It’s been a while since Chrome introduced desktop support for tab groups. The feature helped bring order to chaos for those who had the habit of keeping fourteen tabs open. After being tested on Android since 2019, the feature is also now launching on the mobile platform. The update also brings a grid tab switch to Chrome.
Tab groups have started rolling out more widely with the Chrome v88 update released last week. Not everyone who got the new version will also have the feature; it is activated via a server switch and you can turn it on or off via a flag.
Grid tab switch
The grid of tabs replaces the older, larger vertical map layout and gives a better look at open pages. These tabs can be wrapped as before and can also be grouped – more on this below. Google is also experimenting with a visible incognito switch in the top bar, as seen in the image below.
How to group different tabs
When it comes to tab groups, there are two ways to merge open pages. You can drag and drop a tab on another one, or simply tap ‘Group Tabs’ in the popup menu and select the tabs you want to group.
Once merged, the tab-switch user interface indicates the number of tabs in a group, and when you tap one, a popup will appear with its contents.
How to manage tab groups
When browsing on a tab that is within a group, a bar at the bottom gives quick access to other tabs within the same group. It also has a New Tab button that will open a window within the same group. To remove a tab from a group, simply go to the arrow button on the bar and drag the tab down, as you can see below.
You can also tap and hold on any link on a page to open it in a new tab within the same group. This is useful if you are searching for articles or pages related to the same topic – you can keep them all grouped as one bundle instead of filling in your tab changer on each page.
How to disable the grid layout and tab groups
Chances are you are not a big fan of this change, as it adds a bit of complexity to the experience, even if it’s for the sake of organization. The good news is that you can disable the grid layout and tab groups with a simple step. Tap the link below in the address bar and select Disabled from the menu.
chrome: // flags / # enable-tab-grid-layout
You need to restart Chrome two times so that the changes take effect. By the way, you can also try out the new features (if it has not already been activated for you) by using the same process and the flag to the Activated state ..
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- June Hizole,
- Ravirahul