Use Vertical Tabs Shortcut

Rose Montero

2 min read

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29-12-2024

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For years, web browsing has largely remained consistent. We open tabs, we close tabs, we navigate between them – a process so ingrained it feels almost second nature. But what if I told you there's a way to significantly improve this fundamental interaction, making it both more efficient and aesthetically pleasing? The answer lies in utilizing the often-overlooked power of vertical tabs.

What are Vertical Tabs?

Vertical tabs, as the name suggests, arrange your open browser tabs vertically, usually along the left or right side of your browser window. This seemingly small change can dramatically impact your browsing workflow. Instead of a long horizontal line of tabs that can scroll endlessly, you're presented with a compact, easily scannable column.

Why Use Vertical Tabs?

The advantages of vertical tabs are numerous, particularly for users with many open tabs:

• Increased Screen Real Estate: The most obvious benefit is the recovery of horizontal screen space. This allows you to see more of the web page content simultaneously, reducing the need to constantly resize windows.

• Improved Organization: Vertical tabs offer better visual organization, making it easier to quickly locate the specific tab you're looking for. This is especially true when working with numerous tabs on different topics or projects.

• Reduced Eye Strain: The vertical arrangement reduces the amount of horizontal scanning your eyes need to perform, potentially reducing eye strain during extended browsing sessions.

• Enhanced Efficiency: The combination of increased screen real estate and improved organization leads to a more efficient browsing experience, saving you time and effort.

How to Enable Vertical Tabs

The specific steps to enable vertical tabs vary slightly depending on your browser and operating system. However, the general process typically involves navigating to your browser's settings or preferences, locating the "Appearance" or "Tabs" section, and then activating the vertical tab option.

Most modern browsers—including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera—offer built-in support for vertical tabs or have extensions that provide this functionality. A quick search online for "[Your Browser] Vertical Tabs" will guide you through the precise instructions for your specific browser.

Conclusion

Adopting vertical tabs is a simple yet powerful change that can significantly enhance your browsing experience. By freeing up screen space, improving organization, and potentially reducing eye strain, vertical tabs offer a more efficient and comfortable way to manage your multiple open tabs. Give it a try—you might be surprised at how much it improves your workflow.