How to enable Side Tabs feature in Google Chrome [Show tabs in the left sidebar]

Google Chrome - Experimental features

In a previous article I showed you a new feature called Compact Navigation that comes in Google Chrome version 13. Now there is another cool hidden feature under the hood of Chrome. 

Side Tabs is an experimental feature, for the moment, that allows you to show tabs in the left sidebar of the web browser window. If you happen to have a widescreen monitor you could really take advantage of this feature.

Google Chrome - Side Tab sample

To enable Side Tabs feature in Google Chrome follow these steps:

1.  In the address bar type about:flags and press Enter  — make sure to read the Google Chrome warning, that all feature listed here are experimental, they may change, break, or disappear at any time –.

2.  Look for Side Tabs (it should be the first option in Google Chrome 13) and click the Enable link.

Google Chrome - Side Tabs feature

3.  For this feature to start working you’ll have to restart the web browser, after it’s restarted, right-click on an opened tab and select the Use side tabs option.

Google Chrome - Use side tabs option

That is all you have to do, enjoy your tabs in the left sidebar. To return to the regular view, just right-click on a tab and select Use side tabs once again.

Do you like all Google Chrome’s features? And do you like that Google let you play with new features that are a work in progress? Leave us a comment. Thanks!

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].