts

With just these few steps, you've enabled vertical side tabs in Google Chrome, creating a more organized and efficient browsing experience. Enjoy the newfound control over your workflow and say goodbye to the frustration of managing too many tabs across your screen.